A friend sent me this link and I have become somewhat obsessed with the idea of using the concept with my Diploma students. So simple, very cheap to make, and what fabulous results! Check it out.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Oddsox Episode Seven
Here's the latest episode of Oddsox. It has some interesting features about Cornwall Film Festival, as well as the usual mixture of odd things and music. Enjoy.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Dog Bite Film Crew
Dog Bite are a Cornwall based film and production company. They have worked on many film projects within and outside the county. They are an amazing young talent, with a fab collection of film-making equipment, from cameras, lighting and sound (and they did all their training here in Cornwall - a real inspiration to students). The best thing is, they are happy to work with schools (and have recently provided training to teachers at MBS using an OB van), helping students and teachers alike gain experience within the medium of film.
Get in touch with them here:
www.dogbitefilmcrew.com/
I managed to grab a quick interview with the crew whilst at the Cornwall Film Festival. And here it is, for your listening pleasure:
Get in touch with them here:
www.dogbitefilmcrew.com/
I managed to grab a quick interview with the crew whilst at the Cornwall Film Festival. And here it is, for your listening pleasure:
The Big Pitcher
The Cornwall Film Festival was a resounding success. I managed to catch a talk by British writer Jon Ronson about his book, The Men Who Stare at Goats, now a Hollywood feature film starring George Clooney. I also got the chance to watch the film and partake in a Q&A session with the writer after the screening. Brilliant! Next year I will try and organise a school trip to the festival (and I urge all you Creative & Media teachers to do the same). It's a wonderful opportunity for you and your students to really experience the film industry first-hand.
The best part of the festival for me, was entering and winning The Big Pitcher competition. I had 2 minutes to pitch my film idea to a live audience (very nerve-racking), who then voted on the winners. I received a £100 towards the cost of making my film, which will be screened at next year's festival.
Here's a rough outline of how I pitched my film:
My film is called Chicken and is a coming-of-age tale about a 16 year old lad on the brink of sexual awakening. One morning he wakes up to discover he has lost his voice, and can only make the "bwark" of a chicken.
The film is a lyrical lesson in life, love & loss. A fowl fantasy of a fairtyale, with our hero learning that actions speak louder than words.
After years of being teased for being a chicken (especially with girls), his worst fear is realised - it seems he's actually turning into one.
When all he can utter is a "cluck, cluck,cluck", how's he ever going to score his first lay? Our hero has to impress his girl & learn that a person is better judged by what he does rather than what he says.
So how does our boy finally catch his chick? He's going to have to hatch a plan.
Chicken - think Metamorphosis meets Stand By Me. It's sure to be An Affair to Remember.
I was thrilled to win and I can't wait to start making the film. Just gotta write the thing first! If anyone has any ideas about how I should go about this, then please, get in touch.
The best part of the festival for me, was entering and winning The Big Pitcher competition. I had 2 minutes to pitch my film idea to a live audience (very nerve-racking), who then voted on the winners. I received a £100 towards the cost of making my film, which will be screened at next year's festival.
Here's a rough outline of how I pitched my film:
My film is called Chicken and is a coming-of-age tale about a 16 year old lad on the brink of sexual awakening. One morning he wakes up to discover he has lost his voice, and can only make the "bwark" of a chicken.
The film is a lyrical lesson in life, love & loss. A fowl fantasy of a fairtyale, with our hero learning that actions speak louder than words.
After years of being teased for being a chicken (especially with girls), his worst fear is realised - it seems he's actually turning into one.
When all he can utter is a "cluck, cluck,cluck", how's he ever going to score his first lay? Our hero has to impress his girl & learn that a person is better judged by what he does rather than what he says.
So how does our boy finally catch his chick? He's going to have to hatch a plan.
Chicken - think Metamorphosis meets Stand By Me. It's sure to be An Affair to Remember.
I was thrilled to win and I can't wait to start making the film. Just gotta write the thing first! If anyone has any ideas about how I should go about this, then please, get in touch.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Get into Character
Taught a low ability (hate that term - does the students no favours) year 9 English group today. We've been reading Stone Cold for what seems like forever and the students are keen to finish the book. Problem is, most of them are self-conscious when reading aloud to the whole group, stumbling over words and often giving up - and this slows the whole process down.
Hmmmm... what to do? Then I had a brainwave - ask the students to read the story in thick Scottish accents. I demonstrated what I meant by reading a paragraph in my own best Glaswegian, asked for a volunteer to do the same, and was beseiged by eager readers.
