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Responsible Citizens

Curriculum for Excellence aims to enable all young people to become responsible citizens with:

  • respect for others
  • commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life

By analysing, discussing, exploring and creating screen texts, teachers can encourage mature thinking and a sense of moral understanding:

  • developing knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it
  • understanding different beliefs and cultures
  • making informed choices and decisions
  • evaluating environmental, scientific and technological issues
  • developing informed, ethical views of complex issues

understanding different beliefs and cultures

Through a range of carefully chosen films and film clips, pupils have the opportunity to experience cultures and social groups that they may not otherwise be exposed to. This can give pupils an increased awareness of other cultures and encourages an exploration of differences from their own way of life.

During film analysis discussions, children can recognise differences between cultures, and acknowledged that these differences are not a matter of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ – each set of values is different but equally valid.

making informed choices and decisions

Throughout the filmmaking process pupils have to make decisions, deal with the consequences of the choices they make, and learn from any mistakes.

Pupils should also be aware of music copyright issues. They are required to decide whether to compose their own soundtrack music or write to the agencies involved to obtain copyright clearance.

Key activities

  • ‘Piggy-backing’ ideas in discussion work.
  • Democratic decisions and accepting majority votes.
  • Electing and acknowledging film roles.
  • Voting for voices and artwork based on the greater good of the film and not on friendship.