This half term has been nothing short of spectacular for our Year 6 children , who have dived into the theme “Lights, Camera, Action!” Their learning journey through the world of film has been filled with creativity, exploration, and valuable life lessons. Here’s a recap of all the exciting activities they’ve participated in!
Our theme began with an exploration of the history of film. Children learned about the evolution of cinema, discovering how it transformed from early moving images to the blockbuster films we see today. This foundation set the stage for deeper exploration into film’s artistic and technological advancements.
Building on their historical knowledge, the children examined early films and the magic of animation.This creative process allowed them to understand the intricacies involved in making films and the storytelling techniques used in animation.
Using the digital mapping tool Digimaps, children located films from around Wales. This activity not only enhanced their geographical skills but also connected them to the rich cinematic heritage of their own country. It was fascinating for them to see how local landscapes have influenced the stories told through film. In an engaging classroom debate, we discussed the positive and negative effects of film tourism. This topic sparked lively discussions and critical thinking, allowing students to consider various perspectives on how film influences travel and local economies.
To further enrich their understanding, the children explored careers in the film industry. They learned about various roles—from directors and actors to special effects artists—and the skills required for each position. A highlight of this exploration was a visit from Jenna McDonnell, who shared her expertise and helped children create their own prosthetic wounds, giving them a hands-on experience of the special effects world!
In Literacy lessons, we studied the captivating book Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. This beautifully illustrated story combines adventure and the magic of cinema, sparking engaging discussions and creative writing activities. The children delved into themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s dreams.
In our expressive arts lessons, Year 6 children focused on the work of Brian Selznick, the author and illustrator of Hugo Cabret. They studied his unique style, which blends detailed illustrations with storytelling. One of the highlights was a project where the children practised sketching eyes, capturing the emotion and depth that Selznick so beautifully conveys in his work. Using various materials, children replicated some of Selznick’s illustrations, experimenting with texture and shading to bring their own artistic interpretations to life.
To round off the half term, Year 6 visited Raglan Barracks for the ‘Crucial Crew’ workshop, where they received valuable health and safety information. Engaging with various organisations, they learned about staying safe in different situations, both physically and emotionally. This experience equipped them with essential skills for navigating the world confidently.
We were so proud of the children who participated in Safe Cycling this half term. It was extremely popular and the children who took part learned about how to stay safe when riding their bikes.
This half term has been an incredible journey for our Year 6 children, filled with creativity, critical thinking, and essential life skills. The “Lights, Camera, Action!” theme has ignited a passion for storytelling and filmmaking, while the Crucial Crew workshop has ensured they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. We’re excited to continue with this theme after half term and build on their experiences.
