An observational film, shot by a child and edited in partnership with an adult introduces the subject in an experiential form. Three more examples of observational films and one example of a television documentary series are then introduced and described. Links to view extracts are provided. These examples help to set out characteristics of an observational style of camera work and editing with a focus on children and schools. An outline of the history of observational filmmaking together with theoretical commentaries provide an academic context. The contested nature of narrative, documentary, participation, Direct Cinema and Cinéma Vérité are broached in relation to the observational style.