By Alana Mitchelson
BERWICK Primary is one of nine schools across the state to be named a finalist in a statewide student fire safety film competition.
The Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB) has listed Berwick Primary Class 1F’s group entry as well as an individual entry from Tiana Van Cuylenburg as finalists in its inaugural film competition to coincide with the organisation’s 125th anniversary.
Students from Prep through to Year 10 were invited to create a 30-second film that would appeal to their age group and include a key fire safety message, such as ’Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll’ or ’Get down low and go, go, go’.
Berwick Primary School Class 1F teacher Tarryn Fester said about 20 students collaborated on the class entry.
She said it fit in perfectly with their unit on preparing for different weather conditions and their key concept of ‘responsibility’.
“We talked about responsibility in emergency situations and things that could potentially start a fire. It also got them to think about ways to be safe in fire situations,” Ms Fester said.
“The kids love making movies together as a class. We decided to film the kids reacting to the sound of an alarm by Stop, Drop, Cover and Rolling.
Kids’ fire safety demo in motion.
“They had a lot of fun with it. They’re all aged five or six, and we had some funny bloopers that we watched back after recording.
“When introduced to a topic like safety they can really relate to in their own lives. They’re pretty clued in on the topic and were enthusiastic about talking about safety, role playing scenarios and working together as a class.”
Entries ranged from live action, to animation, computer-generated graphics and stop-motion among other styles.
MFB acting chief Paul Stacchino said he was thrilled at the number of entries and creativity displayed in the short films.
“It’s clear the students worked very hard on these videos,” Mr Stacchino said.
“The finalists have set a very high bar and MFB plans to use these videos in the future to help us spread our fire safety messages to young Victorians.”
The winners will be announced at a presentation on Thursday 16 September at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville where finalists will have the opportunity to view their films on the big screen.
For more information, visit www.studentfiresafetyfilmcomp.com.au.
