Pupils at RSD are enjoying a new extra-curricular activity offered on Friday lunchtimes in H24 with Mrs White.

Language learning in the classroom can sometimes be difficult and but no-one can deny that watching films brings about a whole new way for us to experience the languages we study in school. Foreign Film Club (FFC) is an opportunity for all pupils, regardless of age or ability, to come along and eat their lunch whilst enjoying watching movies of French and/or Spanish origin.

Attending FFC can achieve a wide range of benefits, from boosting self-confidence and literacy to improving social and personal development. There are over 50 pupils attending the club in RSD and they have the opportunity not only to take advantage of these benefits but they are also able to explore new concepts, to learn about different cultures, how they work, how they sound, how they differ from ours and ultimately they have an opportunity to see, think, make and imagine for themselves.

We have started with the beautiful and heart-warming French film, Les Choristes (subtitled in English). It tells the story of a French boarding school for ‘difficult’ boys in the 1940s. Under the ruthless leadership of their Headmaster, Rachin, the story allows us to learn more about the boys, their difficulties, their personalities and their relationships. We learn that even in a school named ‘Rock Bottom’ (Fond de l’Étang) one of their most important relationships is the one that the boys build with their new teacher, Clément Mattieu, who single-handedly manages to change the history of the school….and the boys’ lives to boot. It is a captivating story – the FFC attendees have been enthralled from the very beginning!

In the New Year we will be showing our first Spanish film – you don’t have to be learning Spanish in the classroom to come along, everyone is welcome! We show each film in 30 minute instalments allowing anyone who does not have a packed lunch to go to the canteen for food. Don’t forget that there will be free popcorn to add to the fun! Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting!

Foreign Film Club, H24, Friday 1-1.30pm