Scotland today officially unveils what is known as the world’s first national film and screen curriculum, embedding filmmaking into classrooms for all students ages 3-18.
The scheme, part of Scotland’s excellent curriculum, will begin on Wednesday with Dundee Contemporary Arts by Screen Scotland, Education Scotland and the Scottish Government.
Over three years, the curriculum has been tested in 30 local governments, from Shetland to Dumfries to Galloway, reaching over 6,000 students. Lessons range from children at nursery schools who raise iPads to bicycles, to middle school students who capture playground footage and produce scripted shorts, documentaries and animations. The new SQA films and screen awards at Level 5 and 6 provide senior students with a path to certification.
“ScreenScottish film and screen curriculum creates a democracy of opportunity for all children and young people to learn about Scottish film and screen industry, understand how it works, and most importantly, recognize that they are part of it.” “It has built up confidence and seen the enormous positive impact it has already had on Scottish students during their development.”
Students taking part in film and screen curriculum tests at Fourfil Elementary School in Dundee
Credit: Paul Reed
Actor James McAvoy, who wrote the preface to the curriculum, called films teaching at school “the most fair way to engage in art forms, yet deceived what appears to be far and inaccessible.” fellow actors such as Mark Bonner, Julie Wilson Nemo, Martin Compston, Dougray Scott, Chloe Pilly and Edith Bowman have also approved the initiative.
The deployment follows three phases of pilots who embed screen educators in the school and trained teachers throughout the summer school. According to Screen Scotland, 97% of pilot learners said they had acquired new skills, with 100% of teachers reporting high levels of involvement and literacy.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilluss said the program “supports the continued growth of film and screen learning in the classroom.” Culture Secretary Angus Robertson added: “We are delighted to welcome this world’s first curriculum. This brings the magic of film and screens to the classroom for learners of all ages. In addition to encouraging undeveloped creativity, it also contributes to the next generation development of Scottish film and screen talent.” The Scottish government predicts that the screen sector will be worth £1 billion ($1.35 billion) to the Scottish economy by 2030.
Teachers and students reflected that sentiment. “This curriculum gives students ownership of their learning,” said Laura Heggie of Graeme High School. “They are so enthusiastic and want to make it right, they criticize each other’s work and offer suggestions to improve,” added Kian McLear, S5 student at Drummond Community High School.
The new subject remains non-shocking, but Screen Scotland hopes that the appetite shown to pilots will be widely adopted.
