SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTS


An Annotated List 


BELOW IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTS AND FILMS AS APPEARS ON THE NZ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION WEBSITE


SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTS: AN ANNOTATED LIST

Our thanks to those 28 english departments in the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions who took time to share their teaching enthusiasms and endorsements. The comments have been pretty much un-edited. Additions and emendations to this list are most welcome. Simply send them to Terry Locke, School of Education, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton.

Texts have been loosely categorised according to Junior or Senior Secondary, Teachers are seldom unanimous in allocating a year level to a text.  What follows is a kind of best fit.

 
JUNIOR SECONDARY

 
NOVELS (JUNIOR)

    * ACROSS THE BARRICADES, BY JOAN LINGARD GREAT WITH FORM 4 STUDENTS, DRAMA ALSO GOOD

    * ALEX, BY TESSA DUDER (YEAR 10)

    * A PATCH OF BLUE, BY ELIZABETH KATA (YEAR 11)

    * A RIVER RAN OUT OF EDEN, BY JAMES V MARSHALL. MODERN PARALLEL OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN STORY. USEFUL FOR A LOT OF TEACHING IDEAS AND STYLISTIC ASPECTS

    * BEOWULF: DRAGONSLAYER, BY ROSEMARY SUTCLIFF CENTRAL TEXT FOR FORM 3 STUDY OF OLD ENGLISH/ ANGLO SAXON

    * THE BLUE LAWN, BY WILLIAM TAYLOR STORY OF TEENAGE BOYS' ATTRACTION FOR EACH OTHER.

    * THE BOY WHO WAS AFRAID, BY ARMSTRONG SPERRY. VIVID DESCRIPTIVE WRITING. GOOD FOR A THEMATIC UNIT AND FOR EXPLORING LANGUAGE AND POETIC WRITING. USEFUL SURVIVAL STORY IN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

    * BRIDGE TO WISEMAN'S COVE, BY JAMES MOLONEY

    * THE CAY, BY THEODORE TAYLOR DEALING WITH PREJUDICE. THEME OF RACISM CHALLENGED STUDENT'S PRECONCIEVED IDEAS AND STEREOTYPES

    * THE CHAMPION, BY MAURICE GEE GOOD NZ TEXT, GOOD TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE OF RACISM IN A 'REMOVED' CONTEXT. LOOKS BACK AT NZ LIFE, GOOD ADVENTURE YARN

    * DEAD BIRDS SINGING, BY MARC TALBET. GOOD FOR FORM 4/5, RELATIONSHIPS

    * DEAR NOBODY, BY BERLIE DOHERTY. USEFUL ESPECIALLY FOR A STUDY OF LETTERS AND DIARIES, TAKES THE FORM OF LETTERS WRITTEN BY A TEENAGER TO HER UNBORN CHILD.

    * DRIVING FORCE, BY ALAN BUNN NZ OUTDOORS, COAST-TO-COAST RACE, BATTLING LEUKAEMIA, FORMS 4 - 5

    * GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM, BY M MARGORIAN. VERY MOVING STORY. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, AGAIN EXCELLENT FOR CLOSE READING

    * THE GUILTY PARTY, BY JOAN LINGUARD

    * FAT, FOUR-EYED AND USELESS, BY DAVID HILL. HUMOUROUS JOURNAL

    * THE FAT MAN, BY MAURICE GEE

    * FLIGHT OF THE ALBATROSS, BY DEBORAH SAVAGE. KIDS ENJOY IT

    * FLOUR BABIES, BY ANN FINE

    * FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON, BY DANIEL KEYES

    * FROG, BY GARY PAULSEN

    * GRIT, BY T ROXBOROUGH

    * GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM, BY M MARGORIAN VERY MOVING STORY. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, AGAIN EXCELLENT FOR CLOSE READING

    * THE GUILTY PARTY, BY JOAN LINGUARD

    * HATCHET, BY GARY POULSON. GREAT ADVENTURE STUFF FOR FORMS 3-4, ESPECIALLY BOYS, STRONG CHARACTER THEMES, SHORT AND POWERFUL, AN EASY READ WITH DEPTH. EXCITING SURVIVAL STORY, WELL LIKED BY FORM 3

    * HATCHET IN WINTER, BY GARY PAULSEN.DITTO 'HATCHET'.

    * THE HOBBIT, BY J R TOLKIEN FORM 3

    * HOME RUN, BY PAULA BOOCK. FORM 3. WORKS WELL WITH BILINGUAL CLASS, ALSO FORM 4 STUDENTS WHO STRUGGLE WITH READING, WHOLE CLASS ENJOYMENT

    * THE HOSTAGE, BY THEODORE TAYLOR. LINKS WITH 'FREE WILLY'. READABLE AND RELEVANT TO CONSERVATION ISSUES

    * I AM DAVID, BY ANNE HOLM. TIES IN WITH A THEMATIC STUDY OF WAR

    * I HEARD THE OWL CALL MY NAME, BY MARGARET CRAVEN.

    * THE JUNIPER GAME, BY SHERRYL JORDAN. GREAT WITH A SLOW FORM 4

    * THE KEEPER, BY B FAVILLE NZ AUTHOR. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE, DESCRIPTIVE STYLE, SUBTLE ISSUES /PARABLE STYLE, RELEVANT TO STUDENTS.

    * KICK BACK, BY DAVID HILL NZ AUTHOR, NARRATIVE STRUCTURE, THEMATICALLY STRONG, LENDS ITSELF TO GOOD INTERPERSONAL SPEAKING GROUP SITUATIONS

    * KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE, BY ROGER GREEN (PUFFIN CLASSIC) USED WITH A MEDIAEVAL UNIT -- SEVERAL OTHER TITLE USED WITH MIXED ABILITY

    * KISS THE DUST, BY ELIZABETH LAIRD. STORY THEME OF REFUGEES, MAIN CHARACTER, EXTENSION WORK ON PROCESSING INFORMATION.