All of a sudden, the classroom was transformed into a hub of confident readers. They ALL read far faster than usual (even through the giggles) and far less mistakes were made. It seems that reading in character lessened the nerves, the students were no longer themselves, but transported into the pages of the book. And they loved every minute.
Best thing was, for the rest of the day, every time I passed one of the students in the corridor, they greeted me with a cheery Scottish "A'right Miss? How zit goan?"
Next week: Welsh. I'd better go practice.
Hmmmm... what to do? Then I had a brainwave - ask the students to read the story in thick Scottish accents. I demonstrated what I meant by reading a paragraph in my own best Glaswegian, asked for a volunteer to do the same, and was beseiged by eager readers.
All of a sudden, the classroom was transformed into a hub of confident readers. They ALL read far faster than usual (even through the giggles) and far less mistakes were made. It seems that reading in character lessened the nerves, the students were no longer themselves, but transported into the pages of the book. And they loved every minute.
Best thing was, for the rest of the day, every time I passed one of the students in the corridor, they greeted me with a cheery Scottish "A'right Miss? How zit goan?"
Next week: Welsh. I'd better go practice.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Technical Theatre Terms and Meanings
What a day! Year 10 Diploma from morning to night and some excellent student research produced (eventually). I also developed an ability to think on my feet, when the lesson I had planned on blogging fell apart due to lack of internet connection. (Note to self - always, ALWAYS have a contingency plan). On the plus side - I made good use of students as resources - they taught each other how to use certain applications (and thoroughly enjoyed imparting their knowledge). I encourage you all to do the same - it sure supports the old AfL.
I'm mentoring the technical theatre team. Today we had to learn the correct terminology to use when describing lighting and sound equipment used in theatrical productions. When I say 'we', I mean 'we'. I have no prior knowledge in this area so worked hand-in-hand with the students to discover more. Illuminating (pardon the pun!)
Here's a link to a wonderful website we stumbled upon that had lots of really useful information:
www.theatrecrafts.com/glossary/glossary.shtml
One of the best features of this site is that students have to know the term before they discover the meaning. In other words - they have to work for it - and are all the more chuffed with themselves when they succeed. Give it a go...
I'm mentoring the technical theatre team. Today we had to learn the correct terminology to use when describing lighting and sound equipment used in theatrical productions. When I say 'we', I mean 'we'. I have no prior knowledge in this area so worked hand-in-hand with the students to discover more. Illuminating (pardon the pun!)
Here's a link to a wonderful website we stumbled upon that had lots of really useful information:
www.theatrecrafts.com/glossary/glossary.shtml
One of the best features of this site is that students have to know the term before they discover the meaning. In other words - they have to work for it - and are all the more chuffed with themselves when they succeed. Give it a go...
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Cornwall Film Festival 2009
Cornwall Film Festival has taken place in Falmouth for the past 8 years, and this year promises to be the best yet. If you're looking for an opportunity to learn more about film - this is the place for you.
From professional development workshops to premiere film screenings, Cornwall Film Festival offers teachers and students alike, the chance to experience what life is like working in one of the most exciting creative and media industries.
I spoke with Donna Anton, festival director, to find out more about what's going on in 2009. Listen to my interview here:
Tickets for ALL screenings, workshops, lectures and events are available from the Phoenix Cinema Box Office.
Phone: 01326 313072
Single Event ticket - £6/£5 conc
Day pass (Sat or Sun) - £15/£12 conc
Weekend pass - £35/£28 conc
Student Weekend Pass - £25
You can find out more about the films and events by logging on to:
www.cornwallfilmfestival.com
I'm particularly interested in The Big Pitcher (Sunday 15 Nov 7:15-8:30, UCF Woodlane Lecture Theatre):
"Now in its fourth year, and still not banned, this wild and chaotic festival favourite returns to give desperate filmmakers the opportunity to pitch for £100 awards to make their next great epic. The catch is that they have to do it in a maximum of two minutes in front of a live audience - who are both judge and jury. Hosted once again by trail-blazing production company o-region, the event will also feature the world premieres of last year's survivors ('winners', we mean 'winners')".
I'm gonna try my luck and pitch my own idea for a film (details to follow - when I've actually come up with an idea). I've managed to blag myself a press-pass for the weekend so there's no excuse not to give it a go. I'll be filming the whole thing for my blog... so watch this space - or - come and join me. What have you got to lose? (Except your dignity).
