End of an Era...

Some of you may know that I have stopped working at the Watershed and am no longer Head of Media at Fairfield. However, I am chuffed to say that I have taken the new role of Director of Communications and will be managing Media and English (and some BSL) at Fairfield! The amazing Andy Gove will be continuing the Watershed role and is now Head of Media. Please check out his blog and the great work he is doing with Electric December 2011 here: http://electricdecember.org/11/blog/author/andrewgove/

Many thanks to all the wonderful and creative people I have worked with at and through the Watershed. This isn't an end to all of this partnership work but rather an opportunity to extend the great work we all do across Fairfield, the Watershed and Bristol. For more info about what is happening in the English department at our school please go here: http://www.fairfieldenglishdepartment.info/

BBC School Report live!

If you read my post about BBC School Report last year, you'll know it wasn't the easiest of projects, though it is promoted as being utterly simple and stress free, it didn't work out like that. However, on reflection there were an accumulation of issues; firstly, the whole URL upload thing and secondly being over ambitious and getting over 50 students involved.

So when the emails starting pinging about BBC School Report this year I was a tad cautious. However, after a few meetings with the charming Matthew Pick from the BBC, a unique approach came about. With support and space from the Watershed, we decided to set up a live style newsroom at the Watershed and invite a few other schools to join in.

So in partnership with the BBC, Watershed, Redland Green and City Academy, Fairfield students helped recreate a live newsroom at the Watershed. Students researched, reported currents news working alongside BBC experts. Such was the excitement about the day that we were live on Points West! Here is a post I put on the BBC School Report blog about the day:

"Myself and the two student bloggers, Laurie and Callum (an absolute artiste when it comes to editing HTML) are surrounded by hurried flurry of activity with students interviewing exclusive guests, deciding the news bulletins for the day, reporting live to BBC Bristol radio and honing their presenting skills. BBC staff have commented that this truly seems to mirror the energy of a real news room." see www.bbcschoolreport.blogspot.com for the other posts from the day.

It was a mad, manically creative day with everyone multi-tasking to the max. We had a mass of BBC professionals there as well as a 'surprise' visit from the glamorous Alex Lovell who swooped in like some super Charlie's Angels news woman! The students seemed exhausted but exhilarated by the end of the day.

I was so impressed with all the students from Fairfield, Redland Green and City Academy. They formed such a dynamic team. Go Bristol schools!

Below is the clip from the lunchtime news. I will put up the evening Points West as soon as I get the file.

X-Box dreams...

Aside from being sickingly addicted to Batman: Arkham Asylum (I am now dreaming as if I really AM Batman) I have managed to squirrel away a bit of money to buy 2 new XBoxes and accompanying Kinects for my Media lessons! I sense there is a world of possibility out there and have been pondering how I can use these little magic boxes in my lessons. The possiblities seem so great that I feel the need to pull together a real tangible scheme of work - so watch this space!...

Have been following this Microsoft blog and Anthony Salacito seems to have some interesting ideas:
"I’ve blogged before about gaming as an education solution…and I certainly see the potential beyond gaming to think about what the future of a classroom would look like or the future of connection between students and team-based activities, as well as things as simple as raising your hand and having your classroom recognize the student who raised their hand. Interactive experiences, really new dynamics for interacting with content, using gestures to navigate, using voice recognition, creating new types of simulations using full motion and even helping kids with fitness. There's lots of opportunity for this type of technology to really accelerate the way in which we get more and new, different experiences with technology"
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoftuseducation/archive/2010/08/30/blue-sky-thinking-on-kinect-and-xbox-in-education.aspx



Anyone out there got any ideas?

Electric December 2010

Looking back on Electric December 2010, I view the launch night to be one of the best moments of my career at Fairfield. Here's the background info from http://www.electricdecember.org/

Background To Electric December 2010

Electric December ‘10 is here thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of Fairfield High School’s BTEC Media students, who have contributed an enormous amount to make sure this will be a great year for Watershed’s annual online showcase of creative talent.

Building on last year’s success, that saw an international steering group of young people from Lithuania and Bristol (including a group of students from Fairfield) curate Electric December ‘09, we’re delighted that Fairfield has this year taken a lead role in shaping the calendar.