    * LETTERS FROM THE INSIDE, BY JOHN MARSDEN. EXCELLENT AUTHOR, THOUGHT- PROVOKING, STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS

    * LETTERS TO LESLEY, BY JANICE MARNOTT (YEAR 9)

    * THE MACHINE GUNNERS, BY ROBERT WESTALL. HARD DIALECT BUT A GOOD STORY

    * MAGIC MAGEE, BY JERRY SPINELLI

    * MERCURY BEACH, BY TESSA DUDER (FORM 4)

    * MONTANA 1948, BY LARRY WATSON. 5TH FORM GIRLS

    * MRS FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMM, BY R O'BRIEN. CAN BE READ FOR DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MEANING, STUDENTS ENJOY IT, LENDS ITSELF TO NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES

    * OF MICE AND MEN, BY JOHN STEINBECK. UPPER 4TH'S AND 5TH'S

    * THE OUTSIDERS, BY S E HINTON ENJOYED BY BOTH 4THS AND 5THS. STUDENTS RELATE WELL TO THE THEME OF GROWING UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS, CHARACTERISATION REALISTIC, IMAGERY EFFECTIVE SLIGHTLY DATED BUT INVOLVES 'GANG' THEME, POPULAR AT FORM 4. CAN RELATE IT TO NZ SOCIETY, STUDENTS REALLY ENJOY THIS, "KEEPS THE WORST CLASS QUIET!"

    * OUT WALKED MEL, BY PAULA BOOCK. LOWER SECONDARY, ALSO GOOD FOR LOWER ABILITY, A GOOD STORYLINE THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO.

    * PLAYING BEATIE BOW BY RUTH PARK. EXCELLENT AS A NOVEL FOR LOWER SECONDARY.

    * POSSUM PERKINS, BY W TAYLOR. CHILDREN ENJOY BEING TREATED AS EMERGING ADULTS. GIRLS ENJOY THE STRONG CHARACTER OF ROSIE WHO DARES TO BE DIFFERENT. EXPLORES THE ISSUES OF INCEST, ALCOHOLISM AND FRIENDSHIP

    * THE POWER OF ONE, BY BRYCE COURTNEY. HUMOUROUS, WELL WRITTEN STORY OF GROWING UP IN SOUTH AFRICA. STUDENTS LIKE IT, USEFUL TO COMPARE WITH THE FILM.

    * ROCCO, BY SHERRYL JORDAN. STUDENTS ENJOY THIS NOVEL. EXCELLENT TO USE FOR CLOSE READING ACTIVITES. (YEAR 9)

    * RUNAWAY, BY T ROXBOROUGH

    * SEE YA SIMON, BY DAVID HILL. NZ AUTHOR. POIGNANT BUT HUMOUROUS, AN INSIGHT FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND FELLOW STUDENTS. REASONABLY EASY FOR JUNIORS TO READ, AMUSING AND GIVES INSIGHT INTO THE TRAGEDY OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

    * THE SILENT ONE, BY JOY COWLEY (FORM 3)

    * THE SILVER SWORD, BY IAN SERRAILLIER

    * SLIDE THE CORNER, BY FLEUR BEALE. HIGH INTEREST CAR RALLYING, NZ NOVEL FOR RELUCTANT BOY READERS, AN AUTHOR ON THE MOVE, RELEVANT TO THE WAIKATO. ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR LOWER/MIDDLE ABILITY FORMS.

    * STATE WARD, BY ALAN DUFF NZ AUTHOR. LESS ABLE STUDENTS HAVE IT READ TO THEM, RESPOND ENTHUSIASTICALLY

    * STONELIGHT, BY GAELYN GORDON

    * SWEETGRASS, BY JOY COWLEY. FORM 3/4 BILINGUAL CLASS

    * TAKE IT EASY, BY DAVID HILL. NZ ADVENTURE STORY, TEENAGE/PARENT RELATIONSHIPS.

    * TAMING THE STAR RUNNER, BY S E HINTON

    * TEX, BY S E HINTON

    * THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW, BY S L HINTON. PUPILS IDENTIFIED WITH THE SITUATION, STYLE OF WRITING WENT DOWN WELL

    * TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, BY HARPER LEE (YEAR 11)

    * TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN, BY JOHN MARSDEN THIS BOOK AND ITS SEQUEL HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING NON-READERS KEENLY INTERESTED, GOOD SETTING , SHOWS STORY LINE, VOCAB WORK, USEFUL FOR MIXED ABILITY. CHALLENGING, KIDS KEEN. ACTION PACKED, ALSO WORKS WELL WITH LESS ABLE READERS. READABLE, REALISTIC TO AUSTRALASIA. GRIPPING STORY FOR BETTER READERS.

    * TILLERMAN TRILOGY, BY CYNTHIA VOIGT

    * UNDER THE MOUNTAIN, BY MAURICE GEE A LITTLE DATED BUT STUDENTS LOVE TO READ ABOUT THEIR OWN SETTING GREAT ADVENTURE, LANGUAGE LEVEL APPROPRIATE AT FORM 3. ENJOY 'LOCAL COLOUR' KIDS WINNING AND DISPUTES OVER WHO IS TO BLAME.

    * WAITING FOR ANYA, BY MICHAEL MORPURGO. TIES IN WITH A THEMATIC STUDY OF WAR.

    * WATER IN THE BLOOD, BY ALAN BUNN. FORM 4 TEXT NZ NOVEL

    * THE WEDNESDAY WIZARD, BY SHERRYL JORDAN

    * JELLYBEAN, BY TESSA DUDER. STUDENTS READILY RELATE TO THIS ONE, WELL WRITTEN, SYMPATHETIC, UP-TO-DATE

    * THE WHALE RIDER, BY WITI IHIMAERA. VERY POPULAR WITH FOURTH-FORM MAORI STUDENTS, FORM 5 BILINGUAL CLASS OR MAINSTREAM FORM 5

    * THE WHOLE OF THE MOON, BY DUNCAN STUART. NZ, PARTICULARLY AUCKLAND RELATED, STRONG CHARACTERS, STRONG SOCIAL SITUATION. EXCELLENT SUPPORT FROM AUTHOR WEBSITE AND PERSONAL VISIT (AUCKLAND AREA) FORM 4 OR FORM 5 CLASS OF RELUCTANT READERS

    * WINTER OF FIRE, BY SHERRYL JORDAN. EXCELLENT FOR FORM 4/5, DESPITE A FEMALE MAIN CHARACTER BOYS STILL ENJOY IT. INDIVIDUALS OF UPPER STREAM ONLY

    * YOUNG EXILE, BY ELIANE WHITEHOUSE

    * Z FOR ZACHARIAH, BY ROBERT O'BRIEN 

 

NON-FICTION (JUNIOR)

    * ALIVE, BY PIERS PAUL REED AN ABRIDGED VERSION IS ALSO AVAILABLE

    * ANGELA'S ASHES, BY FRANK MCCOURT (FORM 5)

    * BORANY'S STORY BY BORANY KANAI AND ADRIENNE JANSEN. GOOD IN MULTICULTURAL CITY SCHOOL, OPENS NEW WORLDS.

