Dramatic Media shortlisted for BETT ‘Oscars’

Nov. 28, 2007 - PRLog -- Dramatic Media Ltd have been shortlisted for the prestigious BETT Awards, which honours companies who produce outstanding education sector products and learning solutions.  Entries are judged on strict criteria including design, cost-effectiveness, support of higher order skills and effective learning and teaching styles. The technical criterion focuses on the robustness and resilience of each product, and its accessibility for those with specific needs.

Based at the Knowledge Centre, Wyboston Lakes, Dramatic Media produce innovative interactive software for education and reached the finals in their first entry for the award with their powerful and thought-provoking resource entitled ‘Literacy through Fire Safety Awareness’. A twenty-minute TV style drama forms part of a literacy resource and portrays authentic scenes of a family caught up in a domestic house fire.  The film is accompanied by a 110-page workbook, which contains curriculum-mapped activities for pupils to complete, together with notes and tips for teachers.  

Dramatic Media’s managing director, Julie Laslett explained why the film had proved such a success with their target audience. “Today’s young people are sophisticated consumers of all forms of media and the drama engages them and draws them in.  Students are able to unleash their creative writing skills through an exciting and comprehensive resource which supports reading, writing, speaking and listening, and focuses on the non-fiction units, journalistic, report, argument, formal & explanation.”

“We used professional actors and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service provided the crew of fire fighters.  The scenes are authentic and show fire fighters at work, fighting flames, climbing ladders, smashing windows, rescuing the family and using thermal imaging cameras, which has proved particularly exciting to boys!”  

Founded in 2005, Dramatic Media are truly pioneers in literacy and are unique in providing education resources that combine original film drama with curriculum-mapped activities.  Schools across the country are using the film and workbook.  In Bedfordshire, an initiative is underway using the resource to support and measure boys’ literacy.  So far the feedback is extremely encouraging, as boys seem to be engaged by, and respond particularly well to the authenticity of the drama.

Laslett continued “Everybody has gained from this work; the fire service now have a better insight into the community, and the community have learned valuable and possibly life-saving tips if they are ever unfortunate enough to be in a house fire.  From a literacy point of view, the resource is being extremely well received, and teachers are telling us that they are thoroughly enjoying using a resource that provides such a visually exciting context, which is highly motivational for their pupils.”

The winners will be announced at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London on Wednesday 9th January 2008

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Editor’s notes:

Dramatic Media Ltd is an e-Learning and Teaching Partner of Canterbury
Christ Church University.  Partners of the University are recognised by us for their ongoing commitment to learning and teaching, their reliability and credibility of their support for schools and colleges, and their outstanding commitment to education throughout the UK and beyond.

For further information on Dramatic Media and its directors please visit www.dramaticmedia.net or telephone Julie Laslett M.A.,Adv.Dip Ed.,B.A.on 01480 479251

Website: www.dramaticmedia.net