Area of Study Resource Portfolio Task 1: Annotations of prescribed text (Life of Pi) (Adapted from BOS Stage 6 Annotations

of prescribed texts 2015-20) How the composer explores the concept of discovery, with an example analysis of an excerpt from the text. MERIT AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE The Life of Pi is based on Yann Martels 2001 Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. The film had critical and commercial success. At the 85th Academy Awards it had eleven nominations, including Best Picture, and won four (including Best Director for Ang Lee. and follows the moral dilemma of the protagonist Pi, his fight for survival during his remarkable 227-day ordeal with a hungry Bengal tiger. Even as a young boy Pi takes on a spiritual quest for truth and meaning

NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF STUDENTS Students will be engaged by the intriguing allegorical storytelling of two narrators who blend fact with fiction. The central narrator Pi, who is shipwrecked and alone with four animals, demonstrates the importance of faith, hope and perseverance. EXPLORATION OF THE CONCEPT OF DISCOVERY After loosing the three members of his family in the shipwreck, the death of orangutan, and the loss of vital food supplies, Pi questions his faith in God. By this point in the film, we as the audience have accumulated a vast empathy pool for this orphaned boy alone in the elements and a hungry tiger. With time Pi discovers his inner strength and conquers his greatest fears by training the tiger. I never thought a small piece of shade would bring me so much happiness, Pi says. Greatly supporting the theme of Pis spiritual quest is the spectacular combination of art with visual effects. Accordingly to Lee, Every shot was artistic exploration to make the ocean a character and make it interesting we had to strive to make it as visually stunning as possible To reinforce the message of letting go, each devastating storm scene is accompanied with visions of exquisite natural beauty whether from below the ocean, above in the sky, or a dazzling reflect of the stunning night sky upon the ocean. Aerial shots are used effectively to give the viewer a context of where in the world Pi fits in the eyes of God. Particularly striking is the underwater dream scene where using leading edge CG animation, exotic creatures of the ocean become figures of Pis turbulent past. Through the bubbles we see the vision of Pis mother and the girl he left behind. As part of his soul searching, Pi is thrown into a whirlwind of emotion from which he is able to let go.

I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye This is the discovery that Pi states at the end of the film after he has lived through unimaginable situations of fear. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGING TEACHING AND LEARNING Students could examine the ways the film explores how discoveries can be spiritual, emotional and creative, through the protagonist Pis coming-of-age and the audiences responses to Pis exotic journey of survival. Students can consider how the film pulls the audience into Pis world through clever cinematography and imaginative film techniques to evoke empathy and understanding of his plight. Students could explore how the films ending provokes curiosity and spec ulation about the veracity of Pis story and whether he created this imaginative allegory to escape his discoveries about lifes harsh realities and humanitys shortcomings.

Other questions to consider What is the relationship between discovery and loss in the film What is the relationship between fear, bravery, courage and survival Is our greatest fear, the fear of being alone? What would your thoughts be if you were alone on such a boat? Pis father says, When you look into an animals eyes, you only see your own emotion reflected back Do animals have souls? We dont know what our level of bravery is unless we were put in such a situation

Task 2: Annotations of 3 related texts 1 Visual Stimulus: Ferris Wheel by Mary Woodson From http://news.blogs.wlu.edu/2012/04/23/wls-woodson-wins-photography-award/

MERIT AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Mary Woodson took the photograph, Ferris Wheel, at the carnival in June. It captures the faces of three girls at some point on the ferris wheel. We see only the side faces of the two outer girls, while the focus is on the girl in the middle who looks petrified. Mary Woodson won second prize with this photograph in Washington and Lee Universitys award at the Virginia Press Association contest last year.

NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF STUDENTS The inner turmoil experienced by the girl in the middle seat, is one that HSC students can easily identify with. She has chosen to pay money to go on a ferris wheel thinking that she will enjoy it, but is unable to overcome her sense of panic and visible fear. In contrast her friends see the same experience in a completely different light. As the central element within the composition of the text, the composer (photographer) has captured the juxtaposition of the two differing perspectives of the same event.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGING TEACHING AND LEARNING Students can use this text to explore how the concept of discovery is conveyed in a very positive light through this representation of the girl on the right and left, while the same experience can be debilitating to another. An individuals discoveries and their process of discovering can vary according to personal, cultural, historical and social contexts and values. English Stage 6 Prescriptions Rubric p9 A class discussion focus on how one persons experience of discovery and curiosity could be another persons worst nightmare. What role do cultural, social contexts play in someones perceptions? What role is played by previous experience? Students can consider the role that internal dialogue play in interpreting the exact same experience as positive for one person and negative for another. This could be a theme to be explored further within students narratives, whereby students

broaden and deepen their understanding of themselves and their world. (English Stage 6 Prescriptions Rubric p9).

2. Poem: Remember How We ForgotShane Koyczan Slam Performance: http://www.trueactivist.com/gab_gallery/even-if-you-dont-likepoetry-you-should-watch-this/ Poem words: http://lyrics.wikia.com/Shane_Koyczan:Remember_How_We_Forgot MERIT AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Shane Koyzcan is a Canadian poet and winner of the Individual Championship of the Canadian Poetry Slam. His recent poem on the subject of bullying called To this day went viral with over 11.5 million views shortly after its release. NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF STUDENTS This inspirational spoken word poetry will appeal to students as it feels more like rap or hip-hop without the beats. The performance given by the poet himself is intensely uplifting and uses common musical effects such as crescendo and decrescendo. Like the motivational speech of Martin Luther King, the poem inspires its listeners to take chances and be courageousa vital ingredient in the act of discovering. Live like a plot twist exist now and in memory Because we burn bright Our lights leave scars on the sun OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGING TEACHING AND LEARNING The AOS rubric describes the concept of discovery as: discovering something for the first time or rediscovering something that has been lost, forgotten or concealed English Stage 6 Prescriptions Rubric p9 The poem harkens back to nostalgia for the time in our childhood when we did not put limitations on ourselves: Remember how we used to bend reality Like we were circus strong men Like our imaginations were in shape then Koyzcan talks of the courage to go the distance and in going there weve possessed the freedom to map the uncharted lands of any and everywhere . He begs us to rediscover the courage and dreams that we had as a child and states how we forgot about things that stopped us from taking chances. Remember how we forgot? Once upon a time, we were young. Our dreams hung like apples Waiting to be picked

Once the students are engaged with the music of the poem, it will provide a springboard to further study Koyzcans specific word craft. The rap or flow of the poem comes from complex, internal rhymes and assonance which can be explored in detail. We are unbound Six feet above the underground where we will all one day rest? Live and remember Burn like an ember capable of starting fires Practice reading parts of this poem aloud, can be followed by specific exercises in the use of these techniques within students own writing so they understand: how the composers choice of language modes, forms, features and structure shapes representations of discovery and discovering. English Stage 6 Prescriptions Rubric p9

3. Radio narrative: Anagram messages between Galileo and Kepler Audio: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/475/send-amessage Transcript: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radioarchives/episode/475/transcript MERIT AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE This text is the first 7 minutes of a This American Life radio program, which airs on the ABC radio. This segment tells the story of two great scientists, Galileowho used his newfound telescope to challenge the earths centricity; and Keplerwho discovered the laws of planetary motion. The story is based on historical correspondence between the two astronomers. The irony of the events are relayed in conversational style by Ira Glass and Josh Bearman, who remembers hearing this story told to him by his father. NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF STUDENTS The intriguing narrative of near-impossible proportions is set among the backdrop of the fascinating paradigm shift created by Galileos historic telescope. I have chosen this form of text as the story immediately engages the listener, students and non-students alike. This text represents an alternative way that composers may invite them (students) to experience discovery through their texts. The conversational style will be accessible to all levels within the class, but advanced students will be encouraged to explore the topic of challenged discoveries further through the frame-groups selected within class. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGING TEACHING AND LEARNING Within a specific class discussion about challenged discoveries, there are several subthemes, which could be revealed in the interpretation this text; the way the discovery was represented, Galileos persecution for his discoveries, or the personal bias towards a particular topic. Students could explore how the process of discovering is represented using a variety of language modes, forms and features. Josh Bearman describes the anagrammed messages as a patent or copyright insuranceboth of which are modern day methods of representing a discovery. The AOS rubric describes the concept of discovery as:

Discoveries may be questioned or challenged when viewed from different perspectives and their worth may be reassessed over time. The ramifications of particular discoveries may differ for individuals and their worlds. English Stage 6 Prescriptions Rubric p9 At the time, both scientists were stamping their territories within the astronomy world. But the context of the Catholic Church in the 1600s forced them to represent their patents in code to avoid possible persecution. It was the necessity to coding and decoding that led to Keplers misunderstandingswhich over time were ironically proven to be correct. Alternatively some students may wish to focus on Keplers bias when it comes to moons on Mars. He just wanted them to be there. What role does personal bias play in so-called scientific discoveries?

Task 3: 3 Practical Teaching ideas for generating a piece of creative writing that explores the concept of discovery. Practical teaching idea 1: Snapshot writing under time constraint Listen to the first 1:50 minutes of creative stimulus http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/178/superpowers Im going to give you a writing task. You have 5 minutes to complete the opening of a story based on the following stimulus. Be descriptive Stimulus 1 You are a younger version of yourself. An aspect of your superpower has been revealed to you. What is it? Where are you? Describe the scene. Who helped you in your discovery? How did you make the discovery? How did you feel? In retrospect what did you find out about yourself? (Give the class 10 minutes to write)

Stimulus 2 There is a box of precious things at the bottom of your bed. They tell a story of someone special who is no longer with you. Whats in the box? Who does it belong to and how did it get there? (Give the class 10 mins to write)

After you have written both writing tasks, share in pairs which one you like best and why. Discuss how you would flesh it into a 1500 word story. 1. Who is the hero? 2. What aspect of discovery is revealed to the reader within your story? 3. How could you reveal more about your hero through the use of action, descriptive language, or dialogue? 4. Do your characters need to be refined or enhanced? 5. Is there a conflict within the story? Does it need one? If so what is it? 6. What additional storytelling techniques could you use?

Practical teaching idea 2: Tangible stimulus Teacher instruction: Bring into class a jar of foreign and old coins. Another jar contains interesting stones and shells. Place them all on a table. Ask everyone to come up to the table and pick a coin, stone or shell. Ask them to really study the object, using the senses (sight, smell, touch and hearing). Ask them to let their imagination and curiosity wander.

Tell a story of discovery, with this object playing a central role. Is it from a different country or a different time? Who found it? What were they searching for? Were they searching for something tangible or intangible or perhaps both? What was it exchanged for? What setting did the object see? Describe the scene. What dialogue did it hear? You have 30 minutes to write about this story in class. When the 30 minutes is up Discuss your story in pairs. Where is your story is going? Take notes on what the story still needs. Does the reader get a good description of the hero? How will the storys ending impact your reader?

Complete a 1500 word story and bring it in tomorrow.

Practical teaching idea 3: Visual stimulus

Use this photograph as the central element; write a story about self-discovery and relationships. Pick one of the people in the picture and write their story. What events happened before the picture was taken? How did the two guitarists meet? What music do they play? What role does the music play in the heros self discovery? Use at least 10 minutes to plan the beginning, middle and end of the story. You will have an additional 20 minutes to write the story.