    * BORN TOO SOON APPLICATION SERIES. GOOD DISCUSSION OF ISSUES, PICTURES, TEXT, EASY READ.

      BOY, BY ROALD DAHL LOVED BY ALL LEVELS OF STUDENTS. STUDENTS ENJOY THE BIOGRAPHY OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR, NARRATIVE STYLE IS OF INTEREST, HUMOUROUS, HAS RESEARCH POTENTIAL, STUDENTS CAN IDENTIFY WITH AUTHORITATIVE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE. THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY THAT'S NOT AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

    * THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, WORKS WELL, AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE.

      THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY CLEAR PROSE, MANAGEABLE LENGTH, MOVING STORY.

    * ESCAPE FORM BOSNIA AZA'S STORY AS TOLD TO SUE MC CAULEY. USED IN A THEMATIC STUDY OF WAR, A REAL LOVE STORY OF HOW A NZ PILOT SMUGGLED OUT HIS FUTURE WIFE, WELL WRITTEN /RETOLD.

    * FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE, BY BARBARA MABBETT. ADAPTED FROM 'AMIRIA' (FORM 5). THE SIMPLIFIED VERSION IS VERY GOOD TO USE WITH LESS ABLE READERS.

    * GREEK NEWS, BY ANTON POWELL. ANCIENT HISTORY IN NEWSPAPER FORMAT ALSO NEWS WRITING

    * GOING SOLO, BY ROALD DAHL ESPECIALLY WITH BOYS.

    * HIROSHIMA, BY JOHN HERSEY THERE IS STILL WIDESPREAD INTEREST AMONG STUDENTS. DATED BUT USEFUL FOR FORM 5

    * IS THAT IT?, BY BOB GELDORF. FORM 5 BUT NOW DATED RATHER MUCH.

    * LONGMAN'S SERIES ON 'FAMOUS LIVES' INCLUDES STORIES ON GANDHI, MARTIN LUTHER KING, MOTHER THERESA

    * MY PLACE, BY SALLY MORGAN. ISSUES BOOK, CLOSER TO HOME YET GIVES US THE DISTANCE.

    * MY YEAR, BY ROALD DAHL. GREAT FOR ENTHUSING THE UNENTHUSIASTIC.

    * NIGHT, BY ELIE WIESEL.

    * THE NON-FICTION FILE, BY JUDINE LADBROOK.

    * NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER BETTY MAHMOODY. SEMI NOVEL, SEMI NON-FICTION.

    * PACK AND RIFLE, BY PHILIP HOLDEN ADAPTED VERSION, FORM 5.

    * PERSONAL BEST (ED. DUDER) - SPORTS RELATED STORIES

    * REAL PEOPLE, REAL PLACES - NEW WINDMILL COLLECTION OF NON-FICTION.

    * ROMAN NEWS ANCIENT HISTORY IN NEWSPAPER FORMAT, ALSO NEWS WRITING

    * TOOTH AND NAIL, BY MARY FINDLAY. GROWING UP IN NZ, FEMALE NARRATOR. QUITE LONG BUT OFTEN 'HOOKS' SLOWER STUDENTS, PLENTY IN IT FOR STUDY. AN EYE-OPENER BUT THEY LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE 'BAD OLD DAYS'

    * XTRA-ORDINARY LIVES/ STORIES SERIES - OMNIBUS BOOKS (SCHOLASTIC) - NEW SERIES OF HIGH INTEREST , NON-FICTION FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

    * ZLATA'S DIARY, BY ZLATA FILIPOVIC 

 

FILMS (JUNIOR)

    * ALEX BASED ON THE NOVEL BY TESSA DUDER

    * AT THE WHISTLESTOP CAFE FORM 4 BILINGUAL CLASS

    * BENNY AND JOAN LEE TAMEHORI DIR.

    * BRAVEHEART MEL GIBSON DIR. FOR A TOP FORM 4 GROUP OR FORM 5

    * BREAKER MORANT

      BREAKING AWAY PETER YATES (FORM 4)

    * CHINA SYNDROME NUCLEAR

    * JAMES BRIDGES DIR. NUCLEAR ISSUES FOR Y 11 AND 12

    * DANCES WITH WOLVES KEVIN COSTNER DIR.

    * EDWARD SCISSORHANDS TIM BURTON. LOTS OF ISSUES RAISED WITHOUT SEX OR VIOLENCE. THROUGHLY ENJOYABLE AND SAD. CONFORMIST SOCIETY REJECTS THE CREATIVE, SENSITIVE SOUL, YEAR 10 GIRLS LOVED IT

    * END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER, BY IAN MUNE (YEAR 11)

      FIELD OF DREAMS PHIL ALDEN-ROBINSON DIR.

    * FLY AWAY HOME CARROLL BALLARD DIR

    * FOOTROOT FLATS FOR FORMS 3 AND 4. USUALLY LATCH ONTO WHATEVER IS RELEVANT TO THEM AT THE TIME

    * FORREST GUMP, DIRECTED BY ROBERT ZEMECKIS, BASED ON THE NOVEL BY WINSTON GROOM. USEFUL FOR TEACHING OF NARRATIVE GENRE, FILM AND LITERATURE. APPEALING CHARACTERISATIONS AND CONVINCING PERFORMANCES. INTERESTING MUSIC AND ERA, CHARACTERISATIONS, FILM TECHNIQUE VERY MODERN, THEME REINFORCED BY SYMBOLISM, PASSING OF TIME USED IN INTERESTING WAY

    * FRIED GREEN TOMATOES JOHN ARNET DIR. FORM 4 BILINGUAL CLASS

    * THE FUGITIVE, HARRISON FORD DIR. EXCITING CHASE FOOTAGE, MANY TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING

    * GOLD DIGGERS BY KEVIN JAMES DOBSON?

    * THE HOBBIT JULES BASS AND ARTHUR RANKIN JR DIR. (FORM 3)

    * HOPE AND GLORY JOHN BEERMAN (FORM 4)

    * IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER JIM SHERIDAN. (FORM 5) A RECENT RELEASE.

    * JACK FRANCES COPPOLA DIR

    * KINGPIN MIKE WALKER CIR. VERY POPULAR WITH LESS ABLE BOYS. HAS A DISTINCT NZ FLAVOUR.

