成人论坛

Pupils from four secondary schools explored William Wilberforces legacy through the creation of short films The story: William Wilberforce was brought back to visual life thanks to a digital media project between the 成人论坛, Hull University, Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) and four secondary schools in the region.

Over one hundred pupils, parents and teachers attended a special screening and awards event at Hull University to show case all the short films produced for the project titled 鈥淥ur Wilberforce鈥�.

Pupils from Wolfreton School

Hull University student history teachers, cutting their first teeth in the classroom, worked alongside pupils aged 12/13 from Cottingham High, Hessle High, Monks Dyke Technology College and Wolfreton School.听 Together, they explored how digital media and film can play a crucial part to inspire and bring to life the education curriculum.

All four schools were given the project brief to study William Wilberforce鈥檚 famous role in the abolition of slavery and to produce a short three minute film exploring its impact some 200 years later.

The 成人论坛 provided two days training and resources for each school on camera skills and film production.听 Hull University identified student teacher placements in local schools and WISE provided the subject expertise as well as access to Wilberforce House.

Both teachers and pupils fully enjoyed the experience of working with film.听 Andrew Roe, student teacher at Wolfreton School said 鈥淭he way that the students came together and found a way to show that slavery is still a part of our lives today gave me a sense of hope. If 12 and 13 year olds can open their eyes and see what is going on around us then so can the rest of the world鈥�

Shane Worrell, Assistant Head of Monks Dyke Technology College was 鈥渋mpressed that students gave up their own time to complete the films and the dedication and inspiration of using film really brought the subject to life鈥�

Staff and pupils from Wolfreton School

Ten films were submitted for the show reel evening, all quite different in content and style and of remarkable quality given the limited time and training.听 Not one of the students or teachers involved had any previous experience of using cameras or editing software. A panel of judges from all the partners involved in the project had the tough task of selecting four films for prizes and awards.

The lights dimmed, the audience fell silent and the films flickered into action.听 Youngsters cheered and clapped at the beginning and end of each film and everyone appreciated the work that went into the end result.

Matthew, aged 12 from Cottingham High School, came to the evening performance with his parents, 鈥淗istory lessons used to be dull and boring, but using cameras and acting out the theory learnt in lessons has now made it my favourite subject鈥�

The judges watched and critiqued all the films submitted.听 After a fifteen minute consultation the judges awarded the following prizes to:

1st Wolfreton School
2nd Cottingham High School
3rd Monks Dyke Technology College
4th Hessle High School

Ellen, Jennie, Beth and Demi alongside teachers Mr Roe and Mr Wilson were delighted to be presented with camera and equipment for use in the school as well as individual gift vouchers and certificates for the pupils.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a fantastic evening and made all the hard work truly worthwhile鈥� commented Mr Cook 鈥淲e鈥檒l definitely start to explore where else we can use film in the other areas of the school following this amazing experience鈥