Maybe Helpful

http://education.theage.com.au/cmspage.php?intid=154&intversion=102

Explanation of "Literally"

Funny, have a look at this and all becomes clear....
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally

Section C Practice Texts

Article & Visual Image 1:
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/editorial/let-us-embrace-our-city-and-each-other-20120928-26r2e.html

Visual Image 2:
http://images.theage.com.au/2012/10/02/3682870/dm-wide-headingtoa-20121002210923658966-620x349.jpg

Whose Reality? Visual Prompts

Language Analysis

For more practice of language analysis....

Compare the following article by Jacqueline Maley from 'The Age' with the Leunig cartoon below.

Link to Jacqueline Maley Article

(remember to specifically examine visual persuasive techniques of the image)

Will You Please Be Quiet Please? Essay Topics

1. How does Carver present his characters as trapped in their isolation? Discuss.

2. How does Carver manipulate language,metaphor and character to convey a sense of ‘hidden menace’?

3. In what ways doe sCarver portray relationships?

4. Carver’s characters seek approval amidst an unsympathetic landscape. To what extent do you agree?

5. The world of ‘Will you please be quiet please?’suggeststhat existential anguish achieves nothing. Discuss.

6. What values and beliefs does Carver communicate about the human condition through his short stories?

7. How is a sense of unresolved tension created throughthe narrative?

8. How does Carver convey a sense of masculinity through narrative techniques?

9. How does the minimalist style of Carver’s stories reflect the environments he creates?

10.Does Carver offer us any hope?

11. What is the significance of Carver’s use of suburbia?

12.Carver’s characters are trapped in a world of their own making, discuss.

13. How does Carver’s choice of narrative perspective affect our reading of his work?

Life Of Pi Essay Topics

1. At the end of the novel, the reader is left ‘bamboozled’ and suspicious of both the narrator and Pi. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

2. ‘It is the irony of this story that the one who scared me witless to start with was the very same who bought me peace, purpose, I dare say even wholeness.’ Richard Parker saves Pi’s life. Discuss.

3. ‘In a moment of insanity bought on by hunger… I looked Richard Parker dead in the eyes.’ How does Pi use the lessons he learnt while in Pondicherry to survive his time as a castaway?

4. ‘Life of Pi’ is a text that suggests that the ‘better story’ is more important than the truth. Do you agree?

5. In the author’s note, Francis Adirubasamy claims that this story ‘will make you believe in God.’ How does Pi’s story attempt to do this?

6. Pi’s incredible story of survival presents the idea that ‘nature forever holds surprises’. Do you agree?

7. ‘I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order.’ ‘Life of Pi’ is structured in such a way so to promote the believability of Pi’s tale of survival. Discuss.

8. Pi’s exotic and extraordinary life in Pondicherry is juxtaposed by the barren and lonely ocean. How does this dramatic change of setting effect Pi?

Whose Reality? Prompts

1.   Reality is a problem that has no solution
2. Our perceptions, desires and fears shape the reality around us
3.  Art offers us the choice of either escaping or facing the burdens of reality
4. There is no single reality; only a chorus of voices arguing for their version of it
5.  It is not what we remember, but how we choose to remember it
6.  Reality is a shared illusion we consent to believe in
7.  Everything you can imagine is real.
8. Click here for more prompts....

Practice Language Analysis

Kleenex Advertising Campaign

Write an essay response analysing and comparing the following persuasive texts.
Please email a complete essay to me BEFORE the holidays.

Article 1:
Danny Katz


Article 2:
Sullieseverything

Update for Next Week

Hey all,
At this point, you should all be aiming to write a complete practice essay for "Life Of Pi" over the weekend, regardless of how many you have written so far.
Also, have a brief contention and outline for each practice essay topic.

Monday is a Student Free Day, but I will still be at school if any of you wanted to make a time to see me.  Just shoot us an email and let me know a rough time of when suits.

All the very best for your long weekend!
HB

STORYTELLING

Ellen, Bella and Mina, please post your notes here..