The planning process for Electric December kicked off in the summer with an inspiration day, aimed to encourage Bristol and Bath schools to get involved in the project. Students from six schools including Fairfield High School were invited to take part in a practical filmmaking workshop under the watchful eye of professional filmmakers from BBC Bristol and Bristol CLC, to inspire them to get involved in the project.

The participating students then created all the background images for this year’s website in a photography workshop. This workshop was run in October under the guidance of professional photographer Kirsty Mackay, who has assisted some of the top fashion and advertising photographers in the UK and abroad including Herb Ritts, Albert Watson, Nick Knight and Anton Corbijn.

One of Fairfield’s students, Katrina, said of the session:

“The Watershed photography day was incredible. We were given brand new cameras and then split up to do a variety of different workshops. There were location shots where we were let loose on the harbour side and we learned a lot about creative angles and seeing our environment differently. Secondly we focused on portrait shots and tried to take professional looking pictures of our partners that captured their individuality. Finally we played around with light writing where we went into the cinema and experimented with a slow shutter speed and all sorts of lights – the effects were electric! At the end of the day we did a photo marathon and looked at some of the amazing photos that our peers had taken. What an inspiring day! “

The photography workshop produced some fantastic results and have helped to shape the overall appearance of Electric December 2010.

Submissions closed in mid October, and over 100 entries from 10 European countries were received. Watershed then had the tough job of whittling down the films to just 24 mini masterpieces. Once this process was complete, the Fairfield students then stepped up to the challenge of watching the whole shortlist and making the tough decision of which one would win this year’s prestigious Electric December prize, which will be presented to the filmmaker during the 2010 website launch on December 1st.

Thanks to projects like Electric December, Fairfield has seen a vast increase in the number of Media Studies entrants grow from 12 to over 40 students since 2009. Fairfield High School has been an essential part of the process of Electric December, but they will also be using their input as a chance to enhance their final grades. Better still, Fairfield student Penry Downey has had his own film, “Better Late Than Never” not only included in the shortlist, but also selected as one of this year’s top three films!

Fairfield’s Head of Media, Anna Wredenfors, reflects on what a rewarding experience Electric December has been for her students.

Penry - award winning FHS film maker!

“Not only am I so proud that Penry, a year 11 Fairfield BTEC Media student, has got through to the 24 top films but I am also proud of all the students involved. My students have been empowered and inspired by working with Watershed. This unique experience which came about through the Fairfield and Watershed partnership has allowed our young people to gain an insight into the real mechanics of a top Media event.”

Waiting For Banksy

I always have mixed feelings about the PRSC (an artistic movement called 'People's Republic of Stokes Croft). I go to quite a few events and can't help but be seduced by the verve and energy that these people express. Sometimes, as with many 'Art' events, it can be a bit cloying and almost twee but I do feel a sense of pride when cycling up through Stokes Croft. When I moved here almost 10 years ago, you were told never to walk alone through this part of Bristol.

Part of the success of this artistic social wave is down to the glamour that pervades the name Banksy. People have mixed feelings about him too (controversially one of our school house names is Banksy; deemed unsuitable because he is a wanted criminal - which undeniably he is!) but I have an eeking feeling of admiration. I loved Exit Through the Gift Shop and think he is an intriguing and curious fellow.

Anyway, last Friday I went to a great, entertaining exhibition in Jamaica Street studios. The concept was simple; photos and montages of those who waited in line to see the great Banksy show at the Bristol Museum and some of the 'art' and doodles that came out of this time. Beautifully and humorously put together, I loved this little show and recommend it highly!

Conservative councillor Chris Windows' 'homophobic' comments slated

There was a flurry of activity on Facebook this Saturday when lots of Bristol teachers found out Chris Windows had been suspended.  Myself and other teachers deemed this action fair after outrage was expressed about his comments of being ' disturbed' that Ian McKellen had visited Fairfield (he made out that homosexuality was almost contagious and that McKellen would put undue pressure on the susceptible youth of Bristol).

Totally disappointing, and worrying, that someone with social influence can believe such tosh. Anyway, latest news is that he is to meet with Stonewall to 'build bridges'. I hope this is a genuine act of rreconciliation

and not PR.

For those of you that didn't catch the comments, here they are below (fastforward to 2:20 hrs):

Gandalf Loves English...

Yes, he does!