    * KORO'S HAT AND OTHER SHORT FILMS PRODUCED BY THE GROUP THAT FILMED THIS FOR TELEVISION. FORM 3/4 BILINGUAL CLASS

    * LABYRINTH JIM HENSON 1987. FORM 4.

    * LAST OF THE MOHICANS MICHAEL MANN DIR.

    * LION KING ROGER ALLERS AND ROB MINKOFF DIR.THEMATICALLY STRONG, CLEAR SYMBOLISM, GOOD CONTRASTS, CLEAR STORYLINE, USE OF SPECIAL EFFECTS.

    * THE LONG WALK HOME RICHARD PEARCE DIR. EXCELLENT CHARACTERISATION, STRONG SYMBOLISM TO REINFORCE 'BLACK AND WHITE'. ADULT NARRATOR REMEMBERING CHILDHOOD (COMPARE WITH

    * TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD)

    * LITTLE WOMEN GILLIAN ARMSTRONG DIR.

    * THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER GEORGE MILLER DIR. BASED ON THE POEM BY 'BANJO' PATERSON. WHOLE CLASS ENJOYED THIS, A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE. GOOD ACTION MOVIE FOR JUNIORS WITH POSSIBILITY OF LINKS TO THE POEM.

    * MASK (WITH 'CHER') CHUCK RUSSELL DIR. (FORM 4)

    * MATILDA DANNY DE VITO DIR. CHARACTERISATION CLEVER, FAMILIAR STORYLINE, CLEAR THEMES, CLEVER USE OF CAMERA.

    * MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, KENNETH BRANAGH DIR. CAN BE USED AT ANY LEVEL BUT IS AN EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE FOR JUNIORS AND CAN BE USED AS A FILM STUDY RATHER THAN AS 'SHAKESPEARE'

    * NGATI BARRY BARCLAY DIR. LOW BUDGET FILM, INTERESTING CONCEPTS AND FILMING, SPIRITUAL

      ONCE WERE WARRIORS LEE TAMAHORI DIR.

    * THE OUTSIDERS, (

    * COPPOLA) BASED ON THE NOVEL BY S.E. HINTON. HAS EXCELLENT IMAGERY. LINKS TO BOOK STUDY, EXCELLENT TO SHOW FILM TECHNIQUE, THE 'BRAT PACK' STILL POPULAR WITH MOST TEENAGERS.

    * THE POWER OF ONE, JOHN G AVILDSEN DIR. BASED ON THE NOVEL BY BRYCE COURTENAY. ALL KIDS RELATE TO BULLYING, INJUSTICE, ETC. EVOKES A STRONG RESPONSE. EFFECTIVE THEME STUDY. FORM 5 ENJOY IT

    * PRIDE AND PREJUDICE SIMON LANGTON DIR.

    * A GOOD INTRODUCTION TO OLDER LITERATURE WITHOUT THE DIFFICULTY OF TRYING TO READ THE NOVEL

    * RUBY AND RATA FORM 5. GOOD FOR CHARACTER STUDIES AND FILM TECHNIQUE

    * ROIMATA AND OTHER SHORT FILMS PRODUCED BY THE GROUP THAT FILMED 'KORO'S HAT' FOR TELEVISION. GOOD FOR FORM 3/4 BILINGUAL CLASS

    * SANDLOT KIDS - FORM 3 FILM - STRONG THEME/ CHARACTERS

    * SECRET OF BEAR MOUNTAIN BY KEVIN JAMES DOBSON DIR. ENJOYED BY GIRLS IN PARTICULAR.

    * SHAKESPEARE'S WORKS - ANY UPDATED VERSIONS - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TWELFTH NIGHT, RICHARD III, ROMEO AND JULIET - EXCELLENT WITH JUNIORS AND SENIORS

    * SNAIL'S PACE (FROM SHORTS 1, LEARNING MEDIA)

    * STAND BY ME, (REINER) GOOD 'RITES OF PASSAGE' STUFF. STUDENTS LOVE THE HUMOUR - BOYS. GOOD VALUES AND GOOD FILM TECHNIQUES

    * TO SIR WITH LOVE JAMES CLAVELL DIR.FILM AND BOOK

    * TOY STORY JOHN LASSETER DIR. CLEAR STRUCTURE, ENJOYABLE'VIEW', ANIMATION, FAMILIARITY, OBVIOUS THEMES

    * THE WAVE ALEXANDER GRASSHOFF DIR. BASED ON THE BOOK BY MARTON RHUE.

    * WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE? MODERN, HUMOUROUS, COVERS FAMILY, TEENAGE ISSUES, STUDENTS RELATE DESPITE A VERY DIFFERENT SETTING. VERY POPULAR, GREAT FOR FILMING TECHNIQUES, CHARACTER/THEME/SETTING. A LOT OF INFORMATION. GOOD FOR EXAM ANSWERS.

    * WHITE FANG RANDAL KLEISER DIR. BASED ON THE NOVEL BY JACK LONDON

    * THE WHOLE OF THE MOON DUNCAN STUART DIR. EXPLORES ISSUES OF INTEREST TO STUDENTS - TEENAGE CANCER SUFFERERS. NZ, PARTICULARLY AUCKLAND RELATED, STRONG CHARACTERS AND STRONG SOCIAL SITUATION

    * WITNESS PETER WEIR DIR.

    * GOOD FOR

    * FORM 5 

 

SENIOR SECONDARY


NOVELS (SENIOR)

    * A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, BY ALAN BURGESS. POWERFUL STIMULUS FOR FORM 7.

    * ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, BY MARK TWAIN STILL ACCESSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE VIBRANT LANGUAGE AND 'MAN ALONE' THEMES.

    * ALEX, BY TESSA DUDER

    * ALIAS GRACE, BY MARGARET ATWOOD. SEVENTH FORM GIRLS.

    * ANIMAL FARM, BY GEORGE ORWELL. CAN BE STUDIED ON SEVERAL LEVELS. USED AT SC LEVEL WITH NESB STUDENTS. GREAT ENJOYMENT. LANGUAGE LEVEL APPROPRIATE.

    * A ROOM WITH A VIEW, BY E.M. FORSTER. EXCELLENT FOR ABLE SEVENTH FORMERS. STRONG IMAGERY AND THEMATIC CONTENT. GOOD FOR NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW.