REALITY/FANTASY

John and Ruby,
please post your notes here

ISOLATION

Beatrice, Alex and Toby,
please post your notes here

SURVIVAL

Jake and Lisa,
Please attach your notes from your presentation to this post.
Cheers
HB

BEAST & MAN

Izzy and Claire,
please attach your notes from your presentation to this post.
Cheers
HB

IDENTITY

Dieter and Hugo,
could you please attach your notes from your presentation to this post.
Cheers
HB

RELIGION

Deanna, Rory and Nicolas....
Could you please attach your notes in regard to this theme onto this comment.
Cheers
HB

Preparation for the SAC

Hey all....
A reminder to everyone that the SAC is on Monday 30th July.

A practice under timed conditions in the next couple of days I think would benefit all greatly, taking note of the time you need to complete each section of your piece in.

Remember, don't be afraid to challenge Leunig's ideals; Mr Leunig will no doubt be very impressed with your intelligence if you put forward your brilliant ideas that get him thinking and questioning his own!

As always, I'm available over the weekend for chats/emails/drafts and last minute worries.

All the very best of luck, I know with the effort and thought you've all put on, you'll be producing some excellent stuff!
HB

Prompts

Hey all, here are some prompts if you are having trouble accessing the powerpoint....

Only through multiple perspectives can we understand reality

Illusions have the power to conceal reality, but never erase it

Face reality as it is, not as you wish it to be

Illusions are created as a result of our failures

Sometimes we lose ourselves to reality of others

You can close your eyes to reality, but not to dreams

Our reality is never our own, but influenced by others

Leunig Update

Thanks so much for being such a fantastic audience all!

When I had a little post chat with Mr Leunig, he was super impressed about how mature and intelligent your questions and interest was, he really enjoyed meeting you all and wants to come back and hang out, so nice to hear!!!

I really hope you all took something away, remember every little gem he had to offer you can use in your own work, as an extension on themes/ideas that exist in the text.... perfect!

Over the weekend, I really want all of you to have another go at a practice SAC, working toward your strengths and taking decisiveness of what form you wish to use, and which stories and Leunig quotes you will  be making strong reference to.

A complete handwritten SAC (finished in roughly 70min time frame) ready to give me Tuesday.

Good stuff, as always, any troubles come visit asap to cap any dramas early (especially if you haven't had a chat to me yet).... see you next week!
HB

HOLIDAAAAAAYS

Hey 12s,
The to-do-list for the next couple of weeks....


1.  Consolidate notes on everything in class, ensuring summary sheets are filled in.  Remember to especially consider themes of:  
Indigenous Australia
Assimilation
National Identity
War v Peace


2.  Consider and revise all secondary texts introduced in class to develop your own ideas and interpretations of themes.


3.  Write 2 practice SACs.... your choice of persuasive/informative/imaginative in 90min timed conditions, handwritten please!


Remember, if you would like to do more practice bits and pieces and email them to me for feedback, that would make me very happy too!



Please look after yourselves, and look forward to seeing you all refreshed on the other side!
Miss you already
HB

Today's class

Hola....
Just reminding everyone that the homework for Thursday is to have all summary sheets filled in and complete on ALL the stories we have considered so far.  I shall be checking these on Thursday.

Please make sure you are familiar with the stories in the previous post regarding "war".

Any stories you know from family members who have experienced war times would also be valuable for Thursdays discussion.

For those who were away today.....

Today's discussion centred around the meaning of ANZAC day to Australia's identity, and we considered the following image and the complimenting article:

http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/menin/notes.asp

Midnight at Menin Gate

Thursday's Reading & Writing Challenges

Heya...

Stories to brush up on over the weekend....

