The Kirklees Star Awards, a digital video and animation competition for Kirklees primary schools, ran from November 2007 until June 2008. A sparkling Oscars style awards evening was held on 8th July 2008 at the Castle Hill Suite, University of Huddersfield. The awards were attended by 120 people including the winning children, their teachers, parents, event sponsors, the Itcas team, Caroline Gruen, Head of Learning and Jim Dodds, Councillor for Learning. Patrick Stewart OBE, actor and Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, supported the awards and recorded a video to congratulate the children which was shown on the night. The winning schools received a range of fantastic prizes donated by the sponsors, including digital video cameras, online subscriptions and cinema tickets.
Click here to view a video of the awards evening
Pictured above: The awards were presented by sponsors Mike Thompson (Education City), Lorraine Daniels (Espresso), Linda Birr-Pixton (Logotron), Neil Deakin and Simon Briggs (Smarter Solutions); Cllr Jim Dodds and Caroline Gruen, Head of Learning
Click on the links below to view the winning films.
The award winners were:
Foundation Stage Category
Winner: Baa Baa Blacksheep by Birdsedge First School
Runner up: Caterpillar Caterpillar by Scissett First School
Key Stage 1 Category
Winner: Monster Magic by Dryclough Infant School
Runner up: Fire of London by Scissett First School
Key Stage 2 Fiction Category
Winner: Animal Watch by Newsome Junior School
Runner up: The Very Lazy Ladybird by Gomersal First School
Key Stage 2 Non-fiction Category
Winner: A Guide to Water Safety by Marsden Junior School
Runner up: What’s it like to be a Caretaker by Shepley First School
Best Overall Film
Winner: Animal Watch by Newsome Junior School
Resources for Running a Digital Video Project
A digital video project could be run with a class, a club, a school or a group of schools. The project could be run as a competition, or a celebration of the children's work. The resources developed for the Kirklees Star Awards are included here for use by schools. All resources have been created by the Itcas team, and are copyright free. Schools have permission to adapt them as appropriate.
- Timeline - suggested timeline for project planning
- Permission slip
- Entry form
- Certificate template
- Judging form
- Programme
- Oscars trophies (from OnlineTrophies)
- First Light Movies
- Film Street - Resources for children to learn about filmmaking. There is also a teachers section which lists current competitions. Films up to 10 minutes long can be submitted for inclusion on the website.
Funding
Grants are available from the National Lottery for schools to fund filmmaking projects. Schools can apply for a grant from First Light Movies. First Light Movies also organise an annual 'Oscars' competition:
Resources for using Digital Video in Primary Schools