WHY DOES THIS CENTRE LOVE HORROR?
Actually, it doesn't; it frightens us. But here are our top 10 reasons why it's good for our students:
1) It's cheap to make - horror is notoriously low budget - think of Paranormal Activity or The Blair Witch Project
2) Casting is not a problem- 6th formers are the perfect age to act in the genre, so the products end up looking real
3) Theory behind the genre is really interesting, ranging from Creed's psychoanalytical approach, where she suggests the slasher represents "castration anxiety," to the history of horror representing the history of human fears from the invasion narratives of the 50s to horror in your back-yard following America's percieved defeat during the Vietnam War
4) Texts are easily accessible; including the historic ones. Often not the case with other genre study. As a result, all students make good progress and achieve high grades
5) The genre offers a rich diversity of choice with numerous sub-genres. From sultry vampires to dribbling zombies, mad wielding axe-men to possessed girlfriends, there is something for every-one
6) Students can be highly creative and imaginative in approach, from nightmare sequences, homage, intertextuality and pastiche to creating fake blood and their own special effects (see below)
7) The nature of the genre enables troubled teenagers to work through their issues in a positive and supportive environment. Imagined and created violence is much healthier than the real thing. Plus there is a built in "cool" factor and sense of irreverence in studying the genre which appeals to rebellious teens
8) Horror provides great opportunities for extra-curricular activities, e.g. this centre's legendary Sponsoredhorrormovieathon, the haunted 6th form school ghost walk, Santa's Sick Sack....(see below)
9) Much good horror is rated 15; no awkward conversations with parents to worry about. In fact, this course ENGAGES parents - they often star in coursework - and we have excellent attendance by parents at our CAFTAs (Churchdown Academy of Film and Television Awards) who are always proud that their kids have created something that invariably is A grade at A Level (see below)
10) Our students tell us it's fun
Actually, it doesn't; it frightens us. But here are our top 10 reasons why it's good for our students:
1) It's cheap to make - horror is notoriously low budget - think of Paranormal Activity or The Blair Witch Project
2) Casting is not a problem- 6th formers are the perfect age to act in the genre, so the products end up looking real
3) Theory behind the genre is really interesting, ranging from Creed's psychoanalytical approach, where she suggests the slasher represents "castration anxiety," to the history of horror representing the history of human fears from the invasion narratives of the 50s to horror in your back-yard following America's percieved defeat during the Vietnam War
4) Texts are easily accessible; including the historic ones. Often not the case with other genre study. As a result, all students make good progress and achieve high grades
5) The genre offers a rich diversity of choice with numerous sub-genres. From sultry vampires to dribbling zombies, mad wielding axe-men to possessed girlfriends, there is something for every-one
6) Students can be highly creative and imaginative in approach, from nightmare sequences, homage, intertextuality and pastiche to creating fake blood and their own special effects (see below)
7) The nature of the genre enables troubled teenagers to work through their issues in a positive and supportive environment. Imagined and created violence is much healthier than the real thing. Plus there is a built in "cool" factor and sense of irreverence in studying the genre which appeals to rebellious teens
8) Horror provides great opportunities for extra-curricular activities, e.g. this centre's legendary Sponsoredhorrormovieathon, the haunted 6th form school ghost walk, Santa's Sick Sack....(see below)
9) Much good horror is rated 15; no awkward conversations with parents to worry about. In fact, this course ENGAGES parents - they often star in coursework - and we have excellent attendance by parents at our CAFTAs (Churchdown Academy of Film and Television Awards) who are always proud that their kids have created something that invariably is A grade at A Level (see below)
10) Our students tell us it's fun