The One Day Film School

Prep Schools

Taunton Prep School

by

Hamish McCarthy

Head of Year 8

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

10
of 10
The course exceeded my expectations, the pupils really enjoyed online & and as a non-subject SME it was easy for me to get to grips with quickly.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
My pupils were engaged throughout and it was easy to coordinate as the instructions were comprehensive and easy to follow.

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

10
of 10
Yes – see above!

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

I was genuinely surprised.
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
We will likely do it again next year.

Fettes Prep School

by

Samuel Martin-Nye

Head of Drama

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

8
of 10
The course and content seemed professionally executed and engaging, but I wasn’t sure if it would suit my purposes.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
The course was ideal: I was able to break it down easily into a series of lessons and it allowed for differentiation, both in terms of ability and resources, meaning that all students were involved in active learning.

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

10
of 10
It wasn’t just that the course was engaging (both in terms of film history/theory, but also in relation to practical lessons), but I was also reassured to have expert support on the end of a phone or email. Ed also went above and beyond, by taking part in student interviews as a professional film director and by being a judge in our student film festival.

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

8
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
The kids really enjoyed it. 

Brambletye School

by

David Finch

Assistant Head

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

8
of 10
The course looked great and I was really confident that our students would enjoy the experience. I was slightly apprehensive that it would work well digitally, even though the links and resources provided were excellent.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

10
of 10
Absolutely amazing course! Both staff and students thoroughly enjoyed it and go lots of new skills from it. Even though the weather wasn’t great, that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm the students showed. Cannot wait for next year – the year 7 students are already excited!

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

Yes – the online/digital course was great value for money, especially during these difficult times for schools.

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

8
of 10

Quality of pupil films

8
of 10

Film History

10
of 10

Fight Choreography

8
of 10

Camera

10
of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

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

10
of 10
Absolutely no negatives and the course would be great for any school, any age group. 

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

Just join in the fun and book the course – absolutely fantastic and especially with an Oscars Evening attached to it.

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

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 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.

Beechwood Park School

by

Laura Hegarty

Director of Drama

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.