Grade 7 Beyond the Mirror Film Festival

Recently, our Grade 7 students embarked on an inspiring journey of self-discovery through an Inquiry-Based Unit that asked a profound question: “What makes me, me? How do the people, places, and events shape who I am and how I view the world?” With curiosity and courage, each student set out to explore her own identity, delving into her past, her influences and her dreams for the future.

The journey was woven through every subject. In English, the girls crafted “Woman of the Future” poems, expressing the unique qualities, hopes and strengths that define them. History lessons became a stage for storytelling, as each student produced a podcast about a remarkable woman from the past who shaped her perspective of the world. Geography classes offered a chance to examine the concept of generations, exploring the ways family traditions and societal changes influence our lives. In Natural Sciences, the girls traced their genealogy, uncovering family stories and connections that reach across time. The exploration of self continued in Additional Languages, where students wrote poems about themselves, celebrating the richness of their cultural backgrounds and the beauty of self-expression in different tongues. Art classes saw the creation of striking lino portraits, each one a visual representation of individuality and spirit. In Design and Technology, the girls designed and created pieces of jewellery that symbolise their identities, values and personal journeys.

All these discoveries and creative expressions came together in the final performance task: to create a documentary about themselves. This was not just a project, but a powerful act of storytelling. Each student became a filmmaker, weaving together poetry, history, science, art and personal reflection to produce a film that captured her essence. The documentaries were as diverse and remarkable as the girls themselves - some were humorous, others deeply moving, all were authentic and brave.

The culmination of this extraordinary process was the “Beyond the Mirror” Film Festival, an evening that sparkled with excitement and pride. Inspired by the glamour of the Oscars, the event transformed the school into a celebration of creativity and achievement. Families, friends and teachers arrived dressed for the occasion, walking a red carpet and gathering to support our young filmmakers. The atmosphere was electric as each documentary premiered on the big screen. Laughter, applause and even a few tears filled the room as the audience glimpsed the world through the eyes of our Grade 7 students.

Beyond the glitz and celebration, the festival was a testament to growth, resilience and the power of the student voice. It was a night that honoured not only the finished films, but the months of learning, deep reflection and collaboration that made them possible. The girls showed us that every story matters, and that our identities are shaped by a beautiful tapestry of people, places, events and experiences.

We are immensely proud of our Grade 7s for their creativity, hard work and willingness to share their stories so openly. Their documentaries remind us all of the importance of looking “beyond the mirror” to truly understand ourselves and each other. Thank you to the dedicated teachers who guided this journey, the families who supported it, and most of all, to our students, whose courage and insight made Beyond the Mirror a night to remember.