Tackling plastic pollution in the primary classroom

Tackling plastic pollution in the primary classroom
Tackling plastic pollution in the primary classroom: “what began as a filmmaking project developed far beyond our expectations”

Many of you will be aware of our support for the Plastic Times, a literacy project which aims to educate primary children on the marine plastic crisis, as well as giving them a platform to present their ideas at LitFilmFest – a brand new literacy and filmmaking festival at the BFI IMAX in June.
For us, there is no greater validation of the importance of these projects than first-hand feedback we receive from schools, telling us how inspired their pupils have now become to protect the planet and make their own individual difference.
Laura Venn and Sarah Davey, teachers from Tubbenden Primary School, recently completed the project with their Year 6 class. Laura says:
“Every primary school teacher knows that the most effective learning happens when children are enjoying themselves and passionate about their learning.  Combine this enjoyment with creativity and innovation, and you have the recipe for success.”
Created by social enterprise A Tale Unfolds, the Plastic Times encourages children to explore the issues surrounding plastic pollution through a series of literacy lessons and resources, including CNN’s Midway documentary and Tim Nunn’s  The Plastic Project. It culminates in a news report that the children write, direct and film themselves – not only highlighting the problem but also considering practical solutions. Laura and Sarah found that the topic was one that struck a chord with their pupils:
“We were impressed at how aware the children were of us all being part of the ‘disposable generation’, consuming and disposing of enormous amounts of waste every day with no regard to where it ends up.  Although this harsh reality is a difficult one to face up to, the project presented it in an appropriate manner that captivated the children. From the very first lesson, they were gripped.”

For both teachers, the benefits of a digital literacy project were numerous. Filmmaking gave the children a clear and fun purpose for which to write, with a clear audience in mind. The tasks required collaboration, in turn developing the children’s team-building skills and confidence. What’s more, the opportunity to submit their finish film to LitFilmFest meant that pupils’ enthusiasm levels were through the roof!  Ultimately, the project left a lasting impression on the entire school community:
“What began as a filmmaking project, developed far beyond our expectations, igniting a united passion amongst the children to make a positive change for our future.  The destructive effect of pollution is a topic that the children in our school will not forget. As teachers, we’re hoping that we’ve helped shape the future attitudes of a small number that might lead to positive change in wider society.”
To find out more about the Plastic Times and other filmmaking and literacy projects for schools, visit www.ataleunfolds.co.uk. For more information on LitFilmFest, the brand new festival giving KS2 children the opportunity to showcase their filmmaking and writing efforts at the BFI IMAX , visit www.litfilmfest.com
Want to know more about what Surfdome is doing about the marine plastic crisis, read here
Check out Tubbenden Primary School’s video not the project here: