Film-loving teachers and educators now have the chance to develop their film skills for use in the classroom with a new suite of short film education courses run collaboratively by Queen Margaret University and Screen Education Edinburgh. The move also provides educators with the chance to gain a PgCert in Film and Screen Education. The new courses are perfect for educators who have a love of film and who want to be more proficient in their use of film and film education in their teaching with young people.   

Funded by Screen Scotland, the courses allow teachers and educators to dip their toe into learning more about film, filming techniques and how they can use film as an educational tool to inspire and encourage young people in their learning. They can do one course, just for the love of learning, or they can opt for a more structured approach to upskilling themselves by completing all three courses. Successful completion of the three short courses would give them a PgCert in Film and Screen Education, and the skills and confidence to utilise new filming techniques, tools and knowledge that will enhance and modernise their teaching practice.   

Dr Robert Munro, lecturer in film at Queen Margaret University, said: “This is a flexible approach to learning which is designed to support educators in Scotland in providing a quality film education experience for learners. The beauty of this unique opportunity is that participants can decide just to undertake one short course, or stack up three connected courses:(1) Introduction to Film Education; (2) Filmmaking in the Classroom; (3) Professional Practice in Film Education, with successful completion leading to a PgCert in Film and Screen. Not only will the courses develop the knowledge and practical skills of participants to be able to embed film in their practice and reflect, they will also equip teachers with a desirable skillset making them stand out in the jobs market. In addition, the courses also allow educators to reflect on the ways film can be embedded within Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.”  

With decades of expertise in film, media and the creative industries, Queen Margaret University worked closely with SEE to create a PG Cert built on the success of their respective GTCS accredited courses in film education, both of which were funded by Screen Scotland. Dr Munro confirmed: “There was certainly a demand from people who wanted to develop their professional practice in film education, with our first participants coming from the teaching profession, professionals from independent cinemas, film access organisations and freelance film education practitioners.  

“The short course that we ran last year, ‘Introduction to Film Education,’ is part of the suite of three courses and will be run again in February 2024. Course participants can expect a blend of online, and face-to-face learning on campus, with this combination really helping support and inspire students, and build their confidence by experimenting with new techniques, technologies, equipment and ideas.”  

Dr Munro confirmed: “We are delighted that Screen Scotland has shared our vision for these courses and understands the value that they offer in helping upskill teachers and educators across Scotland to ensure they are equipped to offer young people in schools and beyond with a contemporary and engaging learning experience.”  

Founded in 1981, Screen Education Edinburgh (formerly Pilton Video) is Scotland’s oldest filmmaking organisation and a national leader in the development of opportunities in filmmaking for all through the provision of high-quality film education and filmmaking training programmes. SEE’s programmes increase confidence, wellbeing, and attainment, enabling progression towards further and higher education study, and into the film, tv and media workplace. SEE prioritises the creation of opportunities for diverse communities, those situated in areas of multiple deprivation, and in rural areas. In recent years, SEE has increasingly collaborated with Screen Scotland to further enhance film education delivery within school settings. 

Dr Laura Findlay, Creative Engagement Officer at Screen Education Edinburgh, said: “SEE is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity in partnership with QMU and with the continued support of Screen Scotland. The two short courses designed by SEE, ‘Filmmaking in the Classroom’ and ‘Professional Practice in Film Education’, were born out of a GTCS accredited course launched in 2022, ‘Using Filmmaking to Develop Your Teaching Practice’, giving teachers a PR Award in Filmmaking in Education. Our close work with teachers over the years has helped to shape these courses to ensure we’re offering something impactful and meaningful to their professional development. The courses will develop teachers in filmmaking, enabling them to apply this in their professional practice with the aim of making a short film with a class or group in an educational setting. We will also support teachers in developing skills in experiential learning and reflective practice, as well as different methods of evaluation, strengthening how they evidence the impact of creative and technical learning on their pupils, themselves, and the wider school community. The offer of a PG Cert on completion of all three courses will have a tremendous impact on teachers’ ability to deliver high quality film education to their pupils.” 

The first Film and Screen Education short course begins in October this year, with the other two courses running in February 2024. Find out more about the three short courses at:  https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study/2023/pgcert-film-and-screen-education/