    * A SOLDIER'S TALE, BY M. K. JOSEPH. WORKS WELL WHEN STUDIED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FILM. SHORT BUT HAS DEPTH, AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE METHOD AND THEME.

    * AT THE WHISTLESTOP CAFE, BY FANNY FRAGG. A HUMOUROUS INSIGHT INTO REALTIONSHIP.S

    * THE BONE PEOPLE, BY KERRY HULME. YEAR 13. "MY FAVOURITE NOVEL EVER TO TEACH."

    * BRAVE NEW WORLD, BY A HUXLEY. A LOT OF USEFUL TEACHING MATERIAL.

    * CAL, BY BERNARD MACLAVERTY.

    * CATCH 22 , BY JOSEPH HELLER. WORKS WELL WHEN STUDIED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FILM.

    * CATCHER IN THE RYE, BY J D SALINGER. DATED BUT STILL APPEALS TO SIXTH-FORMERS.

    * THE COURSE OF HONOUR, BY STEVEN SAYLOR. EXCELLENT BACKGROUND FOR CLASSICAL STUDIES.

    * DRIVING FORCE, BY ALAN BUNN. USED IN LOWER ABILITY FORMS 5/6.

    * THE ENGLISH PATIENT, BY MICHAEL ONDAATJE. HAS WORKED REALLY WELL FOR FORM 7, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE FILM, QUITE A DIFFERENT FOCUS OF STORY/THEME, 'COMPLEX' ENOUGH FOR BURSARY, AND STUDENTS ENJOYED IT.

    * FERAL CITY, BY ROSIE SCOTT. A DYSTOPIAN NOVEL IN AN AUCKLAND SETTING.

    * THE FIXER, BY BERNARD MALAMUD. EXCELLENT FOR A VARIETY OF THEMATIC TREATMENTS, HISTORICAL, JUSTICE, MAN ALONE, PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES

    * FLIGHT OF THE ALBATROSS, BY DEBORAH SAVAGE. NZ SETTING. MAORI/PAKEHA, GOOD WRITING.

    * FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, BY FANNY FRAGG. A HUMOUROUS INSIGHT INTO RELATIONSHIPS.

    * THE GREAT GATSBY, BY SCOTT FITSGERALD. WORKS WELL WHEN STUDIED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FILM. THE 'PERFECT'NOVEL.

    * THE HANDMAID'S TALE, BY MARGARET ATWOOD. EXCELLENT FEMALE AND SOCIAL ISSUES, BRILLIANT WRITNG.

    * THE HEART'S WILD SURF, BY STEPHANIE JOHNSON. SIXTH FORM GIRLS

    * I HEARD THE OWL CAL MY NAME BY MARGARET CRAVEN.

    * THE KITCHEN GOD'S WIFE, BY AMY TAN. WORKED WELL WITH FORM 7.

    * IN MY FATHER'S DEN, BY MAURICE GEE. POPULAR WITH ALL STUDENTS, EXCELLENT FOR EXTENDING THE MORE ABLE ONES. REASONABLY 'EASY' READ WHICH ATTRACTS EVEN NON-READERS DUE TO ITS MYSTERY/INTRIGUE FORMAT YET OFFERS AN IN-DEPTH SENIOR TEXT.

    * LADY ORACLE, BY MARGARET ATWOOD. GENDER ISSUES, STEREOTYPES.

    * LEAVES OF THE BUNYAN TREE, BY ALBERT WENDT (YEAR 12/13)

    * LETTERS FROM THE INSIDE, BY JOHN MARSDEN. STUDENTS DEVOUR THIS! ISSUE-BASED STUDIES VERY SUCCESSFUL

    * LORD OF THE FLIES, BY WILLIAM GOLDING. ALWAYS HIGH INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS.

    * LOVE, CHARLIE MIKE, BY KATE DE GOLDI. 1998 NZ POST CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS FINALIST. A STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER.

    * MUTUWHENUA, BY PATRICIA GRACE. HOLDS INTEREST, GOOD FOR EXPLORING IDEAS OF SPIRITUALITY SOME RESISTANCE AT FIRST BUT GIRLS RESPONDED WELL TO CULTURAL RELATIONSHIP ISSUE.S

    * NOT HER REAL NAME, BY EMILY PERKINS.

    * OF MICE AND MEN BY JOHN STEINBECK VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH MALE STUDENTS. STILL POWERFUL IMPACT. (YEAR 11)

    * ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, BY KEN KESAY.

    * THE OUTSIDERS, BY S E HINTON. ENJOYED BY BOTH 4THS AND 5THS. AN ARGUMENT FOR THE FACT THAT WE ARE A PRODUCT OF OUR ENVIRONMENT. STUDENTS RELATE WELL TO THE THEME OF GROWING UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACK. GREAT FOR TEENAGE ANGST.

    * OUT WALKED MEL, BY PAULA BOOCK. CONTEMPORARY, TEENAGE ISSUES, NZ AUTHOR, NOT TOO LONG , FORM 5 AND 6 (DEALS WITH A 6TH FORMER BUT MAY BE TOO EASY).

    * ONCE WERE WARRIORS, BY ALAN DUFF. UNFORTUNATELY A LITTLE DATED. GOOD RESOURCE MATERIAL AVAILABLE. APPROPRIATE FOR SOME FORM 7 ENGLISH CLASSES, STYLE IS DISTINCTIVE.

    * ORACLES AND MIRACLES,

    * BY STEVEN ELDRED-GRIGG

    * . GREAT CHARACTERISATION AND STYLE.USED IN ADDITION TO NZ LITERATURE TIMELINE STUDY WITH FORM 6. INTERESTING ROMANTIC STRUCTURE, A GOOD BACKGROUND OF THE PERIOD, GREAT READ. A BEST SELLING NOVEL ABOUT TWIN SISTERS GROWING UP IN CHRISTCHURCH IN 1930'S/40'S, WELL WRITTEN, ISSUES OF CHILDHOOD, POVERTY, IDENTITY.

    * POSEIDON'S GOLD, BY LINDSAY DAVIS. EXCELLENT BACKGROUND FOR CLASSICAL STUDIES

    * POSSUM PERKINS, BY WILLIAM TAYLOR. GIRLS ENJOY THE STRONG CHARACTER OF ROSIE -- DARES TO BE DIFFERENT. EXPLORES THE ISSUSE OF INCEST, ALCOHOLISM AND FRIENDSHIP.

