The One Day Film School

Testimonials

Summer Fields

by

Hugh Randolph

Head of Science

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

6
of 10
I was a little anxious because the expertise that YFA always brings to their presentations is a big part of why the sessions are such fun. The presenters have real film-making experience which they share with the children. I am a big fan of Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode but that is not really the same thing!

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
The day itself ran extremely well – a little bit longer than when the YFA visited. 8.30 to 17.30 with very little slack. We watched the videos on a large, shared screen rather than individually because then I could control the timings and make sure that everyone was on task. This was not something the kids had signed up for – it was imposed upon them by the Leavers’ program so I was very relieved that they all seemed to engage with it so willingly. There was plenty to do and the material was great.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

10
of 10

I don’t know what it cost – I just ran the day! I have not heard any complaints.

Course rating by categories with comments.

10
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

A good balance. There needs to be some theory and the video clips were short and we had discussions after each one.
10
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

Our pupils were 13 and the videos did not talk down to them nor were they pitched at too high a level.
8
of 10

Learning new skills

10
of 10

Film History

We all really enjoyed this bit. Lots of nice clips and plenty of interesting factual content.
8
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

The camera advice was very clear and well explained.
8
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
I often mention it to colleagues from other schools and say how much we enjoy it.

St Olave’s Prep School

by

St Olave’s Prep School

Claire Holloway

Headteacher

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

10
of 10
As it was something that we had not done before and sounded like a great opportunity that would promote teamworking skills in our year group. 

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
It was very well resourced and so easy to facilitate in school. The quality of the videos were excellent and there was a good balance of practical and teaching of how to edit. It really encouraged the children to use their collaboration and communication skills.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

10
of 10
Yes because of the resources we had access to and the ongoing access for the year.

Course rating by categories.

10
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

10
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

10
of 10

Learning new skills

10
of 10

Quality of pupil films

All of the films were excellent and we asked the staff to vote for their best film.
10
of 10

Film History

10
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
Because it was very easy to facilitate in St Olave’s Prep School and the children gained so many new skills from it. They really enjoyed it too and were very proud of their films afterwards. Some of the children have spoken about their day as part of their Year 6 Leavers’ memories too, which is amazing.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

Nothing other than it was excellent and we would highly recommend it.

About St Olave’s

St Olave’s offer an exceptionally high quality of education provided by a team of skilled, motivated, and dedicated teachers and support staff. The curriculum is broad and well balanced and enriched by a varied and interesting programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
St Olave’s is a co-educational school for children aged from 3 to 11 years old.  The school offer pupils a broad, rounded education in a happy and caring environment, where their pastoral needs, happiness and wellbeing are of paramount importance.  The positive, family atmosphere, with small classes and excellent staff:pupil ratios, is well-established and one of the school’s notable strengths. It is testament to the mutual respect shared between children and teachers and the close partnership it develop between home and school.

Repton School

by

Jon-Paul Cooper-Richards

Director of Drama

Repton School

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

8
of 10
Unsure of the quality of materials, task, and my own ability to deliver the course with it being online.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
The resources were absolutely fantastic. They were well researched, relevant and engaging.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

10
of 10
Yes – great product.

Course rating by categories.

10
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

10
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

10
of 10

Learning new skills

10
of 10

Quality of pupil films

10
of 10

Film History

10
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
Great product, excellent resource and a truly enjoyable activity for pupils at Repton School.

Bury Grammar School

by

Bury Grammar School

Rosie Charlesworth

Director of Drama

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

8
of 10
The course materials were very impressive and I was appreciative of the extra notes and transcripts that came with each video as they helped with planning and meant that non-specialist teachers felt comfortable with delivering the course.

Course rating by categories.

8
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

10
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

10
of 10

Learning new skills

10
of 10

Quality of pupil films

8
of 10

Film History

8
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and all pupils were engaged. We are hosting a film competition with the films made on the day.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

The boys absolutely LOVED it. Some of them are hugely into both drama and video editing (which I didn’t know and was delighted to learn). I have seen one of the films already – amazing. I am really pleased with it and proud of them.

Abut Bury Grammar School

Bury Grammar School Boys is an independent day school in Bury, Greater Manchester, England, that has existed since c.1570. It is now part of a group of schools for preschool, junior, senior and sixth form studies.
Bury Grammar School engage pupil’s spark through talented and committed staff. Supportive and friendly parents – make BGS the outstanding place. Not only academically outstanding, which is a given as a high-performing grammar school, but also second to none in our forward-thinking and modern approach to pastoral care and life.
This is an ambitious school with an uplifting, positive and life-affirming ethos. The school believe utterly in the transformative power of education and put high aspirations in its young people. 
It is the high aspirations which have led to Bury Grammar School blossoming in recent years, with examination results strengthening still further year on year and more and more pupils applying to join Bury Grammar School. BGS is thrilled to see individual pupils making astonishing progress. This all thanks to school inspirational teachers and the way of teaching.
The leadership of the school very much play a ‘hands on’ role in School and is engaged with pupils and parents. Teachers take a pride in teaching and run extra-curricular activities: in short, the school leaders and governors know and have a deep affection for the school. 
Phenomenal academic success BGS pupils enjoy and of the likeable and winning young people they become. The best way, however, to fully appreciate what Bury Grammar School is all about is to come and visit us and talk to the people who make this a unique place. BGS love to show visitors around the school of which they are very proud and would be thrilled to meet.
As Bury Grammar School goes beyond its 450th year, BGS is mindful of the superb education this great school has offered to so many generations of young people over the years and BGS look forward to the future with great optimism and confidence.