I often feel this time of year is a low point with regards to energy. I don't want to wish away time but I could quite easily skip November and launch straight into the month of delights that is December (and of course starts with Electric December on the 1st...). However, last week was an absolute dazzler! Ian McKellen, Sir, Ian McKellen visited our school to discuss issues to do with homophobic bullying and raising awareness of his charity Stonewall. Weirdly, I felt a bit apprehensive. What on earth do I say to a man who has been Iago, Gandalf and Magneto?! Anyway, I had lunch in the head teacher's office with him and he was totally charming. Aside from me calling him Lord Sugar (I don't think he heard....) and curtsying, it was a dream. He is a proper old school, classy star who totally charmed everyone. And he told us some very funny stories about Tom Hanks letting off wind during the Da Vinci Code and what Nelson Mandela was like in person.

He also drew this little picture for me to put up in my classroom (he studied English at university). I love him!

Check out the video below to see the response from the students when he walked into the school hall...

Students go Electric at the Watershed!

The preparation for Electric December 2010 is in full swing with over 50 students involved with the Watershed assignment, this year is going to be huge! Yes, the sheer number of students involved this year does bring some challenges but there is an absolute flurry of creativity in the BTEC classes this year. Starting with only 8 students last year, Electric December is now involving students from Fairfield, Henbury and Bridge Learning Campus.

Before half term I brought my students down to the Watershed to participate in an all day photography marathon that covered themes and techniques such as portraiture and seeing the world differently. The results were some fantastic and very electric images. These are soon to be starring on www.electricdecember.org - here is a sneak peek!

Yes! Trip number 2 amazing!

Final day of activities week and it was an exhausting success. A few hiccups (like the museum exhibit being closed because something fell off the ceiling!) but the weather was fine and the kids were fab. Here is some photos from the Royal Academy show (I'll add more detail about this later). Too tired to write anymore - I'm off to have a well deserved glass of wine....almost the HOLIDAYS!

Success! Trip number 1 goes well

Check out this amazing thing that happened in Millennium square and turn the sound up on your computer! Year 9 students were casually having their lunch and milling around after being in the audience of the Sharp Shotz /Aardman animation awards ceremony at the Watershed and this amazing man came out with these space invader like boards and when you faced them to the huge TV screen noise and colour exploded to live! Wow. I would really like to find out the name of this person ( I know they work at @Bristol and are linked to the Pervasive Media Studio) as the kids were electrified by this amazing moment. It really made my day. What with this and all the sunny weather, the trip was a great success. Isn't Bristol an amazing city?! Feeling really positive about the end of term and about the fact another great year at Fairfield is coming to a close...

(Just a quick pic I took - amusingly it looks like a weird scene out of Jaws...)

Am I mad? I probably will be by the end of Activities Week...

Only 1 week to go until the summer hols but the monolith of Fairfield's Activities Week presents a challenging end to the term. Now, I am certainly not cynical but I have somehow ended up being the trip leader for 2 events for next week (actually it is my own fault/initiative - I'll amend when I know how the day went...); 1, a Media 'taster' day where I am taking 50 year 9s to the Aardman Animation / Sharp Shotz award ceremony (oh lordie!) and 2, Thursday during which I naively organised a 'cultural' day out. Fingers crossed all will go well (and generally our students are great out and about) but I am so aware that taking over NINETY students to public art galleries may be somewhat stressful. I took a quick peep at Bristol Museum's current exhibition Art from the New World today and I lurrrrrved it! Amusing, a bit saucy but totally engaging. Check out some pics I snapped today ( on gorgeous new Olympus PEN camera!). Hopefully I wont end up looking like these little sprites above ( Cerburus by Elizabeth McGrath)...

Up North and Back Again

I recently attended an Edexcel BTEC Media event in Manchester. Sometimes these things can be a real bore or cause a slight panic but this time I felt totally reassured and confident about this particular qualification. A lot of teachers approach teaching the BTEC with unease. Often this is the fault of the school that sees this amazing course as a dumping ground / sink group for students that may struggle with the more traditional GCSEs. I however, have come to LOVE teaching the BTEC - there is sooo much scope for creativity and there isn't the strain of the ominous looming day of the exam to bookend the course. Yes, the paperwork is a hefty maze to negotiate but once you get your head round it, this is a liberating bit of education for both teachers and students!*

There have been some significant changes to the Media spec but I think they are great. I am currently reshaping and amending assignments with some pretty exciting industry links that are coming into form. I have been meeting recently with the dynamic Melissa Thom from Heart FM and 'Radio In Schools' and we have generated some potentially compelling ideas that we are going to trial at Fairfield. And of course Electric December will have a starring role! What a way to start a course. This year we have enrolled over 80 students on the Media BTEC course - from 8 to over 80, September 2010 is going to be interesting...

