A group of students from a Gateshead school are set to enjoy a special premier of their own film at the Tyneside Cinema tonight (15 July).
The pupils, from Dryden special school, have created an animated film which shows how the group overcomes difficulties in various situations.
The film was made by students who have little or no experience of the cinema thanks to Mediabox, a fund that helps youngsters work on media projects.
The inspiration for the film came from the students, led by Richard Young aged 17, and the difficulties they and their peers face on a daily basis.
The group, mentored by Teacher Emma Pickering and supported by Teaching Assistant Ann McTurk, discussed a range of situations in which they require help and as many of them are fans of Harry Potter and James Bond, they identified the use of magic and gadgets to rectify the problems.
The group also benefited greatly from the added support from Peter Haywood, Heworth Grange City Learning Centre Manager, who enlisted the help of the professional filmmaker Robin Webb who had previous experience of working with students with Severe Learning Difficulties.
Emma Pickering, group mentor said, ‘In my experience, even within an educational context, it is very difficult for students such as this group to be able to access the same opportunities and experiences which are taken for granted by their mainstream peers. The very fact that the group have developed the idea of the struggle they and their school friends have on a daily basis is a testimony to this.
The chance for the students to be involved in and lead a media project, enabling them to broaden their knowledge of the media, whilst not only using their existing skills but also learning new ones, as well as being able to make their voices heard and have a final product they can be proud of has been a fantastic opportunity.’