Beechwood Park School

by

Laura Hegarty

Director of Drama

Beechwood Park School

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

8
of 10
I wasn’t sure how the pupils were going to take to the project.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
My pupils have developed loads of new skills & refined existing ones. They have enjoyed learning about all aspects of film & have relished the opportunity to be creative. One pupil said he had no idea how much work & thought went into making even a short film. He now understand the process really well.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

10
of 10
I have used this project as the basis for a term and a half of work. Amazing!

Course rating by categories.

9
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

8
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

10
of 10

Learning new skills

10
of 10

Quality of pupil films

10
of 10

Film History

8
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
I have already recommended this course at the annual IAPS Drama teacher’s conference.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

Do it! The pupils will be inspired by the opportunity to work creatively & collaboratively. It taps into their passion for technology & encourages them to develop and refine a host of skills. I’m not that tech savvy & was cautious about supporting my pupils with the editing side of the project. The videos are super clear & it was wonderful to see the more experienced pupils supporting their peers with technical issues.

About Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Park School is fully co-educational prep school in Hertfordshire and welcome boys and girls from rising 3 to the age of 13.
Whilst a significant number of Beechwood Park School leavers move on to local senior day schools, Beechwood Park is not affiliated or linked to any particular secondary school and will work with parents to ensure pupil receive the correct guidance and advice about next schools – wherever in the country, or the world, that may be. Beechwood is proud of its academic record. Pupils excel at senior school entrance exams, and many are awarded scholarships to their senior schools of choice. Almost without exception Beechwood leavers gain places at their first choice of secondary school, having been well prepared by Beechwood staff for entrance assessments and interviews. In 2021, Beechwood was the only prep school to have a 100% success rate at 13+ for Haileybury. But the Beechwood curriculum goes far beyond ‘just’ the academics – Beechwood offer a well-rounded educational programme includes an inspiring co-curriculum of sports, music, and the arts, alongside an engaging array of trips, clubs and co-curricular activities.

At Beechwood, is firmly believe that learning is not limited to what goes on in the classroom, and lessons learnt outside of the classroom are just as important to a child’s preparation for the future. Beechwood school is justifiably proud of extensive co-curricular provision, which is called Roar. This programme ensures that every child has the time and space to explore new experiences, to embrace new challenges, to discover new skills and talents, and to grab every opportunity that comes their way – in short, to find their “roar”.
 
Located just minutes from Harpenden, St Albans and Berkhamsted and set in stunning rural parkland, Beechwood Park successfully blends the old with the new; innovation with tradition. Boys and girls create ceramics in the pottery room located in the old wine cellar and fabulous music compositions in the dedicated Apple music technology suite situated in a former coach house. 

Raspberry Pi, Micro Bits and 3D Printers inspire Computer Science studies, whilst outside, pupils swing from the trees and hunt for bugs in Forest School and the extensive woodlands. From Greek or Russian Club to Cheerleading or Chess, there is something to captivate every curious mind from the youngest pupils in the School’s “Woodlands Nursery” through to 13+ candidates who head off to a range of excellent Independent day and boarding secondary schools.

The Capability Brown sculpted grounds provide orienteering trails, an indoor swimming pool complex, outdoor classrooms and eleven football pitches where a multitude of matches play out under the supervision of the neighbouring sheep.

At the end of the jam-packed day, School buses depart and boarders’ tea commences, then homework, music practice and entertaining games, including the ever-popular “Colditz” – a Beechwood Park School tradition.

Oxford High School GDST

by

Oxford High School GDST

Vicky Ferrelly

Head of Year 9

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

8
of 10
Very easy to follow and set up through the day.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
An enjoyable day for the students post exams – all engaged with the tasks!

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

8
of 10
The online course was very good and supported the teacher through the whole day.

Course rating by categories with comments.

8
of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

10
of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

All enjoyed the clips and tasks.
10
of 10

Learning new skills

Camera angles, different shots, different job roles.
8
of 10

Quality of pupil films

All love a chase scene.
8
of 10

Film History

8
of 10

Fight Choreography

10
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

Kept engaged all afternoon, worked hard.

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

10
of 10
Very good activity day – focused students and easy to run as staff.

About Oxford High School GDST