We hear all the time about the YouTube Generation (I guess it sounds better than Generation X) and while we may not be quite there with the techno-know-how, companies are making amazing software to make things easy for reluctant learners (that’s many of us, by the way). Enter Moviestorm which is software for creating animated movies. The programme comes with a range of film-making tools that can help with all areas of theatre and film production from set design to editing. Moviestorm MD Andrew Kennedy told us: ‘We have deliberately created something that requires no animation or artist skills, so both students and teachers have a new medium for creativity.’ That’s music to our ears. Why not have a go for free? For details visit education@moviestorm.co.uk
In the week that we write, the BBC has announced it is slashing jobs from its behemoth of a website. Maybe small really is beautiful, which is why we point you to C4’s super Clipbank which is full of short, sharp wonderful clips and resources using a variety of sources from films to television. There are also handy lesson plans – you never know, you might just need them one day. Follow the links once you get to http://clipbank.channel4learning.com.
Shakespeare in Bits takes a multimedia approach to the Bard with a web-based programme that brings alive Shakespeare’s plays. The programme allows users to watch a comic book version of the play, alongside the original text, with unfamiliar words highlighted – for explanation just click. There is a variety of ways you can use them in the classroom. The designs are similar to the Shakespeare Comic Book series (the two companies are unrelated) – stylized but vibrant so may well be familiar to users. Check out the website at www.shakespeareinbits.com. For further details on the Shakespeare Comic Book series visit
www.shakespearecomicbooks.co.uk.
Winchester Theatre Royal, like many around the land, runs one-off workshops. But this one about stage combat caught our eye. Learn how to break bones, pull hair, and strangle each other – without any of the pain! This workshop will teach participants about the world of stage combat, a world where each move is more painful looking than the last, but where everyone can walk home at the end. The workshop (on April 11, in the Easter hols) costs £25 and can be booked on 01962 840440 or online at www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk.
Put those presentation skills lessons to practical use by entering your superstar communicators into the Best Young Presenter Award. Entrants need to produce a short presentation on a topic of their choice – anything from football to global warming. For details on how to download the required software, visit
www.bestyoungpresenter.net, where you can find all competition details. There are three age categories but the ones you’ll be interested in are 11-13 then 14-16. Prizes include iPods and goodies for the school – and of course, think of the glory!
It’s time to book your rail/bus/coach ticket to Birmingham for the Education Show. The Ink Pellet team of Laura and Lesley will be there, collecting goodies (ahem, information) about the latest gadgets and inventions for teachers in all disciplines. The show is at the NEC Birmingham and includes a comprehensive programme of workshops and seminars so if you can sneak off, we might see you wandering! For further information of all events visit www.education-show.com.
Oxford’s Creation Theatre Company is marking the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible with Tales from King James – a typically colourful and quirky performance of the Bible’s ‘best bits’! It will tell well known stories in a new way using both modern and Jacobean language. Helen Tennison will direct a company of two actors – Tom Peters, pictured, and Raewynn Lippert. The event takes place at New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square, Oxford 13 May – 11 June. Box office 01865 766266 or online at www.creationtheatre.co.uk
Image: Tom Peters in Creation Theatre Company’s Tales from King James