    * POTIKI, BY PATRICIA GRACE. (FORM 6) GOOD WITH MULTICULTURAL CLASSES. SOME RESISTANCE AT FIRST BUT WORTH PERSISTING WITH, SOME GOOD WORK AS A RESULT.

    * THE POWER AND THE GLORY, BY GRAHAM GREENE (YEAR 12 LEVEL)

    * PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, BY JANE AUSTIN. RELATIONSHIPS AND THEMES RELEVANT TO THIS AGE GROUP. SENIOR FORM 7, BECAUSE OF THE FILM, IT'S A REAL WINNER. ARGUMENTS ABOUT MARRIAGE, SHOWS THE HEROINE ABLE TO WITHSTANDFAMILY/SOCIAL PRESSURES AND MEET HER OWN NEEEDS

    * THE REDEMPTION OF ELSDON BIRD, BY NOEL VIRTUE STUDENTS SYMPATHISE WITH THE MAIN CHARACTER.

    * ROMAN BLOOD, BY STEVEN SAYLOR. EXCELLNT BACKGROUND FOR CLASSICAL STUDIES.

    * SLIDE THE CORNER, BY FLEUR BEALE.

    * SMITH'S DREAM, BY C.K. STEAD

    * SONS FOR THE RETURN HOME, BY ALBERT WENDT. EXCELLENT FOR FORMS 6/7 LEVEL, RELATED ISSUES ON PACIFIC MIGRATION TO NZ

    * THIS BOY'S LIFE, BY TOBIAS WOLFE.

    * TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, BY HARPER LEE. CLASSIC READ, CLOSE STUDY OF SMALL TOWN LIFE WHICH DEVELOPS MANY WORLDLY ISSUES. STILL LOVE THIS ONE, A RICH TEXTURE, STUDENTS ENJOY THE CHARACTERISATION

    * TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN, BY JOHNMARSDEN. ACTION PACKED AND WORKS WELL WITH LESS ABLE READERS. HAS BEEN USED WITH YEAR 11 ALTHOUGH MANY READ IT AT AN EARLIER STAGE. STUDENTS HAVE READ THIS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY STRUGGLED TO READ A WHOLE BOOK BEFORE, PLENTY OF ACTION. WORKS WELL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AT FORM 5, NARRATIVE HOOKS THEM AND MANY READ OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES SUBSEQUENTLY.

    * TRUTH, DARE OR PROMISE, BY PAULA BOOCK AWARD WINNING NOVEL - EXPLORES TEENAGE LESBIAN RELATIONSHIP.

    * UNDERGROUND MAN, BY EDWARD F ABOOD. A RECENT READ, ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY.

    * WATER IN THE BLOOD, BY ALAN BUNN NZ OUTDOORS, KAYAKING, TEENAGE CONFLICTS/ISSUES. WORKS WELL WITH BOYS AND LESS ABLE READERS, HIGH INTEREST.

    * THE WHALE RIDER, BY WITI IHIMAERA. GETS A SUPERB RESPONSE. EXCELLENT FOR EXPLORING LANGUAGE.STUDENTS RESPOND TO THE LYRICAL, MYTHICAL QUALITY. A BOOK THAT ALWAYS GOES WELL WITH CLASSES

    * THE WHOLE OF THE MOON, BY DUNCAN STUART. EXCELLENT SUPPORT FROM AUTHOR WEBSITE AND PERSONAL; VISIT (AUCKLAND AREA)

    * WILD PORK AND WATERCRESS, BY BARRY CRUMP. ALSO OTHER TITLES BY CRUMP. USED WITH LESS ABLE SENIOR CLASSES. 

 

NON-FICTION (SENIOR)

    * A DAY IN THE LIFE OF IVAN DENISOVICH, BY IVAN SOLZHENITSYN

    * A DISSOLVING DREAM, BY HEATHER BENSON.

    * ALIVE, BY PIERS PAUL REED. INTERESTING FOR FORM 5, SHOWING THEME AND CHARACTER, FILM USEFUL AS EXTENSION.

    * ANGELA'S ASHES, BY FRANK MCCOURT. HAS RECEIVED CRITICAL ACCLAIM, ISSUES OF POVERTY AND CHILDHOOD DEPRIVATION, DISFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES, VERY POPULAR AND EXCELLENT FOR SEMINAR WORK/CLOSE READING

    * BEING PAKEHA, BY MICHAEL KING (YEAR 13)

    * BISHOPS, BY MONA WILLIAMS

    * BLACK BOY, BY RICHARD WRIGHT. VERY USEFUL FOR FORM 7.

    * BLUE HIGHWAYS, BY LEAST HEAT-MOON

    * CHAOS, BY JAMES GLEICK. SOME STUDENTS FIND IT 'UNPUTDOWNABLE'!

    * DEATH OF THE RAINBOW WARRIOR, BY MICHAEL KING.

    * DIBS IN SEARCH OF SELF, BY VIRGINIA AXLENE. STUDY OF STORY, THEME, CHARACTER, LANGUAGE EXTENSION, USEFUL FOR POINT OF VIEW

    * THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY. CLEAR PROSE, MANAGEABLE LENGTH, MOVING STORY.

    * ESCAPE FROM BOSNIA, BY SUE MCCAULEY. AZA'S STORY AS TOLD TO SUE MC CAULEY. USED IN A THEMATIC STUDY OF WAR, A REAL LOVE STORY OF HOW A NZ PILOT SMUGGLED OUT HIS FUTURE WIFE, WELL WRITTEN /RETOLD

    * FIRST LIGHT, BY CAROL O'BISO.

    * GREEK NEWS, BY ANTON POWELL. ANCIENT HISTORY IN NEWSPAPER FORMAT -- ALSO NEWS WRITING.

    * GUNNER INGLORIOUS, BY JIM HENDERSON

    * HAND ME DOWN, BY LEE BONHEUR. IDENTIFIABLE AND FAMILIAR ISSUES, NZ BOOK.

    * HIROSHIMA, BY JOHN HERSEY. POWERFUL AND LEADS TO SOME EXCELLENT TRANSACTIONAL WRITING. POWERFUL MESSAGE, EASY TO READ AND FOLLOW, GRAPHIC.

    * THE HUMAN ZOO, BY DESMOND MORRIS. GREAT DISCUSSION PROVOKER

    * I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, BY MAYA ANGELOU.

    * INTO THIN AIR, BY JON KRAKAUER HAVE NOT TRIED THIS WITH A CLASS BUT I THINK IT WOULD BE GREAT TO DO, ISSUES OF SURVIVAL, HUMAN ENDEAVOUR.

