Challenge 59 is a dance and film project for KS1 and KS2 teachers and pupils from east London that puts children and young people in charge of actively engaging with physical and emotional health issues within their communities.
The project launches with a teacher’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session on 1 November 2017 at Rich Mix. Schools taking part can thereafter access a Dance & Film Education Resource which equips teachers and their pupils with a 6-week dance scheme packed with fun and easy-to-learn online dances, creative games and tasks around physical and mental wellbeing, as well as a film & storyboard toolkit, aiming to inspire schools to create their very own ‘healthy message’ dance-films.
Participating schools will be challenged to submit a storyboard idea relating to a local health issue. A multi-sector expert panel will crown three schools the winners of a 6-week artist residency with a dance & film team to make their storyboards into broadcast-quality films. Winning films will be screened at Rich Mix in summer 2018 and distributed via national TV broadcast networks.
Schools might decide to use this project further to gain Artsmark Status and Healthy Schools London awards.
To book your place for the teacher CPD taking place on the 1 November 2017 at Rich Mix and to find out more please email info@challenge59.com
or visit eventbrite.co.uk
Teachers attending will be given access to a free substantial dance & film education online resource worth £55.
The project will take place across schools in east London between November 2017 – July 2018
See a documentary of the 2007 pilot project:
Winning films from 2007 can be viewed here: lisamaythomas.co.uk
‘I just hope that this opportunity continues to be opened to other schools, authorities and pupils as it has the potential to have a very positive impact on many lives and communities…the pupils have learnt more than we will really know. Team work skills, speaking and listening, co-operation, healthy eating, the power to change and make a difference, inspiration and added confidence to develop other talents’
Pilot project - Teacher, St. Basil’s Primary School
‘What a wonderful project and a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience film making and develop their creative talents whilst producing a strong health message. Let’s have more!’
Pilot project - Headteacher, Fairfield High School
‘A project like this encourages young people to try out new ideas and to gain knowledge and experience in a new field. At a local and regional level Healthy Schools works to improve emotional, psychological, social and physical health….the project was well designed with clear aims and sustainability. I like that the local partners were invited to view the entries.’
Pilot project - Andrea Tait, Health Promotion Specialist
‘I learnt that dancing can send a message and the way that you move can show your feelings’
Pilot project - Participant