From professional development workshops to premiere film screenings, Cornwall Film Festival offers teachers and students alike, the chance to experience what life is like working in one of the most exciting creative and media industries.
I spoke with Donna Anton, festival director, to find out more about what's going on in 2009. Listen to my interview here:
Tickets for ALL screenings, workshops, lectures and events are available from the Phoenix Cinema Box Office.
Phone: 01326 313072
Single Event ticket - £6/£5 conc
Day pass (Sat or Sun) - £15/£12 conc
Weekend pass - £35/£28 conc
Student Weekend Pass - £25
You can find out more about the films and events by logging on to:
www.cornwallfilmfestival.com
I'm particularly interested in The Big Pitcher (Sunday 15 Nov 7:15-8:30, UCF Woodlane Lecture Theatre):
"Now in its fourth year, and still not banned, this wild and chaotic festival favourite returns to give desperate filmmakers the opportunity to pitch for £100 awards to make their next great epic. The catch is that they have to do it in a maximum of two minutes in front of a live audience - who are both judge and jury. Hosted once again by trail-blazing production company o-region, the event will also feature the world premieres of last year's survivors ('winners', we mean 'winners')".
I'm gonna try my luck and pitch my own idea for a film (details to follow - when I've actually come up with an idea). I've managed to blag myself a press-pass for the weekend so there's no excuse not to give it a go. I'll be filming the whole thing for my blog... so watch this space - or - come and join me. What have you got to lose? (Except your dignity).
Friday, 6 November 2009
Tumblr Warning
The Enquiring Minds people over at FutureLab suggested the Tumblr website as a suitable place for students to create a 'learning log'. I agreed, and decided to create my own profile to use as a model for the students in my year 10 Creative & Media Diploma class. Easy and very useful... or so I thought.
After creating my profile, I looked around the site some more and -HORROR - found some very bad language used by the hosts (I suppose in order to 'reach out and connect' with 'the kids'). Unecessary (and very lazy in my opinion).
Having taught year 11 Creative and Media Diploma students today, we all agreed that a blog was an excellent way of keeping a record of knowledge gained and demonstrating what we had learnt - but - we used a far more reliable website: www.blogger.com.
All Diploma students at CCS have now created their own blogs ( and enjoyed every second) - so get creative - encourage reflection - just be careful where you choose to blog!
Over and out.
After creating my profile, I looked around the site some more and -HORROR - found some very bad language used by the hosts (I suppose in order to 'reach out and connect' with 'the kids'). Unecessary (and very lazy in my opinion).
Having taught year 11 Creative and Media Diploma students today, we all agreed that a blog was an excellent way of keeping a record of knowledge gained and demonstrating what we had learnt - but - we used a far more reliable website: www.blogger.com.
All Diploma students at CCS have now created their own blogs ( and enjoyed every second) - so get creative - encourage reflection - just be careful where you choose to blog!
Over and out.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Preparation, Planning & Production - Digital Tools
I have fallen in love with the FutureLab information pack. It really is a great place to turn to to find ideas for the Creative & Media Diploma.
Here are another set of online resources (again - quoted directly from the pack), to help you plan amazing lessons and motivate your students:
Mindmapping Tools
A collaborative browser-based online mind mapping tool. It allows you to manage ideas, whether working individually or as a group.
One use for it: Brainstorm and document ideas as a whole class.
Skrbl
www.skrbl.com
Skrbl is an online resource which allows users to type notes, sketch drawings, upload pictures and share files.
One use for it: As a digital repository for a 'patchwork of knowledge' activity.
Tumblr
www.tumblr.com
Tumblr is a variation of a blog that favours short-form, mixed-media posts rather than longer text-based posts. A resource for capturing information from other sites. Tumblr allows users to gather information and to share it with others who are working in the same area - without providing explanation or commentary.
One use for it: To gather information and share it with others who are working. Could also be used as a learning log.
Wikispaces
www.wikispaces.com
A visual web editor for student web authoring. Wikis are very easy to create, use and edit, and are ideal for the collaborative creation of text documents.
One use for it: Students read and review ano another's work by leaving comments or amendments where necessary.
