Warwickshire News Mine

The children made films about laws they would like to see passed.  These included limiting homework, banning smoking and prohibiting the use of plastic packaging.

The project was funded by Warwickshire Children’s University and the children worked with Warwickshire County Council’s Early Intervention Service, who co-ordinated the project for six after-school sessions in which they planned, produced and filmed pieces.  A further day was spent at the university editing the final versions with the school’s ICT co-ordinator and MA students from Coventry University’s Institute for Creative Enterprise.

Among one group were Caitlin Stokes, Rory Parsons and William Evans.  Inspired by the sight of seeing people drinking dirty water, they devised a short film showing the perils of plastic packaging and how it can end up in water drunk by animals.

William, who performed as a dancing flower, said:  “We have to look at saving the planet because what we are doing is ruining the planet and killing wildlife.  I have recently got interested in the environment since I found out more about it.”

Caitlin said:  “We don’t like to see people drinking dirty water.  Toby played a dog who drank dirty water.  Plastic packaging is responsible for a lot of rubbish that is in water and it’s something we could all help to reduce.” 

The final four films were entered for the Lights, Camera Parliament competition which was open to young people between the ages of 11 and 16.  Films which were shortlisted by the expert panel of judges, which includes Sir David Puttnam, will visit the Houses of Parliament for the final judging.

This is the second year of the competition and there were 60 entries from schools and youth organisations across the country.  Although the films were not shortlisted for the prize, the group will be visiting the Houses of Parliament in May.

For some of the children, it will be a fist visit to London.  Caitlin has been before and is excited at the prospect.  She said:  “I have seen the Houses of Parliament from the outside.  I’m really looking forward to seeing them again.”

Carolyn Lloyd of Warwickshire Children’s University said:  “We were delighted with the success that Michael Drayton made of this project and the partnerships between the county council, the school, the University of Coventry and the Children’s University. Everybody involved put their hearts and souls into it and I hope they enjoy their well deserved day in London.”

Link to WCC