In Term 1 of Year 8, we introduce the students to Soap Operas and the students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding by creating their own soap.
This unit includes producing their own theme tune for the opening sequence in Garage Band; creating a moving image opening sequence to accompany the theme tune using iMovie (this is done using a still image bank created before the start of the unit by the class teacher).
This image bank is easy to create, it takes one adult to take a series of location shots on a digital camera to allow the opening sequence to show the outlying area and the audience’s entrance to the main set: an estate, for instance. Students are also required to create archetype photos of a new family they will be introducing to an existing soap such as Eastenders.
Students could also script a radio interview between a DJ and new or existing character. They might be asked to write a storyline and initial plot sequence. This could be ‘mocked-up’ as a storyboard before tasking the students. It generally takes 3-4 weeks for students to get the hang of iMovie, with a good level of access to ICT.
During Year 8 students are expected to focus on skills such as learning to analyse and interpret information; write basic essays; develop editing skills they were introduced to in Year 7. Year 8 is also a time...