Google SketchUp (This comes highly recommended by my 14 year old son. He's just created a 3D skate park that looks fantastic - very professional - and yes, I am soooo proud!)
sketchup.google.com
Google SketchUp is a powerful, but easy to learn 3D software tool that is great for the conceptual stages of any design project. It's free to download and use and models can be saved locally or uploaded and shared in the online 3D warehouse.
One use for it: Students re-design an element of their school - the playground, scvience classroom or common room.
Survey Monkey
www.surveymonkey.com
Online tool to quickly create and publish custom surveys and then view results graphically and in real time.
One use for it: Students create a questionnaire and distribute it across the school.
Vanilla
www.getvanilla.com
Vanilla is an open-source and multi-lingual discussion forum for the web.
One use for it: Students communicate with people external to the school to help with their enquiry.
Here are another set of online resources (again - quoted directly from the pack), to help you plan amazing lessons and motivate your students:
Mindmapping Tools
A collaborative browser-based online mind mapping tool. It allows you to manage ideas, whether working individually or as a group.
One use for it: Brainstorm and document ideas as a whole class.
Skrbl
www.skrbl.com
Skrbl is an online resource which allows users to type notes, sketch drawings, upload pictures and share files.
One use for it: As a digital repository for a 'patchwork of knowledge' activity.
Tumblr
www.tumblr.com
Tumblr is a variation of a blog that favours short-form, mixed-media posts rather than longer text-based posts. A resource for capturing information from other sites. Tumblr allows users to gather information and to share it with others who are working in the same area - without providing explanation or commentary.
One use for it: To gather information and share it with others who are working. Could also be used as a learning log.
Wikispaces
www.wikispaces.com
A visual web editor for student web authoring. Wikis are very easy to create, use and edit, and are ideal for the collaborative creation of text documents.
One use for it: Students read and review ano another's work by leaving comments or amendments where necessary.
Google SketchUp (This comes highly recommended by my 14 year old son. He's just created a 3D skate park that looks fantastic - very professional - and yes, I am soooo proud!)
sketchup.google.com
Google SketchUp is a powerful, but easy to learn 3D software tool that is great for the conceptual stages of any design project. It's free to download and use and models can be saved locally or uploaded and shared in the online 3D warehouse.
One use for it: Students re-design an element of their school - the playground, scvience classroom or common room.
Survey Monkey
www.surveymonkey.com
Online tool to quickly create and publish custom surveys and then view results graphically and in real time.
One use for it: Students create a questionnaire and distribute it across the school.
Vanilla
www.getvanilla.com
Vanilla is an open-source and multi-lingual discussion forum for the web.
One use for it: Students communicate with people external to the school to help with their enquiry.
Communicating, Presenting and Evaluating - Digital Tools
Had an interesting subject specialism session today learning about the Enquiring Minds programme. What an amazing concept in preparing students for study on the Creative & Media Diploma.
You can find out more about the programme by following this link:
www.enquiringminds.org.uk
If you want to get involved in the Enquiring Minds programme, email your questions to:
enquiringminds@futurelab.org.uk
Encourage your students to:
As FutureLab explains, 'each example has a web link and suggests a potential use'. Or you could log straight onto the website page for more information and ideas by following this link:
www.enquiringminds.co.uk/try_it/digital_tools
Audacity
www.audacity.sourceforge.net
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. Use it to record live audio or to cut, copy, splice and mix sounds together.
One use for it: Students create a radio programme to present their findings or an audio advert to encourage people to come to an event.
Chew TV
www.chewtv.com
Chew TV is a broadband television channel run by young people for young people.
One use for it: Students can create their own video ffrom the results of their projects and submit to the website to share with other young people.
Create-A-Scape
www.createascape.org.uk
A free resource for schools to create their own mediascapes. A mediascape is a digital layer of sounds over a real outdoor location - which is accessed via a PDA and optional GPS.
One use for it: Existing students create a tour of the school for new starters.
Global Ideas Bank
www.globalideasbank.org
Global Ideas Bank is a website to which anyone can add their own ideas for a brighter future, which other visitors can then vote on.
One use for it: Students could come up with an invention designed to make childhood better in the future, and add it to the bank.
SlideShare
www.slideshare.net
SlideShare is an online space that enables users to upload presentations (including PowerPoint presentations, pdfs and Open Office documents) to share with others.
One use for it: If students are creating a PowerPoint presentation to share the findings of their enquiry this is a good opportunity to extend their audience and get their work up on the web.
