ACTF News

Little Lunch: The Nightmare Before Graduation explores the missed feelings students face when their primary schooling draws to a close. When this episode recently won the NHK Japan Prize for primary-aged students, judge Brett Pierce described it as “practically perfect”:

Stocked with interesting characters and edited with perfect comic timing, this is the story of an ensemble of kids who are struggling with the seismic move from [primary] school to high school.

The beauty of this program is that inside of this relatively benign narrative set-up – planning a graduation party – are beautifully rendered stories about social and academic insecurity that are at the core of many pre-teens’ lives.

In the end, common values, overcoming differences, and selflessness rule the day, but in ways that never break stride from the comic, breathless pace of this world that is infused by pre-teen hormones. The match of educational content to narrative format has rarely been so beautifully executed.

The 24-minute episode is available to purchase as a digital download from the ACTF shop for just $3.95.

Much-loved ACTF series Lockie Leonard and Mortified also explore aspects of change, including coping with the transition from being a child to a teenager, the transition to secondary school, and changes in friendships.

Online teaching resources were created to accompany both of these series, including video clips, teaching ideas and student activity sheets. As an end-of-year bonus for ACTF Education subscribers, we are providing complimentary access to these comprehensive websites. Please email us at the following address to receive the password: education@actf.com.au. 

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