After leaving the BTEC event I went to stay with my sister in her lovely pad in Liverpool. I took this opportunity to visit the local arthouse cinema and art gallery FACT which stated it was the 'UK's leading organisation for the support & exhibition of film, art and new media'. I have to admit, though very much the kindred cousin of the Watershed, I was so impressed with this space - could the Watershed replicate this? There was an amazing exhibition called 'Persistance of Vision':

What really stayed with me was the moving video installation It has to be this way Part 1  which traced the story of Seers’ stepsister, Christine Parkes, who lost her memory after a moped accident. This was spookily narrated by the step sister's ex boyfriend who presented the tragic tale of a young women who loses her sense of identity and begins to seek meaning in historical figures such as Queen Christina of Sweden (a good start though...). The images were communicated through a goggle like gaze that left you feeling voyeuristic yet also compelled to stay and hear the rambling like narrative.

*Edexcel aren't paying me to say this...

Animation & Poetry

A poetry unit in year 7 is pretty standard but a fun way to engage those less keen writers is through animation. Have a look below at the great work by 7S. If you want any resources or ideas about this, just email me at work!

Getting Ready for Electric December 2010

Even though we are in the middle of a lovely warm June, we are getting ready for Electric December 2010! Tomorrow is the launch of the 'Inspiration Day' at the Watershed with 7 schools across Bristol attending. Students will get the chance to work with top notch equipment provided by the CLC and get creative support from BBC volunteers to make their own short film. I'm so excited about Electric December as it is one of the most exciting, glamourous and creative projects I work on! See Dick Penny (managing director of the Watershed)speech from last year:



See also the students who were involved views about this event. If you are a Bristol teacher, get involved! Email me for more info...

Burning Pringles! iPhone fun at Fairfield...

Matt Thurling from Science.TV visited Fairfield last week to trial a project using iPhones to make films about Science topics. The students below had brilliant fun and were generally fabulous! Check out their film below: 

Kiss Me Deadly blew my mind!

Having returned from the forests of Sweden (see pictures below to the right) I decided I needed a quick slice of culture before the new term starts. The Watershed have been running these brunch/breakfast matinees and a classic film called Kiss Me Deadly was screening on Sunday. Wowwwweeeeeeee! This was a fantastic film and completely surprised me and kept me totally entranced. I loved how obviously influential this film clearly is, with what was then fresh ideas of the noir genre that kept me cackling throughout (the 'goodie' is such a bad boy!). And that ending...that black box? Eh? Later that day it seemed more obvious what was contained in this omnious receptacle but it was totally chilling. Clearly this film must have had a huge influence on Lynch's Mulholland Drive (sillennnnnciooooooo!) and Pulp Fiction.

The Passion of Joan of Arc at Colston Hall

A few weeks ago, having been given complimentary tickets by my Watershed colleagues, I asked my friend Nicola to accompany me to the one off screening/concert of Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of the Joan of Arc at the Colston Hall. I've brushed by the historic figure of Joan in some readings about women in history but I really didnt know much about her, the film nor the score that was to echo the images. I knew the event had a big buzz as Adrian Utley from Portishead, and Will Gregory from Goldfrapp were the musical geniuses behind the music.

Colston hall's glittering gold belly was packed with so many people from the 'Bristol' scene. I knew it was going to be a special night. Nicola and I started light hearted joking and posing (see Nicola as Joan no. 2!) but, trust me, we left the concert hall with tears in our eyes.

I don't want to glamourise this event with what might be assumed hyperbole, but this was one of the best cultural events I have ever been to. I will openly admit I get bored at a lot of plays and gigs but this entranced me. It was sublime. From the moment the old school projector whirred to life I was drawn to the mesmerising pools of Joan's eyes. I have never been a follower of silent films (in fact I have been ignorantly dismissive) but this echoed through me, reminding me why I love film so much. It also stirred me on a deeper level, making me think about the flaws of humanity and the thin line between insanity and passion.

