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Year 7: This module, we are moving forward in time (from the Old English poetry of the Anglo-Saxons) to beginning studying Middle English through Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. In doing so, we will explore how literature can function as social commentary: highlighting human hypocrisy and giving voice to the marginalised.
We will not study all of the tales of course (there are 24 and some are not appropriate for a young audience), but it will be interesting to see how our students register the shift: from epic poetry and a focus on the heroic adventures of powerful and privileged men, to a far more grounded and diverse reflection of both society and humanity. A particular highlight of this module’s study will no doubt include The Wife of Bath’s tale, and her much debated status as a feminist icon.
Helpful links:
LAB English Google Site - year 7
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zm4mn39/revision/7
Year 8: During this module, Year 8 are studying the Romantic Poetry of Blake, Wordsworth and Coleridge. These famous poets place emphasis on the awe-inspiring nature of the natural world, and condemn the rigid rules of society. Through a series of poems, students will have the opportunity to evaluate writers’ words and gain understanding of the historical context and movements which so influenced their work.
Students have thus far studied the poem London by William Blake (1796). Students were asked to respond to the below image by using their knowledge of Romantic
Frank, 8A - This image reflects romantic ideas as it shows London being burnt down to make way for nature. I think the painter is trying to show everyone that urbanisation has ruined England and that everyone should return to nature.
Leon, 8A - The painting makes me feel very distraught about the idea of industrialisation. The ships remind me of the suffering people who are living in complete despair from the urban life of the city.
Serkan, 8A - The painting reflects the thoughts of William Blake because Blake has lots of issues with industrialisation like the dirtiness, boats and pollution.
Lexie, 8A - This painting reflects Romantic ideas because it shows nature being overwhelmed by industrialisation and urbanisation. Romantics also believed that humans were being swamped with the rigid rules of society. We can see the blue sky in the top left corner of the painting. This may further show the idea of nature being choked by the smog clouds.
Year 9: During this module, Year 9 are studying George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Animal Farm is an allegorical fable where the characters and plot reflect historical events; the story is shaped by Orwell’s view of The Russian Revolution and the events of Animal Farm parallel that of the USSR’s history.
It is critical that students understand the complex concepts of Marxism, Communism, Socialism and the Russian Revolution in order to appreciate the social critique provided by Orwell - this is no mean feat, but our founding students are definitely up for the challenge!
Helpful links:
https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Animal-Farm/
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/a/animal-farm/animal-farm-at-a-glance
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