Maths and film don’t seem the most obvious combination, but Real Time has used video and digital technology to develop a creative approach to teaching maths in two schools.

At Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School in Reading, Real Time worked with Key Stage 4 students to explore how maths concepts and problems could be represented on film. At Ranelagh School in Bracknell, students from three year groups worked alongside students from Whitegrove Primary School to make films exploring and explaining fractions.

Real Time used video and digital technology with students to explore mathematical concepts and the impact they have on the real world. Video’s instant replay and ability to provide a questioning viewpoint means it is well suited to research and analysis.

Clearly maths can be used to define and examine artistic concepts, from the rule of thirds and the golden section through to compression rates and computer-based music composition, mathematics is integral to artistic expression.

A hands-on approach was used to engage the students; using video in this way provided students with the tools and structure to explore their environment, ask questions, seek solutions and then present their findings coherently to others. It provided an excellent way of processing information.

In both projects students used video to develop a wide range of content including:

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• creative interpretation of mathematic concepts using multimedia, graphics, text and animation as well as live action

• personal views on mathematics from students and staff

• research and examination of mathematics impact on the world

• exploration of how maths can be understood using visual, audio and time-based media.
   

Through script development sessions with Real Time, the Ranelagh students developed a super hero character, ‘Super Fraction Man’, and a birthday scenario to bring to life real-world maths problems to their young audience.

 

A DVD with supporting information and teachers’ pack was produced and made available to all primary schools in Bracknell.

At both schools, Real Time worked alongside teachers and other school staff to plan and deliver a creative project that met curricular and learning needs. Students accessed new skills and the school was provided with an insight into how digital media and creative technology can be utilized across subject areas. The projects were delivered in partnership with teaching staff so that best practice was shared and successful strategies embedded in the school curriculum.

Screenings took place to celebrate the young peoples’ achievements and the Blessed Hugh Faringdon films were screened as part of Real Time’s Open Screen exhibition programme for young people.

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