Wokingham

A four-minute film tackling the issues of cyber-bullying has put Southfield School’s name up in lights after they scooped first prize - a visit to Pinewood Studios - in Wokingham Borough Council’s Anti-Bullying Week competition.

The Wokingham students were asked to create a short film about the issues of cyber-bullying. Six drama students from Southfield School came up with the ideas for their short film including characters, locations and narrative. The students starred in the film, playing key characters and improvised the script whilst they filmed for over two hours in locations around the school including the headmaster’s office, playground, a student’s bedroom, and kitchen.

Wokingham Drama teacher Zara Wright said: “The students worked well as a team to create this short film. Drama was only introduced into the curriculum last year, so this is a fairly new subject for them to study. Drama is a very important subject as it allows them to express their feelings in a creative way. Students very much led this film from the start by developing the key characters, improvising the script and agreeing locations. They have been so enthusiastic and winning this competition is a huge achievement for them.”

With over two hours of footage, students worked with staff to cut the film down to four minutes, and it was edited by using state-of-the-art software, which they use in their IT lessons. They also added graphics and music before designing their own DVD cover using Photoshop.

Southfield’s film was showcased at the borough council’s anti-bullying event held in November, which was attended by over 80 students from schools across the Wokingham Borough. Many of the schools at the event have indicated they would like to use this DVD as a tool to raise awareness about cyber-bullying.

Nick Harvey, assistant principal, at Southfield School, said: “This was an exciting project for the school to be involved with. We have been approached by a number schools and organisations that are keen to use our DVD as a learning tool and we are very proud of this achievement. We are very much looking forward to taking the whole school to Pinewood Studios this term.”

Throughout Anti-Bullying Week Southfield students took part in a host of interactive activities. They designed anti-bullying logos which were printed on t-shirts for them to take home and an art competition was held. Students also took part in an electronic competition based on the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ game show and all questions were based on anti-bullying messages.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “This short film is a fine example of some of the creative work that is happening at Southfield School. I am impressed by their short film and they are much deserved winners of the competition. They should be very proud of their achievements and I send them my warmest congratulations.

“Anti-Bullying Week shone a light on cyber-bullying, and sent a clear message that it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools and local communities. Sometimes cyber-bullying is not taken as seriously as other forms of more traditional bullying as the perpetrator may be anonymous. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t cause upset or harm to children and young people. I am pleased to see the students at Southfield School have taken such an interest in raising awareness about the effects of cyber-bullying. I hope that many other schools in the borough will use this as a learning tool in the classroom.”

Wokingham Borough Council