Literacy news
FILMCLUB project has positive impact on literacy
24 Mar 2010
Research by FILMCLUB, a DCSF (Department for Children Schools and Families) initiative that supports schools to run free film clubs, shows that among other educational and social benefits, watching, discussing and reviewing a broad range of films is having a noticeable positive impact on literacy and critical skills.
Since it was formed in 2007, FILMCLUB has supported nearly 3,200 state primary and secondary schools to run free film clubs. The project is funded by the DCSF and backed by educationalists, teachers, parents and celebrities. The scheme aims to inspire children and encourage debate and discussion through the world of film. 86.2% of the teachers interviewed for the survey agreed that the scheme has improved participating children’s communication skills, with 81.3% claiming it has increased the children’s receptiveness to learning. The research also reveals that FILMCLUB has integrated many isolated and disengaged children, providing them with a ‘way in’ to literacy through visual texts.
Children are provided with clear incentives to post reviews on the FILMCLUB website, which now receives an average of 600 reviews a week. Many teachers have found that children enjoyed criticising other children’s reviews, leading them to think critically about their own work. Teachers also highlighted the enthusiasm from children when writing for a purpose and the sense of achievement felt when their work was posted on the website.
FILMCLUB has received positive reception from the teaching professionals involved, Sam Linton, Deputy Headteacher states:
"Some of my boys who are reluctant writers are eager to complete film reviews and do so to such a high quality that I was pleasantly surprised, as they do not show that level of capability in class."
More information on the scheme can be found at: http://www.filmclub.org/
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