English

Year 7 English

Year 7 students have been studying the text Holes written by Louis Sachar and before Remote and Flexible learning commenced students watched the film. Students have been enjoying unpacking the text and here are a few thoughts from our students below. 

"I am enjoying reading something I wouldn’t usually read because I don’t go for this type of genre, so it’s nice to explore another genre of book." 

"I find the book very interesting. Everyone has a different perspective on Stanley's life and it’s interesting to see which one is correct- if one is correct." 

"It is a really interesting book!"

"I like going through the pages you are studying and analysing different aspects of the book! I like when Stanley and Zero return from running away, because they have become close friends and have the courage to go digging in the hole where the tube was found." 

My Movie Review by Ethan Hampson 

Summary: 

Stanley got caught with Clyde Livingstone’s shoes that he was donating for the homeless,

but he said he was innocent. Even though Stanley claimed to be innocent he had two choices; one to go to Camp Green Lake or two go to jail. Stanley chose Camp Green Lake only because he had never been to camp before. But it was not what he expected. He had to dig one hole a day 6 meters deep and wide. 

What I liked about the movie:

"I liked when Stanley tried to drive Mr. Sir’s truck away because one of the kids told him to drive it, but then he drove it into one of the holes they dug." 

What I disliked about the movie: "I disliked how Stanley got bullied by X-ray when he found the tube that had the initials ‘KB’ on it which stands for kissing Kate Barlow. I thought it was unfair that he didn’t get to have the day off when he found it." 

Who my favourite character is and why: "Stanley was my favourite character because he was so cool driving the truck into a hole and he was also the main character of the movie." 

My favourite part: "When Stanley drove the truck into a hole which I have mentioned earlier and also when Stanley taught Zero to read, which makes him a good friend." 

Who I would recommend this movie to and why: "I would recommend this book to both high school and primary school students because it is an easy read. I would recommend it to you because it is crazy and funny at the same time. If you like to read it is a great book!" 

Year 8 English

Year 8 English are completing a unit on film study. The film they are studying is Hunt for the Wilderpeople. 

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a 2016 New Zealand adventure comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi, whose screenplay was based on the book Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump.

Students have been participating in a range of activities to identify the cinematic techniques used, analysing scenes, examining characters, exploring themes and dissecting events. Each week during Remote and Flexible Learning students are given a discussion question in order to get them thinking about ideas from Hunt for the Wilderpeople. 

Week 1 of Remote and Flexible Learning brought the discussion question:Describe Ricky Baker’s character in the beginning. The theme of “bad egg” keeps coming up. Who else is seen as a bad egg? Why do they fall into this category?

Here are a few insightful responses from 8A students. 

"Ricky is an orphan who is always getting into trouble. Ricky likes to describe himself as a ‘’gangster’’. I believe he did all of the ‘bad’ stuff, because he thinks nobody listens to him or cares for him. Paula, the child service officer, describes him as a “bad egg”. This outlines him as a troubled child at the beginning. But there is a lot more to Ricky than what Paula thinks and what Hec thinks at the beginning. Ricky proves to Hec that he is not a “bad egg” as they go on the run from child services, so he will prevent being placed in juvenile detention and becoming a real 'bad egg'."

~Eric Wilkinson 

"At the beginning of the movie Ricky’s character is seen as a “bad egg” because of his past- running away, graffitiing, burning things, spitting and stealing. After everything Ricky has been through his character becomes less reckless as he settles in with his new foster home. Admittedly throughout the movie Ricky does break a few more laws e.g. under-age driving, but all for the cause of staying with his foster career Hec. Another person who sits in the category of a “bad egg” is Hec. He is considered this after he is accused of hurting Ricky and being a ‘’perv’’, even though these allegations were false child services didn’t know this. Hec could also be categorised as a “bad egg” because he was in prison in his younger days due to manslaughter." 

~Scarlett Vandenberg 

"Ricky Baker was a kid with attitude and a low self-esteem, because he had no one to take care of and love him. He acted out because he felt unwanted all his life, he didn't know his dad and his mum gave him away.  His disobedience is a cause of no one wanting him or teaching him how to behave properly. He is referred to as a “bad egg”  because he reacts strongly to situations out of his control."

"Hec is also considered a “bad egg” because he didn't conform to the expectations of his community. 'Bella took pity out on both of them like dogs in a shelter.' This was how Hec tried to explain the situation to Ricky. Ricky and Hec were both misfits in their society. Therefore, they are referred as 'bad eggs'."

~Peter Popovski-Warrington