ToonDoo
www.toondoo.com
An online tool for creating short comic strips. It's quick and easy to use, and includes different styles of backgrounds and characters. Flexible enough to create a variety of different styles of comic. Users add their own speech, thoughts and captions.
One use for it: This provides an inventive and fun way of presenting the results of students investigations.
You can find out more about the programme by following this link:
www.enquiringminds.org.uk
If you want to get involved in the Enquiring Minds programme, email your questions to:
enquiringminds@futurelab.org.uk
Encourage your students to:
- communicate
- present
- evaluate
As FutureLab explains, 'each example has a web link and suggests a potential use'. Or you could log straight onto the website page for more information and ideas by following this link:
www.enquiringminds.co.uk/try_it/digital_tools
Audacity
www.audacity.sourceforge.net
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. Use it to record live audio or to cut, copy, splice and mix sounds together.
One use for it: Students create a radio programme to present their findings or an audio advert to encourage people to come to an event.
Chew TV
www.chewtv.com
Chew TV is a broadband television channel run by young people for young people.
One use for it: Students can create their own video ffrom the results of their projects and submit to the website to share with other young people.
Create-A-Scape
www.createascape.org.uk
A free resource for schools to create their own mediascapes. A mediascape is a digital layer of sounds over a real outdoor location - which is accessed via a PDA and optional GPS.
One use for it: Existing students create a tour of the school for new starters.
Global Ideas Bank
www.globalideasbank.org
Global Ideas Bank is a website to which anyone can add their own ideas for a brighter future, which other visitors can then vote on.
One use for it: Students could come up with an invention designed to make childhood better in the future, and add it to the bank.
SlideShare
www.slideshare.net
SlideShare is an online space that enables users to upload presentations (including PowerPoint presentations, pdfs and Open Office documents) to share with others.
One use for it: If students are creating a PowerPoint presentation to share the findings of their enquiry this is a good opportunity to extend their audience and get their work up on the web.
ToonDoo
www.toondoo.com
An online tool for creating short comic strips. It's quick and easy to use, and includes different styles of backgrounds and characters. Flexible enough to create a variety of different styles of comic. Users add their own speech, thoughts and captions.
One use for it: This provides an inventive and fun way of presenting the results of students investigations.
Monday, 2 November 2009
P.P.P.Panic...
So I just received an email from CD at HDS detailing the year 10 Creative & Media Diploma sessions. I'm in charge of the 'Drama: Lights & Sound' group. This involves the following:
- lighting rigs
- colours
- stage-planning
- dimensions
- communication with actors
- working with the technician at the Acorn theatre
- memos & meetings with the technician
- podcasting
- jingles
- sound-effects (garage band)
One word: PANIC. Why? Because I now have to learn about the following:
- lighting rigs
- colours
- stage-planning
- dimensions
- communication with actors
- working with the technician at the Acorn theatre
- memos and meetings with the technician
- podcasting
- jingles
- sound-effects (garage band)
I'm not scared... much.
My first podcasting workshop with the group is scheduled for Wednesday 11 November.
See you on the other side.
Use your voice.
When people tell me I'm mad to want to work with children, I like to show them this. It soon shuts them up. What do you think?
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Diploma Watch
OCR release a monthly news letter dealing with issues surrounding the Diploma. It also offers useful contact points and information about Diploma specific training. Check it out.
You can join the Diploma Watch e-community by sending your email details to the following address: diplomawatch@ocr.org.uk
You can join the Diploma Watch e-community by sending your email details to the following address: diplomawatch@ocr.org.uk
Teachit - for all your English and Media needs
This website is great for teaching ideas and resources. You can use some of the lesson plans and activities free of charge, but to get the most out of it, you need to pay a yearly subscription. Believe me - it's worth it. I've already used some of the whizzy things in my starters and the kids LOVED it.
If you can't afford to fork out for it yourself (and let's face it, the training bursary is pretty skimpy), then consider asking your school to join (if they aren't members already) - it could earn you some brownie points (worked for me). Alternatively, club together with the trainees in your cohort and simply share the login and password.
www.teachit.co.uk
If you can't afford to fork out for it yourself (and let's face it, the training bursary is pretty skimpy), then consider asking your school to join (if they aren't members already) - it could earn you some brownie points (worked for me). Alternatively, club together with the trainees in your cohort and simply share the login and password.
www.teachit.co.uk
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