With schools focusing so heavily on English, maths and science, more creative subjects like film and media studies are easily overlooked and even regarded by many to be "Micky Mouse" subjects. Is this really a fair representation? 

Schools have typically frowned upon film and Media Studies arguing that they are not as educational as maths, English or science or may lower students' chances of gaining places at top universities where more traditional subjects are favoured. 

Whilst film and media may be regarded as less important in schools, the global media and entertainment market is generating approximately £1.5 trillion every year and is continuously expanding. Being part of the digital age means that teenagers are consuming more and more media, with 5 billion YouTube videos watched every day. That means that for many students, these are subject that they can automatically engage with. 

Film especially is an ever adapting artform which has absorbed history and politics to perhaps the same extent that classic literature has. Films directly illustrate the cultural and social standards of the location as well as historical context. Alone, traditional subjects such as history, politics and geography fail to stimulate students to the same extent compared to when they are approached from the context of film. 

The universal enjoyment and appeal of film is also an excellent way to bring the community together. Hatch End High School, in Harrow, has recently launched film club which takes place once a week and aims to screen a wide range of films including ‘Spirited Away’, ‘Amelie’, ‘Breathless’ and ‘Citizen Kane’.  Mr Cole Savidge, the teacher behind it states that "The film club has been curated to increase pupil's cultural capital. The intention is to screen an eclectic range of films (from world cinema to Hollywood), invite guest speakers, give mini presentations on movements of cinema and why the industry is still deeply relevant today." 

A student planning to attend the club commented, “I think that this is something that could benefit other schools and the rest of the community. Everyone loves films so it could be a good way to bring people together and teach people something new.” 

The club has already gained a wide interest from students, providing the perfect balance of creativity, socialisation and education. This clear interest in the subject also helps to develop skills in debate because this is something that young people are passionate about and want to discuss. 

That's not to say that maths, literature or science are not important. Film studies simply adds another dimension to traditional subjects through which theory can be brought to life in an engaging visual form. Even adding elements of film and media into traditional subjects can allow for better student engagement and can boost creativity in the classroom. 

Perhaps it is time that we stop looking at these subjects as negative and instead, utilise them in order to improve young people’s learning and bring communities together.