    * KRSTYNA'S STORY, BY HILINA OGUNOWSKA-COATES. USED WITH BRIGHT YEAR 10'S AS AN EXTENSION IN A WAR THEME. KRSTYNA IS ONE OF THE POLISH CHILDREN BROUGHT TO NZ BY THE FRAZER GOVERNMENT, COMPELLING.

    * LOOKING FOR ALLIBRANDI, BY MELINA MARCHETA. 1993 MULTICULTURAL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD. GROWING UP AS AN ITALIAN AUSTRALIAN.

    * MALO TUPOU RESEARCHED BY LOIS WEBSTER. VERY REAL FOR OUR PACIFIC ISLAND STUDENTS

    * MIHIPEKA - THE EARLY YEARS, BY MIHI EDWARDS. GROWING UP IN NZ. ALL FEMALE NARRATORS.

    * MY LEFT FOOT, CHRISTY BROWN. EASY TO READ, HAS AN ACCOMPAYING VIDEO, HEART-WARMING, GIRLS ESPECIALLY LIKED IT.

    * NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER, BY MAHMOODY. YEAR 13. KIDS LOVED IT, CAN'T BELIEVE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENS.

    * ORACLES AND MIRACLES, BY STEVEN ELDRED-GRIGG

    * ROMAN NEWS . ANCIENT HISTORY IN NEWSPAPER FORMAT ALSO NEWS WRITING

    * RUNNING ON EMPTY: THE ROPATI STORY , BY IVA ROPATI AND JIM MATHER. GOOD 'MIDDLE' TEXT, ESPECIALLY GOOD IN MULTICULTURAL, URBAN SCHOOL.

    * SANDRA EDGE:

    * FULL CIRCLE: AN AUTOBIOGRPHY WITH JOSEPH ROMANOS

    * SCHINDLER'S ARK, BY THOMAS KENEALLY

    * SLEEPERS, BY LORENGO CARRATERRA STUDENTS

    * ALL READ IT (QUITE A FEAT FOR 7TH FORMERS), HAS SOME LITERARY MERIT, STRONG NARRATIVE.

    * STRANGER THAN FICTION, BY TERRY LOCKE

    * TO THE ISLAND, BY JANET FRAME. USED AT FORM 7.

    * TOOTH AND NAIL, BY MARY FINDLAY. GROWING UP IN NZ, FEMALE NARRATOR. QUITE LONG BUT OFTEN 'HOOKS' SLOWER STUDENTS, PLENTY IN IT FOR STUDY. A GREAT READ, ENTERTAINING BUT STILL EXCELLENT BACKGROUND FOR THE PERIOD.

    * VOICES OF GALLIPOLI, BY MAURICE SHADBOLT. EYE-OPENER FOR MANY STUDENTS, STRONG PERSONAL RESPONSE FROM THIS, STRUCTURALLY INTERESTING, HUMOUROUS, EASY TO READ, HAS RESEARCH POTENTIAL, A STRONG PERSONAL VOIC.E

    * THE WEB, BY DEBORAH FURLEY. ANOREXIA AND ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS

    * WHINA, BY MICHAEL KING (YEAR 13)

    * WILD SWANS, BY JUNG CHANG AN EXCELLENT READ, SO MUCH TO IT. 

 

FILMS (SENIOR)

    * ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT DELBERT MANN 1979 DIR. WAR FILM WITH GOOD 'PERSONAL' INTERACTION FOR AUDIENCE. SOLID SC LITERATURE AND LEADS WELL INTO WAR POETRY OR RESEARCH

    * AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE JANE CAMPION DIR. YEAR 12. GOOD FOR YEAR 13 FILM STUDY AND EXTENDS KNOWLEDGE OF NZ LITERATURE.

    * 2001: A SPACE ODESSY DIR. STANLEY KUBRICK. MEANING OF LIFE MODULE, USED WITH AN ABLE SIXTH FORM

    * BLOWOUT TRAVOLTA. "SO SEXIST AND REVOLTING STUDENTS CAN SEE THROUGH THE SUPERFICIAL VALUES AND GET LOTS OUT OF IT."

    * BLADERUNNER (DIR RIDLEY SCOTT) EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR CONTENT/CINEMATOGRAPHICAL GENRE, FIM NOIR. EXCELLENT INTERNET RESOURCES. INTERESTING LOOK AT NOIR GENRE. WORKS WELL IN A COMPARE AND CONTRAST EXERCISE WITH THE FILM. FORM 7 FILM STUDY, THE 'FILM NOIR'/SCI FI CROSSOVER IS GOOD FOR DISCUSSION OF VISUAL STYLE, A FASCINATING FILM, PROVOKES A LOT OF DISCUSSION.

    * BIG SLEEP 1978 MICHAEL WINNER DIR. GOES WELL WITH 'BLADERUNNER' AND 'MALTESE FALCON' AS 'FILM NOIR' STUDY.

    * BRAVEHEART (GIBSON DIR.) USED AT SFC LEVEL , GOOD FOR STUDY OF GENRE AND FILM TECHNIQUES, FANTASTIC FILM, LOTS OF SPECIAL EFFECTS, INTERESTING CAMERA CRAFT, COLOURFUL CHARACTERS, CLEAR THEMES, EMOTIONALLY UPLIFTING. CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD STYLE/ EPIC FILM, ENJOYED BY BOYS AND GIRLS. "HAS HELPED TO GET MY LESS ABLE CLASS INTERESTED IN HISTORY."

    * BREAKER MORANT BROKEN ENGLISH DIR. GREGOR NICHOLAS. FORMS 6/7 MULTICULTURAL, FAMILY ISSUES.

    * CAL PAT O'CONNOR DIR.

    * CHINA SYNDROME JAMES BRIDGES DIR. NUCLEAR ISSUES, RECOMMENDED FOR YEARS 11/12

    * CHINATOWN ROMAN POLANSKI DIR. GOOD PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ISSUES, EXAMPLE OF FILM NOIR

    * THE COLOUR PURPLE STEPHEN SPEILBERG DIR.

      CROSSROADS WALTER HILL DIR.

    * DANCES WITH WOLVES KEVIN COSTNER DIR.

    * DEAD POET'S SOCIETY PETER WEIR DIR. SC LEVEL. SUBSTANTIAL ISSUES TACKLED. GOOD EXAMPLES OF CAMERA WORK, WELL DEVELOPED CHARACTERS. AN EFFECTIVE THEME STUDY, FORM 6 ENJOY IT.

