Year 5 Engages in The One and Only Ivan: Exploring Theme and Characterisation Literature and Film

This term, Year 5 students embarked on a unique learning journey with The One and Only Ivan, a powerful novel by Katherine Applegate. This story, inspired by the true tale of a captive gorilla, Ivan, captivates readers with its themes of empathy, resilience, and the importance of animal rights and conservation. Through both the novel and its film adaptation, students have had the opportunity to delve into the rich narrative, engaging critically with the material to deepen their understanding of these meaningful themes.

In reading the novel, students explored the perspectives of Ivan and his animal companions, experiencing life from the point of view of creatures who long for freedom and kindness. The novel’s heartwarming yet challenging messages allowed students to discuss the complexities of captivity and the value of friendship and hope. As part of our classroom discussions, students shared their thoughts on Ivan's journey, developing skills in empathy and self-reflection as they connected Ivan’s story to broader questions about the treatment of animals and the role of zoos.

To further enrich this experience, Year 5 students also watched The One and Only Ivan movie, which brought Ivan’s story to life on screen. This adaptation offered a fresh perspective, giving students a chance to compare and contrast how the themes, characters, and messages were portrayed in film versus in print.

Here are some reflections from students:

5B

Delilah: "I enjoyed the book and found it entertaining."

Lamara: "I enjoyed the movie because it was interesting and I found the characters' personalities interesting."

Harrison: "I enjoyed the back story of Ivan, being based on a true story."

5M

Evie: "I enjoyed the book because I was curious to see how the story unfolded."

Brock: "I found the story intriuging because it kept you on your toes and you didn't know what would happen next."

Angie: " I enjoyed the movie because it had an emotional impact when they broke out of the mall but then got recaptured."

5Y

Sophie: "I found both the book and the movie really good because I loved the characters who were all very different, and the themes."

Charlie: "I liked how the animals had a connection with the humans through art."

Sarah: "I liked reading the book because the friendships in the story were lovely to learn about."

Year 2