Intergenerational reminiscence work and the National Curriculum

The Screen Dreams Intergenerational Reminiscence Project covers a number of key areas of the curriculum:

Literacy

Creative writing

Reporting

Interviewing techniques

Speaking and listening

Writing for different audiences

Writing from different perspectives

History

Study Unit 3a: Victorian Britain at leisure, eg music, sport, holidays, cinema-going

Study Unit 3b: Britain since 1930 the impact of the Second World War on the people of Britain, cinema-going during the war

Historical enquiry: learn about the role and value of memory and reminiscence in historical enquiry; learn techniques of interviewing; learn about film as a source of evidence about the past

Local history study: an aspect of the local community over a long period of time, eg education, leisure (cinema-going)

Music and Dance

Using film music and songs

Creating new soundtracks for films

Using film and film soundtracks as a stimuli for dance or music composition

Art

Building design - changing styles of cinema buildings

Styles of art, e.g. Art Deco

Poster / advertising design

Geography

Homes and buildings: Where were the cinemas and why were they located there? Where are the new cinemas and why?

Geographical skills: plotting cinemas on a map of the local area

Changing and developing towns over the years

PSHE & Citizenship

Nurturing understanding between generations

Citizenship Enhancing pride in and knowledge of the local community

Mutual respect for other cultures and experiences
Exploring family histories

Cross-class activities

Invite other classes to contribute to the creation of reminiscence box

Film poll of favourite films/stars across the school

Spoken, dance, film or music presentation at assembly/event to which older people are invited

Create an exhibition of the material collected