EDUCATION
EDUCATION AT HOME
HOW WATCHING SELMA , THE SOCIAL DILEMMA OR THE HANDMAID ' S TALE CAN SUPPORT LEARNING AND KEEP STUDENTS ENGAGED IN DOWNTIME . BY BERTIE HUBBARD , CO-FOUNDER , MYTUTOR
Whether long summer holidays , half term refreshes or simply weekend headspace , teens look forward to much needed breaks . While unwinding is important , long periods off can set teens back a few steps when they return to school . Taken from leading EdTech platform MyTutor ’ s list of top list of top films and TV shows that can help wider learning , here is insideKENT ’ s top picks for light learning away from the textbooks :
1 . Breaking Boundaries : The Science of Our Planet Available on : Netflix What ? Docu-film Relevant to : Geography
The Science of Our Planet is a riveting docu-film that discusses the impact of global warming on our planet and what we as humans can do to improve the crisis . For aspiring GCSE and A Level Geography students who have a keen interest in physical geography and the environment , this show offers a great insight into what ’ s happening across the world in a fascinating way- so learning doesn ’ t feel like a chore ( hooray !). Also , who doesn ’ t love the soothing dulcet tones of David Attenborough ?
2 . Money Heist Available on : Netflix What ? 4-part series Relevant to : Spanish
A mysterious , highly intelligent man recruits a group of 8 criminals to carry out an extreme money heist in the Royal Mint of Spain . As a highly talked about series , not only does this show have a whirlwind of plot twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat in nearly every episode , it ’ s a great way to practice your Spanish by leaving the original audio on . As you ’ re likely to get hooked into the storyline in no time , you may start to pick up phrases and get an understanding of how words are pronounced , helping with both the speaking and listening aspects of GCSE Spanish . If you want to challenge yourself further , why not put the subtitles in Spanish too !
3 . Human : The World Within Available on : Netflix What ? Docu-series Relevant to : Biology
This docu-series discusses what goes on within the human body in a captivating way . Discussing things such as our different types of organs , muscles and why we feel the way we do in certain situations . With 6 episodes in total exploring aspects of the human body such as the brain , our immune system and our different senses , this may appeal to Biology students who also will explore some of these areas in their core modules .
4 . The Handmaid ’ s Tale Available on : Amazon Prime and 4oD What ? Drama series Relevant to : English Literature
A television adaption of the best-selling , highly acclaimed novel by Margaret Atwood , The Handmaid ’ s Tale is a drama series about a dystopian society set in what was previously the USA but in the future . The plot centres around the fertility crisis in the area and the women who have to withstand this patriarchal community . Not only has the show won many awards for how great it is , the topic of Dystopia is one in section 2 of OCR A-Level English Literature – comparative and contextual study – and the original novel is actually a key text in this area . Why not watch the series to get your brain versed in the main themes of the book and to see things from a different perspective ?
5 . The Apprentice Available on : BBC iPlayer What ? Television series Relevant to : Business Studies
The Apprentice is a long running , business-focused reality show where a number of aspiring entrepreneurs battle it out in a range of different tasks in order to win a large sum of money for their own business venture and a partnership with highly established businessman , Lord Alan Sugar . What ’ s good about this show is that each task the contestants take part in are real business situations such as creating an advertising campaign and designing and pricing their own products . Those choosing to study A Level Business will probably find this super useful as not only as the show touches on areas in the course such as leadership and decision making .
6 . Call My Agent Available on : Netflix What ? 4-part comedy / drama series Relevant to : French
Call My Agent is a lighthearted , comical series about colleagues in one of the top talent agencies in Paris and the lengths they go to keep their celebrity clients happy . The show is a huge hit in France where it is based , with millions of viewers watching each episode that airs . It has been defined as one of the most popular French television shows amongst French teachers and learners due to how hilarious and enjoyable it is to watch .
7 . The Social Dilemma Available on : Netflix What ? Docu-drama Relevant : Computer Science
For our aspiring , tech minded , computer science teens , The Social Dilemma is an exciting watch- focussing on the impact of social media and how technology connects us but also can have a certain amount of control over us ( creepy right ?). One of the core modules in GCSE Computer Science is fundamentals of algorithms and in A Level the fundamentals of communication and networking and impacts of digital technology on wider society , including issues of privacy so some parts of this documentary can really provide more understanding on the whole .
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