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English

“We must contemplate the import of ignoring the printed word. If you cannot read, you can do only what you are told.” Joseph P. Bean

OVERVIEW

Students will consider the role of authorial intent, form and purpose in the construction of texts. Through the analysis of the autobiography, The Happiest Refugee, students will explore themes such as resilience, the diaspora, the role of reminiscence, human adversity, cultural differences and the challenges encountered in assimilating into a new culture. Such analysis will invite students to examine ethical dilemmas from a Christian perspective, prompting them to consider Christ’s heart for the lost and marginalised. Furthermore, students will learn to analyse political cartoons with reference to context and audience as well as building up their metalanguage of persuasive devices employed by cartoonists in Political Cartoons. Finally, students will study what an argument is and how one is constructed. This is intended to equip students to begin critically analysing the written arguments of others. Year 9 continues with an introduction to the world of the bard, William Shakespeare. This unit of work focusses on the intricacy of human nature and facets of Shakespeare’s techniques and features such as iambic pentameter, sonnets and blank verse. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is studied in detail with a focus on differentiating between wise from unwise choices and understanding what underpins them. The text is particularly rich for generating discussion about God-honouring relationships and dating practices as well as the harrowing reality of youth suicide. The final unit of work will focus on an analysis of short, comic Pixar films and on developing fundamental skills needed for film analysis. The unit will culminate in discussions of the higher-order themes and issues that the Pixar films raise such as the harsh reality of bullying, the need for care and concern for others and intergenerational communication.

SUBJECT LENGTH

  • 9 periods per fortnight

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Political Cartoon Analysis
  • Analysis of Argument
  • Oral presentations – formal and informal
  • Analytical Text Responses
  • Pixar Shorts

PREREQUISITES

  • Booklist Items

ASSESSMENT

  • Coursework: Classwork, assessments and homework (70%)
  • School based assessment: Examinations (30%)

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving them meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” Nehemiah 8:8