Now in its ninth year, National Schools Film Week is firmly established in the school calendar. Sponsored by Film Education, the event aims to support the use of film in the curriculum. More than 900 screenings will take place in more than 230 UK locations. Many will be accompanied by an introduction or post-screening event.

From October 7-15 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and October 25-29 in Scotland, students aged five to 18 can benefit from a selection of previews, popular and classic films. Highlights include several exclusive previews, such as Bride and Prejudice, Finding Neverland, The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement and The Manchurian Candidate.

Schools will also be able to attend celebrity question-and-answer sessions featuring high-profile film-makers, such as Danny Boyle, director of 28 Days Later (2002) and Trainspotting (1996), and Gurinder Chadha director of Bend It Like Beckham (2002).

The art of film writing will be the subject under discussion at the “meet the critics” forums with local film critics from around the UK. A number of film competitions will be running, including The Times Educational supplement Young Film Critic of the Year 2004, the Animation Classroom Display, and Myths and Legends Character Creation. Free teaching resources are also available.

Ticket information: Tel:020 7439 4880

* To find out more about screenings, events, competitions and to download free teaching resources: www.nsfw.org

* Full details of The TESYoung Film Critic of the Year competition in next week’s TESTeacher

The Times bfi 47th London Film Festival

London Schools can enjoy a double dose of the big screen with The Times bfi London Film Festival, which runs from October 20 to November 4. Events include free morning screenings, workshops, seminars and question-and-answer sessions with screenwriters, editors and actors. Pupils from KS2 to A-level have been catered for and resources for all free screenings will be available. An intensive study day for teachers of film and media will also be run during half-term.

* For information on school events, tel:020 7815 1392.

* For full details of the festival: www.lff.org.uk