Preparing for Festival

Year Level

Year 6

Time

45 minutes

Class Size

30 students

Unit

Lights, Camera, Action! Lesson 5 of 5

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Finalise their short films incorporating learned media arts skills.
• Understand and apply the submission criteria for the Filmby Festival, including technical and content guidelines.
• Develop strategies for presenting and promoting their films to an audience.

These objectives align with the following NSW Curriculum Media Arts outcomes for Year 6:

• AC9M6MA02: Plan and refine media artworks for specific purposes and audiences.
• AC9M6MA04: Use media languages, production processes, and technologies to create and present media artworks.
• AC9M6MA05: Respond to and present media artworks for audiences using appropriate media contexts and conventions.

This lesson supports the development of skills in creating and communicating ideas through media arts as identified in the NSW Curriculum for The Arts – Media Arts for Stage 3 (Years 5–6).

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Curriculum Links

The Arts: Media Arts (Years 5-6) Students develop technical and creative skills in producing media artworks, considering purpose, audience, context, and conventions. Submission to a festival introduces real-world application and audience awareness.

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Resources Required

• Computers/tablets with video editing software
• Completed film clips from students’ projects
• Handout of Filmby Festival submission criteria (prepared by teacher) – covers format, length, content, naming conventions, permission requirements
• Projector or large screen for class viewing
• Rubric/checklist for presentation and promotion elements
• Whiteboard and markers
• Paper and pens for note-taking and brainstorming

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and Review (5 minutes)

• Recap the unit’s purpose and students' journey creating their films.
• Briefly introduce the Filmby Festival — what it is, why it matters, and how submissions can gain audience and recognition.
• State today’s goal: Finalise films, understand submission rules, and prepare to present and promote their films.

2. Finalising Films (15 minutes)

• Students spend focused time completing editing their films, checking for continuity, sound quality, titles, credits, and adherence to content guidelines (age-appropriate, respect copyright etc).
• Circulate to provide support and feedback.
• Encourage peer feedback in pairs focusing on a key question: “Does your film clearly communicate your intended message?”
• Remind students to save their work in the correct format and filename according to festival instructions.

3. Understanding Submission Criteria (8 minutes)

• Teacher distributes and goes through Filmby Festival submission handout, highlighting key elements:
• Film length limits
• File format requirements
• Content restrictions (e.g., no offensive content)
• Required permissions (using music, actors)
• Deadline for submission
• Quick Q&A session to clarify any doubts.
• Students mark their checklist confirming their film meets criteria.

4. Presentation and Promotion Discussion (10 minutes)

• Brainstorm with the class: How can they present their films to an audience? Discuss options:
• School screenings
• Creating promotional posters or trailers
• Using social media responsibly to promote
• Speaking confidently about their film’s message and process
• Write suggestions on whiteboard.
• Introduce simple promotional planning: Prepare a short verbal pitch about their film’s story and why people should watch it.
• In small groups, students practice pitching their films to each other using the rubric which includes clarity, enthusiasm, and connection to the audience.

5. Conclusion and Next Steps (7 minutes)

• Recap key learning points: finalising films, submitting correctly, presenting and promoting work.
• Introduce any plans for the school screening or next unit.
• Encourage students to reflect on what they learned about media arts and the creative process.
• Assign a brief reflection for homework: Write or draw about what they found most exciting about creating their film and what they would like to explore next.

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Assessment

Formative:

• Observation of students finalising films and obeying submission criteria.
• Peer feedback during editing phase focuses on communication clarity.
• Participation in presentation pitch practice with peer and teacher feedback.
• Completion of submission checklist to confirm understanding of criteria.

Summative (Optional):

• Final film submission meeting festival criteria.
• Student reflection piece demonstrating understanding of the media arts creation and submission process.

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Differentiation

• Provide technical support or simplified editing tools for students needing assistance.
• Allow verbal or visual reflection options to suit diverse learning needs.
• Encourage collaboration between students with varying skill levels for peer assistance.

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Safety and Inclusion

• Ensure use of media technology is supervised.
• Promote respectful language during peer critiques and presentations.
• Accommodate varied learning preferences and support for EAL/D or students with additional needs.

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This lesson plan not only aligns well with the key learning areas and standards for Year 6 in NSW but also creates an authentic, engaging experience culminating in real-world media arts participation. It encourages creativity, technical skill, and communication — essential 21st-century skills. The inclusion of peer and self-reflection, alongside festival submission, offers multiple dimensions of learning and assessment within a 45-minute timeframe.