The music was a revelation. Harps blended with electric guitars and the voices of the choir caused many around me to be visibly moved. This visuals, message and music caused a sense of melancholy and euphoria. As I left the hall, I blinked as if emerging from another world. It is such a shame, but yet adds to the sublimity, that this was a one night only.

On a humorous note here is Hugh and Nicola (again) recreating some of the key scenes...

The end of a BTEC era...

What a week!

Today I took my fantastic BTEC (and the amazing Adibah - key contributor to Electric December) group during their last session down to the Watershed to be given their final grades and a spot of lunch followed by a film. The students were really pleased to see Maddy (from the Watershed - far right) again and George proclaimed her as 'amazing'. 

Nachos were also welcome but the film, 'The Scouting Book for Boys' (no, not the crappy indie/pop band) didnt bring so much joy. I think all enjoyed it and were carried away by the majestic, British cinematography but, dear me, the ending was grim. Stephen King's Misery, teenage stylie to sum it up.

To cheer ourselves up, as the students left to pick their prom dresses out in town (remember prom?! my was on a boat with the sound track from Luhrman's 'Romeo & Juliet' soundtrack playing too loud), me and Mr. Lee Mead decided to catch a showing of 'Four Lions' - the first suicide bomber comedy in history ( I assume). Having watched the amazing 'Zombieland' the night before (Bill Murray?) I expected as many belly laughs but though I felt pretty ready for the 'Jihad' jokes, I still felt sorely sad at the end. I think this was the point of the film, and certainly less people were laughing by the end.

This film doesnt deserve any of the criticisms it has had heaped by a pile of steaming tabloid 'intellect', but rather is brave and upsetting and highlights that in any culture and religion, we as humans are tragically falilble and ridiculous. Surely, that is the essence of humour?

To end on a humourous note, I wonder whether George (the marvelous George, who gained a merit in his BTEC certificate today!) realised that the background gave him Mickey Mouse ears?

Fairfield at the Houses of Parliament!

Well, we didnt win, but according to the graceful Miss. Taylor we couldnt have lost to a better team than those at the Metro school. Though I didnt attend the trip, it was, according to all involved, a fantastic day! The project 'Lights, Camera...Parliament' has been one of the most successful and enjoyable I have worked on. The students relished the work and I think we will embed this into the year 7 curriculum and do this every year if possible! Brilliant. See the film made by Bill, Matthew, Alfie and Jacob on:

BectaX: Dinner at the Ivy and Geri Halliwell

Alongside being asked to speak at the BectaX conference, Katz Kiely had invited me to attend a networking event and dinner at the Ivy the night before. What a wonderful evening, but it would have been great to have done this the next day after getting the nerve shredding presenation done!

Sporting a new black dress and some swanky earrings, I caught a london cab to the famous restaurant. Stuck behind another car down a small street outside the Ivy, I decided to jump out and walk at which point I was surrounded by paparazzi, flashing bulbs and shouting...for a second I thought I has misunderstood the importance of the evening but that was quickly dispelled when I turned around and saw Ginger Spice behind me! I ran into the restaurant to get out the way but she followed me in. Geri Halliwell then entered the 'salon'  where our meal was happening and then I think she realised it was the wrong event! Very funny...wonder if I'll end up in some clip in Heat!?

The meal was 5 courses and was utterly delicious. My only criticism was that the main was the odd Shepherd's pie which seemed to be a strange bulky winter like choice. I was fortunate enough to be sat by 2 charming gentlemen called Adrian Hall and John Newbigin. They were both compellingly genuine and fascinating to talk to (I am beginning to learn that sometimes not all people at events like this are so 'real' - there can be lots of agendas flying around). Adrian Hall was also very sympathetic about Mali who had gone missing the day before (he came back 2 days later in the middle of the night - I swear my heart was almost going to break!). Wine was flowing as was the delicious champagne but I had to be very moderate as the next days events were looming...

Check out the film of the evening (I am in the background of almost every shot like some sort of extra - too shy to be actually interviewed!)

My experience of BectaX in London...

