Frequently asked questions
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How do I get started?
- Look at the list of films on offer
- Choose 3 (or 6 or 9) titles;
- List the titles you want and, using the Paypal link, make your payment of £25 for each pack of 3.
- Once payment has been received, the teaching & learning materials are sent to you – normally within 48 hours.
To prepare your lesson/lecture/seminar/virtual session:
- Decide which film you’d like to show first
- Buy or download the film itself from the internet (free or at a small cost)
- Look at the teaching materials I have provided for that film
- Photocopy the question-sheet for your students (or show it to them in another way)
In the classroom (or on the virtual platform you are using):
- Briefly introduce, then show the film (or ask the students to view the film in advance of the class) – and decide whether the sub-titles are needed or not
- Give the students time to think about the questions on the worksheet
- Encourage discussion of these questions in pairs or groups
- Use the Teacher’s Materials for ideas leading to enjoyable discussion and activities
- Make use of all the suggested answers, as well as the further information and activities given in the Teaching Pack
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Why aren’t the films provided as well?
Because it is very easy either to buy DVDs of these films (quite cheaply) or to download the films from the internet – often for free.
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Why can’t I find any of the films I like?
Perhaps your favourite films are not British. This website is dedicated to British* films, that is films made in Britain and starring – mainly – British actors. Why not buy a package of three and see if you and your students like any of them? If you prefer American films, this website may not be for you!
* The website also contains two Irish films -
I’ve never heard of any of the films on this website
Even if you have not heard of them, I’m sure you’ll find something you like from my selection. With a little research you might find one of the films will suit you and your class. The films I’ve chosen are well-known to film fans, have all received very positive reviews from the critics and have proved popular with the wider public.
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The films are too difficult to understand
For each film you will see that I have provided a list of the more difficult vocabulary (including slang) so that, if you wish, you can go through the list (or parts of it) with your students before showing the film. This should help them to enjoy the film with more understanding – and you will not have to keep stopping the film to explain vocabulary items. Also remember to switch on the English sub-titles when you (or your students) play the film, if you think your students would appreciate this kind of help!. It’s not important to understand every word in order to enjoy the film.
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You haven’t included my favourite British film!
Please be patient – it takes a while to research each film and to plan the questions and activities which accompany it. I add a new film as often as I can: if your favourite British film is not yet here, then please email me (richard@teachbritishfilms.com) and I will certainly consider including it on the website in future.
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Do you have any sample teaching materials?
Yes! Before you decide to purchase a pack of film materials, you might wish to see a little of what they look like. The full materials consist of:
- introductory notes on the film,
- a set of 10-12 questions,
- a list of the more difficult vocabulary (sometimes a long list!),
- a separate set of the questions with detailed answers,
- other interesting facts about the director, the actors, and the making of the film,
- some critics’ views of the film,
- 3 or 4 suggested activities for students to work on after showing the film. Here is the link to a small sample of the materials from 4 of the films: https://www.teachbritishfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sample-Material.pdf