This project is a truly European initiative that culminates in a film screening at the British Film Institute on the European Day of Languages. A storytelling and film-making project which this year links London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Rome. Sixth form students learn film making skills and produce a bi-lingual documentary about their city whilst also filming the visit of a storyteller to younger students. Video cameras and video making technologies are used extensively throughout this project. This project develops and builds motivation to study another language as the emphasis is placed on using a language in a real-life situation. The project also develops vocabulary and broadens cultural understanding. Language levels and abilities are deliberately mixed giving the students the opportunity to learn from each other and to motivate each other.

The films are then disseminated widely and used as teaching resources with training days held specifically for teachers to learn a variety of techniques and exercises involving film and drama to incorporate into the language classroom. The project is funded by John Lyon’s Charity and Price Waterhouse Coopers. This includes support for dissemination which leads to long term impact for the project.

Language(s): French, German, Spanish and Italian

Eastside Educational Trust is an arts and education charity that was established in 1994 to introduce children and young people to the arts and literature in London. They aim to raise young people’s standards of achievement in language and literacy and to promote independent learning through the use of creativity and the arts.