Lest We Forget (p132)
The Bushfire Telegraph (p 151)
The Ultimate Price of Warfare (p 180)
Xenophobia and Memorabilia (p 200)


Regarding writing practice, you have the option of the following:

Extend on a piece started from today's 'Four Minute Challenge' (the Powerpoint is in the Leunig "Class Resources & Materials" link in the right menu)


OR


Write your own personal version of Assimilation Blues (p. 126)




Also, please make sure you keep filling out the worksheets for each set of stories (digital copied can also be found in the "Class Resources & Materials" link)


Until next time...
HB

Tuesday's Homework

1.  Finish filling in worksheet for stories regarding Indigenous Australia

2.  Handwrite the opening of a piece (only a half page or so) that encapsulates themes/ideas/issues from today's stories, exploring the prompt:
Reality is what we want to see, not what we have to see.


3.  Read the following stories:
The Message of the Mufti (p 71)
Assimilation Blues (p 126)
In the Company of Strangers (p 175)

All to be complete for Thursday's class please!
HB

Daydream your way to creativity - life - 18 June 2012 - New Scientist

Daydream your way to creativity - life - 18 June 2012 - New Scientist

Tonight's Reading

Please read the following:


Our Flagging Enthusiasm (p 16)
Fires by the River (p 121)
A Culture Obsessed with Winning, Haunted by Loss (p 249)
Send in the Soules of Three Poets, Three Painters and Seven Musicians (p 255)

Please consider these stories in regards to the questions below, and today's activity.....

• What personal experiences does this story remind me of?
• What other texts (stories/novels/films, etc) does this story remind me of?
• What real issues or events in the outside world does this story remind me of?

Long Weekend Stuff

First of all, congratulations to everyone for successfully completing Unit 3!!!

So you all don't miss me too much over the next week, here's a little check list of some things to keep you up to date....

•   Finish reading 'The Lot' by Leunig, noting down answers to following questions on stories you enjoy most:  
• What personal experiences does this story remind me of?
• What other texts (stories/novels/films, etc) does this story remind me of?
• What real issues or events in the outside world does this story remind me of?

• Read the Karen Ford article on Leunig (handed out after the last SAC)

• Make a comment on this post, naming your favourite story in 'The Lot' (I will endeavour to teach toward what you all enjoy/find most inspirational)

• Come and pick up your Language Analysis SAC whenever you feel the urge

Best of luck with exams next week, look after yourselves, and will catch you on the flip side

HB

In preparation for the next stage of persuasion

A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCH SUCCESSFUL SPEECHES, YOU ROCK

A reminder....

Please complete the following for Monday:

1.  A complete analytical essay in response to the practice SAC on "Jump Racing"

2.  An introduction plus one body paragraph in response to the practice SAC on "Refugees" (a complete essay if you can would be to your advantage)

Please put your HANDWRITTEN drafts on my desk as you complete them.

As always, any concerns/queries/questions on this one, please let me know!
Let's keep the train of achieving greatness on track :)
HB

The argumentative ape: Why we're wired to persuade - life - 28 May 2012 - New Scientist

The argumentative ape: Why we're wired to persuade - life - 28 May 2012 - New Scientist

Tuesday's Lesson Cancelled

To remind you all, Tuesday 29th May lesson is cancelled due to the Oral Presentations.

To make up for lost time, could you all please complete the following, ready for Thursday's class:

1.  Read over the Practice SAC and the sample response (handed out last class.)

2.  After considering the sample response, write your own response in full essay form to this Practice SAC, choosing and comparing a selection of persuasive techniques across the three articles.  (Try to do this without referring to the sample response during writing).

Email me your complete practice essay.

I totally understand if you are feeling a little unsure about analysing 3 texts combined, but please give it your best shot, we will review on Thursday.... the more practice the better!

Also, good news...  

The Persuasive Language Analysis SAC date has been moved to Tuesday 5th June (you get one extra day to prepare, woo!)

Thanks so much

HB

Best of luck for Mon & Tues

Speak like you've never spoken before kidlets... can't wait to hear your words of wisdom and gems of genius....
Any last minute dramas, just let me know!


A little inspiration for all.....

All the VERY best :)
HB

Heya,

Please remember to bring in a COMPLETE draft of your speech tomorrow morning, we are going to be doing fun and exciting things with it.

