Citizenship and Real Shorts

The films in the Real Shorts DVD provide stimulating starting point for considering a range of issues relevant to the National Curriculum guidelines for Citizenship. However, to get the most out of these films, do not just watch them with your class once and move onto discussion of the issues they raise: take time to study the films and how they communicate their ideas and themes. The menu on the left of this screen indicates where you can find guidelines on how to teach effectively with films such as these.

All the films support the following specifications:

The significance of the media in society           

Through viewing and discussing any film in this DVD students can develop their abilities to 'read' media products critically, and to consider how the media influence what we know and understand about the world.

Developing skills of enquiry and communication

Through investigating, discussing and debating the issues raised by these films all the skills of enquiry and communication can be developed. The suggestions for English offer useful ways in which students can engage in investigating, talking and writing about the issues that these films raise.

Developing skills of participation and responsible action

Using the models provided by these short films, students can be encouraged to make their own films, researching the issues, working in teams and interacting with people in their community.

The following films address relevant topics within:

Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens at Key Stages 3 and 4, with connections to other subjects such as Geography and history, as indicated on the National Curriculum guidelines. The other two strands of the Citizenship subject guidelines can also be supported with reference to these films.

You can find out more about the films by selecting them from the menu on the left.

Housing Problems

Slum-dwellers in the 1930s east London talk about their terrible living conditions. The film was made as part of a campaign for improved housing and features people explaining why they need new housing. The film would support activities relating to the human right to decent housing, to campaigning for community rights.
It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, basic aspects of the criminal justice system, and how both relate to young people   
• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
• central and local government, the public services they offer and how they are financed, and the opportunities to contribute 
• the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups  
• the significance of the media in society       

Blight

Depicting the destruction of an East End neighbourhood to make way for the M11, this film would support activities relating to the investigation/debate/discussion of the impact on communities of development; the pros and cons of building new roads.
It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, basic aspects of the criminal justice system, and how both relate to young people;
• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding; also links to Geography: population distribution and change
• central and local government, the public services they offer and how they are financed, and the opportunities to contribute 
• the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups  

Silence

A survivor of the Holocaust tells her story about its impact on her life. This film provides insights into the consequences of war and how people respond to conflicts beyond their control. It can also be used to explore issues relating to personal and spiritual development. History link: World Study after 1900: the Holocaust.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, basic aspects of the criminal justice system, and how both relate to young people;
• the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations           

I Expect Joan Feels the Same

This moving film is based on interviews with two women who recall the young husbands they lost in World War II. It reflects on ideas about responsibilities and duty, and the consequences of war. History link: World Study after 1900: World War II. It can also be used to explore and imagine other people's experiences and different points of view.
It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, ...       
• the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations           

Hidden

While made in Sweden this film highlights the plight of refugees anywhere in Europe. It provides insights into the experience of a young refugee boy and his fear of deportation.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, ..., and how they relate to young people;
• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 
• the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups  
• the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations           

The Urban Savannah

This spoof on wildlife documentaries offers light-hearted approach to issues relating to youth culture and community conflict.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding requirements:

• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 
• the importance of resolving conflict fairly   

Bush Bikes

This film offers a lively depiction of young Aborigines in Australia, and how they use their environment. It provides an opportunity to reflect on consideration of issues relating to youth culture and identity and a refreshing perspective on a very different culture.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding' requirements:

• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 
• the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations           

I Love My Nails

Set in a London nail salon, this film focuses on why appearances can be very important to people. The film reflects both on issues of identity and mutual respect and on obsessive behaviour, without being judgemental.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding' requirements:

• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 

Tomorrow's Saturday

Made in early 1960s, by film-makers involved in the Free Cinema movement, this film documents the lives of ordinary people in the north of England. Used in conjunction with the Mitchell and Kenyon films, and linking with History, it offers insights into the changing nature of British society, addressing the following 'knowledge and understanding' requirement:

• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 

Holiday

This film is an advertisement for British Rail, made in the late 1950s, offering a lively view of holiday-makers in all their variety.

It addresses the following 'knowledge and understanding' requirements:

• the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding 
• The significance of the media in society