Release of The Unseen March
New film questions growing militatisation in schools
The increasing influence of the military in schools is questioned in The Unseen March, a new film developed by Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) on behalf of Britain Yearly Meeting.
The five-minute film features interviews with activists such as actor Mark Thomas; former paratrooper and founder of Veterans for Peace UK, Ben Griffin; school principal Chris Gabbett; and politician Clare Short (see photo).
The interviewees question a government strategy that has seen the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education collaborate on ‘military ethos’ projects, which have cost some £45 million since 2011.
Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, says: ‘So-called “military values”, such as leadership, discipline and motivation should no doubt play their part in today’s schools but not at the expense of listening skills, nonviolent resolution of conflict, mediation and respect for difference.’
Britain Yearly Meeting hopes that the film will ‘awaken a national debate’ on the role of the military in education.
The Unseen March was released on 23 June, to coincide with the run-up to Armed Forces Day, which is to take place on 27 June.
It was made by Speak-it films, who have produced documentaries such as Black Gold and When China Met Africa.
Comments
It would have been helpful if the website where the film can be viewed had been included in this article
By trouble on 27th June 2015 - 9:45
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