I have also uploaded the examples of Visual Texts in the "Class Materials" link (on the right).

Also, please remember to email me a time when you can practice presenting your speech to me...
I am available:
-  During all advisories
-  Every day after 3pm
-  Wednesday after 2pm
-  Thursday Session 2

This is a very valuable opportunity for you to receive feedback on your speech delivery skills, as well as any last minute feedback on your wording/arguments/structure.

Thanks so much for working so hard over the weekend, keep it up!

HB

Ready for Tomorrow (Tuesday)

A reminder to have the following ready to go tomorrow...

1.  Analysis table we started in class.... last row complete!

2.  Introduction to speech ready for workshopping

Thank you!
HB

Ready for Thursday's Class

Hey.... to remind you all....
Please come to Thursday S1 with the following ready and raring to go:


1.  Shane Warne article (p 42) and Pawns of Porn article (p 64) of fat booklet, read and noted.  Make sure to cover Genre Issue Audience Contention Purpose Tone, plus the major persuasive devices in each.

We will be comparing/contrasting these 2 articles in Thursday's lesson.


2.  A draft of the introduction to your speech (don't worry too much about future arguments for the body, just have a strong contention and an engaging beginning.)

We will be workshopping your intros in class.


Thanks so much, see yaaaaaa Thursdeee

HB

Monday Homework

Hey y'all

Please complete the following before Tuesday's class (tomorrow)......

1.  Check out all my links I have collected over the weekend (to the right of the page).. some of them are what we looked at in class, others are random ideas that might be of inspiration for speech ideas.

2.  Have a look at the booklet... p 42 "Warne and the death of privacy", and p 64 "Pawns for Porn".
Read through both these articles highlighting major persuasive devices, and identify Genre, Issue, Audience, Contention, Purpose and Tone.

We will be comparing/contrasting these two articles in class, and I will assume you've read them, please be prepared!


3.  Would also love, as always, more drafts being sent my way!

Missed you all today, look forward to seeing your good selves in the morning!
HB

This Weekend

Speech writing is fun.... yeah yeah
Hope you're all having fun writing your speeches this weekend....

Remember to be researching something you find quirky/fun/interesting/unusual/weird....  if it's something you enjoy, it will shine through in your presentation :)

Looking forward to hearing your ideas!

Homework

Homework is to begin the speech writing process...

1.  Research topic of privacy, design your own PROMPT toward the topic.

2.  Fill in For & Against table (listing arguments/reasons "for" and "against" your prompt with evidence to support)

3.  Fill in "PLAN" sheet (to be submitted Tuesday)

4.  Begin drafting speech (the more drafts= the more feedback= the higher success of your speech! yay!)

HB

Checklist for Monday

The following needs to be handed in on Monday:

1.  Final piece
2.  Folio of ALL drafting and planning (one piece must be handwritten)
3.  Justification

*  Everything should be labelled, named and numbered so I know exactly what I'm looking at and marking.

Any last minute concerns or worries, please see me early Monday morning BEFORE class and I'm sure we can get it sorted.

Good luck!!!!
HB

Pre Holiday Update

A reminder....
I MUST have received at least one hand written piece from you BEFORE the holidays, in order for you to pass this outcome.  If I haven't received a handwritten draft, you will automatically receive a UG.

Remember to keep print outs and drafts at each stage of your work.... they will all need to be handed in to accompany your final piece on the due date.

My availability over the holidays is as follows...
I will have access to email UNTIL Thursday 5th April
I will be out of contact from Friday 6th until Saturday 14th

This means, it would be best to make sure you have received feedback from me early in the holidays, so you can continue working.  If there are any major concerns about the outcome, I will still have phone contact.

See your lovely selves on Aths Day, come talk to me about English cos it's fun!!!
HB

Prompt Break Down

There is no single reality; only a chorus of voices arguing for their version of it. 


single reality.... multiple realities?  or IS there a single reality?
who is the chorus of voices?
are the voices arguing?  or do the voices generally tend to agree with each other?
what is their version?
does one individual have only one version of what reality is?