A while back I was contacted by the charming Katz Kiely about the work I do in education and especially about the partnership I have forged with the Watershed. She was keen for me to attend a Becta event at the beginning of March in London to contribute to a event of which aims were to "help identify how education might evolve in a connected world" and to look at "Building on existing events and research...develop a growing community of movers and shakers from education and digital media to collaboratively design solutions to drive change. The findings will help Becta to shape future policy" (see http://www.becta-x.co.uk/)

That coupled with the offer of an exclusive meal at the Ivy the night before lured and flattered me into attending and getting ready to prepare a presentation. I haven't really done work like this before and this was a stand out, nerve shattering, eye watering event that once done I swore I would NEVER do again...

However, on reflection, at the beginning of a fresh sun lit term, I would do it all over again (albeit a tad differently and less emotionally)! The outline of the challenge was this:

• Produce a presentation about the work I do ("warts and all and no hot air" as Katz stated)
• 12 slides and each slide no more than 30 seconds
• No more than 15 words per slide

Oh lordie! I agonised over this. I will openly admit I create great visual resources for my lessons but now this was in a different sphere of scrutiny. Every image I choose was hackneyed and cheesy, oozing clunky symbolism that these high flying media types would cringe and laugh at. In the end, with the help of the noble Hugh Thomas, I kept it simple.

But this was only the first hurdle.

I now had to complete a succinct, stylish speech to acompany my images. How do you sum up 3 years of work in 6 minutes? Let alone present it clearly, without stumbling, to slides that were automated to move every 30 seconds in front of over 150 people?

Well, my friends, I did it. I also managed to not completely screw it up.I was also terrified of the constant uploading of Twitter comments appearing on the huge screen to the right (seriously, some comments about some of the speakers were highly critical - see the picture to the left!) and I was the last presenter at this section of the event. All the cliches were true; my heart felt like it was going to explode, my mouth was dry and I couldn't see clearly. However, it was a truly educational experience and I am proud I saw it through (and check out my page in the Becta X publication - pretty swish like something out of Sim City...maybe!)

BBC Create & Connect Event & Other Cultural Partnerships happening in Bristol...

Even with the widely publicised axing of BBC Blast, the wonderful Ben Barker, continued with help from Holly from RIO, to develop and launch the 'Create & Connect' event in Bristol at the end of March. The aim of this day was to introduce young people to various creative industries and organisations from across Bristol. On the whole, my view was that it was pretty successful. The space at @Bristol wasn't ideal (main stage in hall, loads of fidgity teenagers getting up and walking off when the presentation didnt hold their attention...but actually, perhaps that was a bit of a wake up call to the speakers?!) but the amount of people there, both schools and organisations was uplifting. It is good to see that there is a real, excited audience for this type of networking.

I gave a small presentation titled 'Creative Approaches through Cultural Partnerships' (fortunately not in the main hall!) alongside Becki and Anita. I realise that this event was important for students but the main benefit for me was to present the success that can come from cultural partnerships between school and industry. I have been working alongside the Watershed (informally and now formally) for about 3 years now and such is the buzz garnered from this that 2 other schools in Bristol have now replicated it in their own way. Becki is an art technician at Cotham and is now based at the Arnolfini gallery and Anita, a sixth form teacher from Ashton Park, is partially based at Spike Island studios.

The presentation gave us a chance to talk about our work and what we can offer schools but it also seemed to me a great moment personally, as the fact that Anita and Becki were there gave me a real boost about the sustainable success the work I have done is having!

The work both Becki and Anita have done is inspirational and an exciting opportunity for young artists across Bristol and a credit to their schools. Also, check out the YAAC (Young Arnolfini Artists' Collective) site which is impressive in itself!

Houses of Parliament, here we come!

Having been asked back in October to attend a consultation session with a member of the Houses of Parliament Education department, I had the pleasure of meeting the gorgeous Alice Dyke (yes, she is the daughter of Greg, and no, I didnt mention his famous mistake...the invention of Roland Rat). I had a great evening looking through the department's idea to launch an event around politcal and media literacy. Come January 2010, I was totally on board, ready to go to help trial 'Light, Camera, Parliament' with the lovely 7S class of Fairfield. I also had the help of  PGSE student Chris Seymour, who is certainly one to watch in the teaching world.