Task 4: Annotations of TWO previous HSC exam questions [These should be from Paper 1, Section 2 and/or Section 3. Annotate these questions with a brief description of what aspects and elements of the question you would focus on in assisting your students to prepare for this as an exam question.] The 1st question is from Section 2 (2013) and the 2nd question is from Section 3 (2012) English Paper 1. Before reviewing exam questions we will review the AOS rubric and our 5 discovery mind maps (frames). Students are reminded that we are looking at exam questions when the AOS was Belonging. However from 2015 the AOS theme has changed to Discovery. Paper 1 Section II 2013

Exam rubric

Question statement

3 stimulus texts

Exam Question Analysis Students are asked to complete the table in small groups (20 minutes). Students are reminded that we are looking at exam questions when the AOS was Belonging. However the AOS theme has changed to Discovery. Analysis Exam Rubric 1 Exam Rubric 2 Questions statement Key word(s) in statement Trigger words in statement Stimulus 1 Trigger words Stimulus 2 (photo) Trigger images Stimulus 2 Trigger words Once each item has been discussed in class. A copy of the completed Question Analysis table can be given out to. Any additional questions can be answered. Possible Interpretation

Exam Question Analysis (completed) Analysis Express understanding of belonging in the context of your studies Organise, develop and express ideas in language appropriate to context, purpose and audience Compose a piece of imaginative writing that explores a decision to embrace or reject connection with others Explore Decision to embrace Decision to reject Connection with others Possible Interpretation Contexts of your studies refer to the 5 frames we developed in the class out of the AOS rubric. What is the main motivation behind your writing? Who is it for? Does it have a cultural, historical backdrop? Mostly you will be writing narratives with a story shaped around the trigger words/themes.

Exam Rubric 1 Exam Rubric 2

Questions statement

Key word(s) in statement Trigger words in statement

Stimulus 1 Trigger words Stimulus 2 (photo) Trigger images Stimulus 2 Trigger words

Silent scene Another world Photograph of the woman from 1940s? Cowboy and indian biscuit box? Stool and sheet music? Setting out Road Belonged to another Not yours

To examine closely and experiment with texts These trigger words relate back to the 5 frames through which we have been looked at Discovery (not belonging). Your story line must include a theme of rejecting or embracing or both. Discuss in class

Discuss in class

Discuss in class

Paper 1 Section III 2012

Exam rubric

Question statement

Exam question

In Section III you will be asked to write a more analytical response to one question about the concept of discovery. It could be an essay or it could be a different text type such as a speech. You must refer to your prescribed text and the related texts of your choosing. For everyone in the class our prescribed text is The Life of Pi, however all of you will have different related texts. You will need to write about how the composer (director or writer) represents the concept of discovery. You may also be asked how meaning is created in the text forms (in our case the form is film) and the language form (or in our case the film techniques). All of the key terms you will come across are in your Glossary handout. You will need to learn the meaning of all of these words so that you can understand how to structure your answers together within the exam rubric.

Statement and question In 2012 (see above) the question in Section III is asked in the form of a statement and question. The statement is: Statement An individuals perceptions of belonging evolve in response to the passage of time and interaction with their world. Question In what way is this view of belonging represented in your prescribed text and at least ONE other related text of your own choosing. Key words In what way asks you to list and describe techniques used by the composer (director, writer, photographer) to represent a view of belonging. Often represent is used for visual media, but can also be used for to describe how a writer presents his images or motifs. Representing is the language mode that involves composing images by means of visual or other texts. These images and their meaning are composed using codes and conventions. The term can include activities such as graphically presenting the structure of a novel, making a film, composing a web page, or enacting a dramatic text. (English Teachers Handbook A -Z, p. 250)

What are the trigger words in this statement and question? Perceptions of belonging Evolve (change) Passage of time Interaction with their world For most essay type questions, your responses will need an: Introduction Body Conclusion Language features (review notes from your Language features class in Week 26) Refer to how you write your response Point of view of the narrative Type of sentences your write Words you choose Combination of sentences clauses you choose Type of language you choose (formal or colloquial). The best way to prepare yourself for writing analytical responses is to practice similar questions before hand.