It is not what we remember, but how we choose to remember it.


What is remembering?
How much does what we remember count?
How much does our experience count?
Do we have a choice in how we remember experiences?


Reality is a shared illusion we consent to believe in


Is reality a shared illusion?  Is it possible to share reality?
What is an illusion?
Do we consent to believe in it?  Or are we pressured to? Expected to? Forced to?
Do we believe in the illusion of reality?  Or do we believe in a "true" or "hard" reality?


Everything you can imagine is real.


Or is it only some things that we can imagine are real?
Is our imagination, in a sense, a reality?
If something is not physical, does that make it not real?
Is everything real actually imaginary?

Study Update

Good morning!
An update on study stuff in addition to homework from Tuesday, will hopefully keep you busy over the weekend...

1.  Please read over the Insight Study Guide fo Streetcar... link: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_WC5DkJBGlWVFFROXNudllRVzJEeDZXNWZZcXlEUQ/edit
(can also be found in the "Worksheets & Class Materials" link to the right)

2.  Watch and take notes of the "Wheeler Centre Analysis of Streetcar".... link is on the right, under "Clips"

3.  Look in "Worksheets & Class Materials" link, and read over the "Characters" document.

4.  Look in "Worksheets & Class Materials" link, and read over the "Schedule for Streetcar" to have an idea of what's going on over the next few weeks.

A reminder:
DRAFT/PLAN 1 is due TODAY (handwritten!)
DRAFT 2 is due next THURSDAY (one week from today)

All these activities can be enjoyed with a highlighter in hand in the sun over the weekend :)
HB

Master Class

A recap of the Master Class....

1.  The World's Biggest Powerpoint has been uploaded to my google docs.... just look under the Streetcar "Worksheets & Class Resources" link on the right ===>

2.  "Dramatic Tension"booklet.... the quote tables need to be complete as homework

3.  Sexy Info Six Pack.... read over for inspiration, and have your own detailed plan/draft for your response complete, to be handed in THURSDAY... HAND WRITTEN  (even though class is cancelled)

4.  Read character analysis of Blanche Dubois... ready for discussion next week

5.  Keep an eye on the blog, more will be posted on Thursday

6.  Please ensure all of last week's homework is complete:  Karen Ford articles (x2) read, Scene 1 questions answered, Scene Tables filled in, 4 types of questions posed.

I know there's a lot going on, but because we miss so many classes, it is extremely important you keep up to date with homework, and keep checking in with the blog to ensure your success!

Any questions, let me know ASAP!!!

All the very best
HB

TUESDAY SESSION 1 CLASS IS RUNNING! ALL ATTEND!!!

Me and Matty T... it's gonna be hectic

Study Questions: Scene 1

1. When we first meet Blanche DuBois, she has traveled to see her sister Stella. She took streetcars named Desire and Cemeteries to arrive at her sister’s apartment. What might these names represent?
2. Describe Blanche’s appearance when she first emerges in the play. Be specific and detailed. What might her clothing represent? How well does she fit into her surroundings? What inferences might you make about her character?
3. Describe Stanley’s appearance when he first enters the play. Be specific and detailed. What does the package he is holding represent? How does his behavior give an insight into his character? What inferences might you make about Stanley Kowalski.
4. Blanche goes into Stella’s apartment to wait for her to come home. What does she do while she is waiting?
5. What does Belle Reve mean? What does it refer to in the play?
6. At the end of Scene One, what music “rises up, faint in the distance”? How does this effect the mood of the scene? What other sound effects has Williams’ included in the first scene? What moods did these sound effects evoke?
7. How does Blanche react to Stella’s living situation? Why might this set a negative tone for her visit?
8. When did Stella meet Stanley? How have their circumstances changed since that time?
9. What happened to Belle Reve? Why?
10. Near the end of Scene One, what do we learn about Blanche’s husband?

Streetcar Questions

Please post your questions here (one of each type).....