The aim of the project was for students to complete a short film exploring the idea if they change, or create a new law. Year 7s being the way they are (and one of my favourite year groups) totally relished this idea and came up with a hoard of insane and some sensible ideas (one being that 13 year should be allowed to work 20 hours a week...?!). The whole process over 2 months differed greatly to that of the BBC School Report. Jam packed resources, fantastic presentations and a lovely supportive Alice made this one of the best Media projects I have ever worked on. I am keen now to embed this project into the KS3 curriculum as I think every person involved, students, teachers and other professionals, loved this project!

Perhaps my enthuasiasm paid off as one of my mad little groups has got through the finals and will be going to the Palace of Westminster to launch their idea to the judges! I also want to thank Sarah and Penny at the Orchard CLC for helping us getting these films finished (other Bristol teachers, this place is seriously under used! Book it!).

Thank you also to Alice Dyke for also, ahem, sending this great email to my head:

"I would also like to add that it was a pleasure for me spending time with this class. I attended the filming day in the city learning centre and the year 7 students were very welcoming and friendly to me, and very open to all my questions. They also showed a level of focus and concentration I would not have expected from most students, let alone some so young. Anna Wredenfors has been a delight to work with and has been an enthusiastic force throughout the process. It has been wonderful to see the pilot project put into practice with some gusto and originality, so thank you for trialling it in your school."

So, everyone can be a winner (take note BBC!)...

BBC School Report - mixed feelings...(and a missed interview with Chris Chalkley of PRSC)

Reflecting back on last term, it was definitely one that was dominated by the BBC. I ran BBC School Report for the first time at Fairfield. Not sure whether it was me and the way I work but I didnt finish this project feeling great...

Firstly, it may be that I was over ambitious, involving over 50 students? I attended all the training and read through all the content and lessons plans online but in the end it was extremely stressful. I found the training experience rather hectic (and shall I say patronising?) ran by an ex- Science teacher who bombarded us current teachers with a mass of promo materal and the launched us into a activity that was meant to mirror what we could do on the big BBC day. I always think it is useful to be reflective as a teacher and sometimes taking a step back and placing you in the position of student is useful. However, it being 2 days before the Christmas holidays, the 'twilight' BBC training was exhausting and...

Lesson plans: we were assured that barely any extra planning needed to be done and all resources were online. Now these lessons were dry and I found I had to make constant changes and omissions to keep my students engagaed. Though these plans were some of the better ones I have seen attached to an educational project they need some tweeking.

Anyway, the big day was hindered by a few setbacks. Firstly, namely, Chris Chalkley.Yes, THE, Chris Chalkley of PRSC (People's Republic of Stoke's Croft). After a guarded but polite conversation the famous Bristolian figure agreed that he could be interviewed by our year 8 students for their school report. What a scoop! Manically, we managed to get the kids into the school minibus, rush down to Stokes Croft for what we thought would be a resounding interview. Did he turn up? Did he answer his phone? Unfortunately, no.

I hope all was OK as I know Mr. Chalkley had a court case the next day regarding his charges being brought by Bristol Council of criminal damage. However, left stood in Stokes Croft (and yes, the art is great but it is still a rather dodgy area) were poor 4 eager students and my dear colleague Sarah Barker. I hope the reason for the missed interview is Mr. Chalkley was too busy getting ready for court to defend his right of artistic expression. I wish him all the best, for no matter what is said about his 'art' and ideas, they certainly bring colour and attention to this unusual part of Bristol.

Another big problem was the ongoing issue between Mac and PC. We are PC based at Fairfield (as are many Bristol schools) and have amazing facilities. Students had collected over 2 weeks of footage for the main stories and we got these organised on an external hard drive ready to take up to the Orchard CLC. The whole point of going to this great facility for the day is because of its excellent staff and open plan environment coupled with state of the art technology/fun stuff (green screens!). But was out footage compatible? No. The staff there spent 3 hours trying to add this to their network and by then we were completely behind the BBC deadline. Penny and Sarah at the CLC are marvellous and I hope to work with them again but this was totally (and bitterly so for the students) disapointing as we didnt managed to finish it on time and go 'live' with the BBC...

Next year, PC only for me and 10 students max!

A confrontation with the Mayor of Malmo?

