First Light Awards Excitement

The short film 'Time Report' is one of the nominees for Best Film by Under 12s at the First Light Awards 2013. It is a creation of the children from Perryfields Junior School in Chelmsford, made with the support of Signals Media Arts Centre and the professional filmmakers Emma Curtis and Jane Gull.

Young talents who took part in the First Light projects aiming at people from disadvantaged background will have the chance to receive a recognition by the film industry and a platform to showcase their work.

The ceremony this year is in The ODEON, Leicester Square, London on 19th March. Every year it is attended by prominent people from the film industry and celebrities. Judges include Matt Smith, Martin Freeman and Sir Alan Parker.

'Time Report' is a great illustration of the children's talent, hard-work and creativity. The film offers an interesting look at global warming and is a combination of the young filmmakers' interests in environment and time travel. 

This is Jacob amazed at the UBC television studio gallery. 

“The Young Filmmakers created and preformed interesting characters, props and costumes were made during lunch time sessions. This film really expresses the group creativity. They worked very hard to achieve a complex film and there are some truly lovely moments in it.”

Lisa Wright Signals Education Co-ordinator and project Tutor

This project was Supported by First Light & the Earnest Cook Trust.

Video games - harming the children - A MYTH!

There is a general opinion that video games have negative effect on children. Some people claim that they make children obese and violent. But is that really true? First of all putting all video games in one box is certainly wrong. Although there are games that consist violence, there are many with non-violent content.

In a recent study by the Education Development Centre, they found out that video games can actually improve literacy skills in young children. The Federation of American Scientists says "the success of complex video games demonstrates that games can teach higher-order thinking skills such as strategic thinking, interpretative analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, and adaption to rapid change". A study conducted by the McGill University's Department of Psychology proves that when completing a difficult puzzle or a getting through a hard maze, the child's confidence boosts.

It seems that video games are not bad at all! This is why on February, 18, Signals is offering a fun and practical game making workshop! The participants will have the chance to create their own characters and game environment, and then build their own video game on a user-friendly software. It is a great way to develop new skills while having fun!