New Junior Cycle English offers a number of different ways for teachers to use film, for example:

– As a prescribed text.
– As a multi-modal text with which students can engage both personally and critically, while being creative through language.

This term, we offer an approach to both of these ways of using film.

A film which can be used as a springboard for personal engagement and critical thinking, T.S. Spivet is the story of an unusual 10-year-old living with his parents and siblings on their Montana ranch. Struggling with his eclectic family, their sad past and humble circumstances, T.S. suddenly finds a reason to escape and sets out on an epic journey, taking a freight train to Washington DC. This is a stunning novel adaptation in 3D from the director of Amélie.

Age recommendation 12+

ADVENTURING THROUGH FILM PROJECT
Pre-screening Activity:

– In groups, research adventure films and present an adventure film to the class, looking at three different headings. eg. plot, theme, camera techniques and soundtrack.
– Email presentations to schools@irishfilm.ie

Screening (including an introduction to the film):
Groups present their project to IFI schools audience.

Post-screening Activity:
Write an adventure film scene. See www.ifi.ie/learn for a worksheet.

Screening as part of the 2015 Spring/Summer IFI Schools Programme.

Download the programme here.