Set the Scene, funded by Screen Scotland, provides teachers with the tools to lead their pupils in filmmaking. The first strand of the programme to launch is our General Teaching Council for Scotland accredited course, Using Filmmaking to Develop Your Teaching Practice. The Secondary course began on the 21st November 2022 and the Primary course began on the 16th January 2023.

The course is delivered using a hybrid model, with a mix of online, practical, and in-class sessions. Teachers will attend 3 short sessions a month from late November to mid-March for the Secondary course and mid-January to early May for the Primary course, followed by a period of independent study. A provisional course timetable can be found here. The course is designed with a good level of flexibility - working with teachers to accommodate their school timetables and other priorities.  

As outlined by the GTCS here Professional Recognition awards are open to all teaching professionals who have completed 1 year of professional practice after gaining full registration from GTC Scotland. 

More information can be found below. 

Image description: Pupils in classroom editing film on a tablet

Using Filmmaking to Develop Your Teaching Practice - GTCS Accredited Course

The course is designed to develop teachers in technical aspects of filmmaking as well as project management in film when working with a class. The blended learning model allows teachers to work in an independent and supported manner. 

Teachers signing up to the course will benefit from professional development in film project management, including how to plan, shoot, and edit a film on the topic of social justice with their pupils. They'll also learn about the benefits of creative learning as well as methods for monitoring and tracking the impact of their learning and their pupils'. 

Curriculum linked learning resources, filmmaking equipment, and support from a dedicated film tutor are all provided free as part of the course. No previous experience in film is necessary and course materials are tailored to different curriculum levels from Second Level to Senior Phase (P5-S6). 

The course will increase teachers' skills and knowledge in filmmaking, which are relevant to the needs of Scotland's growing screen industries, with a view to widening employability and further educational opportunities for pupils. It will also enable teachers to lead in the learning of pupils and colleagues, and increase transferable skills in digital literacy and creative practice.

Upon completion of the course, teachers will receive a Professional Recognition Award in Filmmaking in Education. 

Pre-requisites: None required in terms of filmmaking. This course is suitable for those new to film as well as others that may have more experience, such as Media Teachers, for example. Teachers must be fully qualified and based in a school within Edinburgh or the Lothians, working with pupils from P5-S6. 

For all enquiries please email: Project Manager, Laura Findlay, [email protected]