Students wow judges with powerful film about discrimination

A student-led film exploring the powerful theme of discrimination in their home town has been praised in a national competition.

Students from St Helena School was named a finalist in the Dora Love Prize after producing a 25-minute film called ‘The Importance of Knowing’.

The film included interviews with a number of local groups and people from different backgrounds talking to them about discrimination, both in person and online.

Humanities teacher, Jess Girling, said: “The video created by our students is a fantastic example of everything St Helena School represents.

“It beautifully captures our core values. We strive to be an inclusive place where every single person feels genuinely welcome and valued. That sense of belonging is paramount to us.

“Furthermore, the video highlights another crucial aspect of our commitment - ensuring that everyone knows exactly where to go and who to speak to if they ever face discrimination. We want to empower our community to seek support and address any challenges they might encounter.

“This video is a testament to the spirit of our students and the welcoming environment we are dedicated to fostering here at St Helena School.”

It is not the first time St Helena has achieved success in the competition after winning it in 2024.

This year, they chose to produce a film around all the dedicated work that goes on in Colchester to combat hate and discrimination.

Students interviewed a number of local people and the school held a Cultural Week which included a cultural bake-off and students producing a mural around what they think of diversity.

Jess added: “It has been a great project to be part of and the documentary was a perfect way of shining a light on all the different work and services that take place in our town.”

The Dora Love Prize is named after a Jewish Holocaust survivor from Lithuania, who settled in Colchester and worked to promote tolerance and understanding.

To find out more about the Dora Love Prize and how your school can enter, please visit https://thedoraloveprize.org.