A new School Partnership course – at SCQF Level 5/6 - for senior phase pupils from secondary schools across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire will begin in August 2024, and be delivered by FVC’s expert Creative Industries staff.
The pilot SQA Film and Screen Award forms part of Screen Scotland’s draft Film and Screen Curriculum, has already started recruiting, is funded by Screen Scotland and will last for a full academic year with pupils attending from school for up to five hours through the week (Fridays).
Colin Gunning from FVC’s Creative Industries Department, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the necessary funding to be able to offer these exciting new courses. We firmly believe that this development of opportunity and provision for a future skilled workforce is vital to the long term success of productions in the area.
“Forth Valley College’s long term vision is to be at the forefront of training for the Film and Screen industry in Scotland and we are convinced this new Film and Screen Award will help this come to fruition.”
Fi Milligan-Rennie, Head of Education -Screen at Screen Scotland, said: “The Level 6 Film and Screen Award is a brand-new qualification, created as part of the Screen Scotland draft Film and Screen Curriculum and accredited by SQA. The qualification is in its pilot phase and is designed to support learners to understand more about the practical process of making film and screen products, the roles available within the film and screen industries and what it is like to work as part of a crew to make a film or screen product.
“Screen Scotland is supporting Forth Valley College to test this pilot qualification as part of their Schools Partnership offer in 2024/25. Following the announcement of Stirling Studios, this work presents a unique opportunity for learners across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire to participate in this practical filmmaking programme in a further education setting.”
It is anticipated that the delivery model for the SQA Level 5 & 6 Film and Screen Award will replicate that of a functioning production team, allowing learners to experience a range of craft and technical roles including, construction, make-up artistry, costume and set design. The delivery model will be project based with learners acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and meta-skills in a highly vocational setting, working to initiate, plan and produce a short film(s).
The course will be led by existing Forth Valley College staff who have the appropriate expertise and industry experience. Delivery will be enhanced by a programme of guest speakers, workshops and visits.
The course is aimed at senior phase school pupils, but FVC would also welcome any interest from those who have just left school. Anyone interested in the Film and Screen Award please email colin.gunning@forthvalley.ac.uk
For teachers who may be interested in the delivery of the Film and Screen Award and associated training opportunities please email Fi.Milligan-Rennie@creativescotland.com