1.  Inquiry
2.  Comprehension
3. Literary Speculation
4.  Factual Knowledge

1/3/12 Update

Just a reminder....

Please post your story analysis underneath the posts below, so others can easily find them.

All class materials are in my google docs folder, the link is on the right "Class Materials & Resources", click on that, and sign in/up with a google account to access worksheets and articles.

Please email me anything special you think would be beneficial for the class for Tuesday's Revision Lesson.

Please make time to see me BEFORE Tuesday if you haven't sat down with me for a chat already... I am available:

Thurs: After school

Fri: Advisory, Lunch, After School

Mon: Advisory, S2, Lunch, After School

Tues: Advisory, S3

Best of luck with study!

Helena

"Put Yourself In My Shoes" Analysis

Post here

"How About This?" Analysis

Post here

"The Idea" Analysis

Post here

"Why, Honey?" Anlysis

post here

"Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?" Analysis

Post here

21/2/12 Homework & Availability

Hey all....

Today's HW:

1.  Draft a COMPLETE essay answering one of the practice topics, ready to hand in THURSDAY's lesson.

2.  Read the article "Sexual Politics & Silence in Early Raymond Carver", highlighting useful vocabulary, ideas and analysis.

3.  Comment/question the Short Story Analysis Summaries appearing on the blog by others....

Lastly, I am available to assist/chat this week at the following times:

Wed: Advisory, Lunch, After school
Thurs:  Advisory
Friday: Advisory, Session 2, Lunch, After school

Cheers big ears!
HB

'What Do You Do In San Fransisco?' Analysis

Please post comments and questions for 'What Do You Do In San Fransisco?' here...

'Collectors' Analysis

Please post questions and comments for 'Collectors' here....

'Night School' Analysis

Please post comments and questions for 'Night School' here....

'Nobody Said Anything' Analysis

Please post comments and questions for 'Nobody Said Anything' here....

'The Idea' Analysis

Please post comments and questions for 'The Idea' here....

'Neighbors' Analysis

Please post questions and comments for 'Neighbors' here....

9/2/12 Homework

Homework Reminder:

1.  A range of questions regarding 3 different themes of "Fat"

2.  Begin analysing your allocated short story (Powerpoint of the process is linked to the blog on the right)

3.  Have a look over the worksheets I handed out, I'll go over them more thoroughly next class.

4.  I've also posted a couple of articles from "The Conversation" regarding obesity/body image pressures in modern society.... might be interesting to have a skim read over!

Cheers big ears, enjoy the weekend!

7/2/12 Homework

Hey 12s
Lovely to meet you all/see you all again today!
Just a reminder about the homework (due next lesson):

1.  Write an email to me covering the following activity "COMPASS POINTS":

Year 12 English

1. E = Excited: What excites you about this year? What’s the upside?

2. W = Worrisome: What do you find worrisome about this year? What’s the downside?

3. N=Need to Know: What else do you need to know or find out about to me better prepared for this year? What additional information would help you to evaluate things?  (How can Helena help?)

4. S = Stance or Suggestion for Moving Forward: What is your current stance/feeling about this year? How might you best move forward in order to succeed?  (How can you help yourself?)

Email:  helenateach@gmail.com

2.  Begin analysing/questioning/challenging your allocated short story.

3.  Browse over Jason's website (link in top right corner), VCE Study Guide PDF, unit outline, year plan, etc.

Thanks so much!

HB

Welcome!

Hello Year 12s!
Welcome back to school and welcome to year 12!  It looks like an exciting year, and i'm super pumped to be working with you guys.  I've set up this page as a point of reference across the year, and will be aiming to upload work sheets, revision questions, SACs, tasks and maybe even a few tutorials on major stuff we learn.  I'm hoping this will support your study at home, so you always have access to materials and can communicate with me and people in the class easily.  I'm expecting that everyone will be tapping into the site a couple of times a week, to make comments and share ideas on whatever we are studying.
Any questions/comments/queries please let me know!
And it begins....
Helena