Having enjoyed meeting many film makers and educational types at various functions at the Malmo BUFF Festival, I was looking forwards to the awards ceremony on the Saturday. My mum, riling away for some sort of juicy confrontation, commanded that I must go find the Mayor at the ceremony which was being held in the Malmo Townhall. Supposedly, my grandfather Wredenfors argued with the father of the current Mayor and had some sort of big falling out. As there are only a few Wredenfors in the world (the grandfather mentioned before created the name!), my mum was sure the Mayor would recognise it.

In the end, I didnt speak to the Mayor but did have the good fortune to be placed at the Directors' table. But firstly, the food! There was a huge buffet, spangled throughout with gold candlelabras flickering candlelight, presenting a mass of smoked fish and meat. Everything was truly delicious and reassuring Swedish. However, there wasnt a pool of prawns with a huge prawn made out of prawns as is mentioned by Tracy Jordan in the genious program '30 Rock'...no just plain old normal prawns.

Initially I felt a little intimidated by the company, 5 directors and producers from across Europe, and the managing director of the BUFF festival and me just a teacher - what could I contribute to the conversation?! I wasnt too shy for long and to be honest, as soon as you mention working in education, everyone has a point of view and opinion they want to share with you (after all, everyone has gone to school at some point!).

I was sat next to a Dutch director called Ineke Houtman, who was absolutely charming in her warnth and enthusiasm. We shared a few glasses of wine together and talked about her film 'The Indian' (see http://www.buff.se/katalog/visafilm_eng.asp?ID=784&year=2010 . Throughout the evening we were often interupted by admirers who stated her film was beautiful and moving. Not surprisingly Ineke won the Children's Jury prize!

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening; it was everything that it should have been, great food, fantastic company and lively conversation. Never before have I had a conversation about the state and mood of young peoples' films at one table with directors from Berlin, Oslo, Dublin, Amsterdam and Stockholm. So thank you BUFF and thank you Watershed for the great time!

Malmo and Back Again

I havent been back to Sweden for almost 4 years now.

Every since I was young, my family would pack up the big, old Volvo and depart from Harwich on a long journey to the forests of Smaland. It was pretty much a dream scenario when I was little. We owned a dericlic house by a lake (and I mean really run down - no heating, TV, phone and barely a flushing toilet!) which was miles from what seemed to be any civilization. I just used to run through the forests and swim everyday. A pretty typical Swedish summer really. When I got a little older, I found this dark forest a little oppressive and stopped going on holiday with my family to Sweden. I felt kind of guilty that each year I chose not to go ( I mean, look at how nice it is now!).

So it seemed very fortuitous that the Watershed asked me to represent them at the BUFF Film Festival this year in Malmo. I left Thursday 18th March in the morning and got to the city of Malmo by 7pm. It is a beautiful city to stroll through at dusk and I felt very excited about attending the festival. I havent been to Malmo since I was a teenager and it felt great to be back. The next 4 days were exhausting, and some of the films not to my taste, but the best thing (aside from the award ceremony in the Town Hall) were the people I met from all over the world. Oh and yes, I wasnt just there to network and watch films but to also promote and present the amazing event that is Electric December.

Presentation didnt go toooo well, as technology broke at the Spegeln cinema. However, I fell back on being a teacher and just imagined it like a lesson (this really helps me when I am in a professional situation when I give a presentation!) and boomed my voice across the cinema. Got lots of great feedback and some real interest in the event. Do note, young film makers, the call for entries will start in the summer!

Back from BUFF!

The last few days have been something else! I just got back last night from the BUFF Film Festival (I only realised how dubious that sounds to English ears once I got back to Brisol...) in Malmo and feel pretty zonked. A wonderful time was had but the last few days have hardly been restful. NOT that I am complaining. How many other teachers are legitimately get to go abroad for 4 days in term time?

I have been kind of quiet about it in school as I didnt want people to think I was just swanning off and leaving my job behind. This is something that has been on my mind recently - teaching is what I truly love doing and what propells and inspires me but I feel so excited by all the recent Media developments. However, it has been a struggle to carefully to balance two very different ways of working. I feel utterly grateful to Fairfield and the English department for being so supportive and to the Watershed for enabling so many great opportunities but sometimes it is a bit tricky to explain to the students why I am on another trip or working on a project and that they will have a cover.

Anyway, it is good to be back and I will update this Blog soon with more details of my trip back to the Motherland of Sweden...