    * THE ENGLISH PATIENT ANTHONY MINGHELLA DIR.

      END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER IAN MUNE DIR.

      ESCAPE FROM SOBIBOR JACK GOLD DIR.

      THE FIFTH ELEMENT LUC BESSON DIR. EXCELLENT PLOT AND SUB-PLOT DEVELOPMENT. EXTENSIVE USE OF METAPHOR, VERY GOOD VISUALS

      FORREST GUMP ROBERT ZEMECKIS DIR.

    * FORGOTTON SILVER PETER JACKSON DIR. GOOD FOR LOOKING AT DOCUMENTARY STRUCTURE, AND CONSTRUCTED TRUTH/REALITY.

    * THE FUGITIVE A DAVIS DIR. FORM 5 CERTIFICATE FILM, STRONG CHARACTERS/THEME, NO RESOURCES

    * GALLIPOLI PETER WEIR DIR.

    * FORM 5. STILL A SUCCESSFUL MODEL OF FILM TECHNIQUE, SYMBOLISM AND RECURRING MOTIFS. STUDENTS ENJOY IT AND ARE MOVED, THEY RELATE WELL TO THE YOUNG CHARACTERS.

    * GOOD MORNING VIETNAM BARRY LEVINSON DIR.

    * HEAVENLY CREATURES, DIRECTED BY PETER JACKSON. THOUGHT PROVOKING. GREAT IN A CONSERVATIVE, HOMOPHOBIC RURAL SCHOOL!! WELL PRODUCED. PUPILS ARE SHOCKED TO LEARN IT IS A TRUE STORY, NZ'S MOST FAMOUS DIRECTOR. MUCH APPRECIATED BY STUDENTS, LOTS TO DISCUSS, YEAR 12 FILM STUDY. EXCELLENT FOR STUDY OF FILM TECHNIQUES. SENSITIVE IN ATTEMPTS TO UNDERSTAND ALL CHARACTERS, WONDERFUL TECHNIQUES.

    * THE JOY LUCK CLUB WAYNE WANG DIR.

    * JUDGE DREAD DANNY CANNON DIR.

    * THE KILLING FIELDS, (DIR ROLAND JOFFE) POWERFUL

    * KITCHEN SINK ALISON MCLEAN DIR. SIXTH FORM SURREALIST MODULE

    * THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS MICHAEL MANN DIR.

    * LEAN ON ME JOHN G A ARVIDSON. RELEVANT TO STUDENTS.

    * LORD OF THE FLIES HARRY HOOK DIR.(NEW VERSION) BASED ON THE NOVEL BY WILLIAM GOLDING. ALWAYS HIGH INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS

    * MACBETH (POLANSKI VERSION)

    * MALTESE FALCON . JOHN HUSTON DIR. 1941 GOES SUPERBLY WITH 'BLADERUNNER' AS 'FIM NOIR' STUDY

    * MICHAEL COLLINS NEIL JORDAN DIR. TOPIC FOR SC HISTORY.

    * MISSISSIPPI BURNING ALAN PARKER DIR. FORM 7 FILM STUDY. RACIAL CONFLICT IN SOUTHERN USA, POWERFUL SYMBOLISM/ISSUES.

    * MURIEL'S WEDDING P J HOGAN DIR. PROVOKES PLENTY OF DEBATE - IS IT A COMEDY? WELL PRODUCED.

    * MY LEFT FOOT JIM SHERIDAN DIR. FORM 6 FILM, VERY GOOD PERSONAL SOCIAL CONTEXT, SOME RESOURCES AVAILABLE.

    * NELL MICHAEL APTED DIR.

      NGATI BARRY BARCLAY DIR. LOW BUDGET FILM, INTERESTING CONCEPTS AND FILMING, SPIRITUAL.

    * OF MICE AND MEN GARY SINISE DIR.

    * ONCE WERE WARRIORS LEE TAMAHORI DIR. FORM 6/7

    * ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, MILOS FORMAN DIR. FORMS 4 - 6. GRIPPING. OLD BUT VERY POWERFUL. THEY LOVE IT! REALLY EMPATHISE WITH THE CHARACTER.S

    * OTHELLO (BRANAGH VERSION) GOOD SYMBOLIC IMAGES, COLOUR ETC. CAME WITH A GOOD TEACHING GUIDE. KIDS WERE GLUED TO IT.

    * THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES CLINT EASTWOOD DIR. FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FILM CLICHES.

    * THE PIANO JANE CAMPION DIR. UPPER SCHOOL , EXCELLENT STUDY. DIFFICULT TO COME TO TERMS WITHBUT WELL WORTH IT.

    * THE POWER OF ONE ALVIDSEN. GOOD STORYLINE AND THEME, SOME EXCELLENT PHOTOGRAPHIC SEQUENCES, STUDENTS ENJOY THE MUSIC.

    * RAIN MAN BARRY LEVINSON DIR. FORMS 6/7

    * RANSOM GIBSON. PLENTY OF GOOD FILM ANALYSIS POSSIBLE ON THIS.

    * RUBY AND RATA FORM 5. NZ FILM GOOD FOR CHARACTER STUDIES AND FILM TECHNIQUE.

    * REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE NICHOLAS RAY DIR. INTERESTING FOR DISCUSSION OF THEMES AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND, THE 'TEENAGE' PHENOMENON, PLENTY OF VISUAL INTEREST TOO.

    * ROMEO AND JULIET (ZEFERELLI VERSION)

    * ROMEO AND JULIET (1997 RELEASE)

    * ROMEO AND JULIET (BAZ LUHRMANN) VISUALLY APPEALING, GREAT SOUNDTRACK. VIOLENCE, GUNS, CARS FOR THE BOYS, ROMANCE FOR THE GIRLS, ALL LIKED IT.

    * SCHINDLER'S LIST STEVEN SPEILBERG DIR. USED AT SC LEVEL , GENERATES MANY ACTIVITES

    * SENSE AND SENSIBILITY ANG LEE DIR. FORM 7 "LIGHT RELIEF" BUT EASY TO TEACH, VERY OBVIOUS TECHNIQUES

    * THE SHADOW RUSSELL MULCAHY DIR. GOOD FOR YEAR 12.

    * SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION FRANK DARABONT DIR. FORMS 6/7 , CHALLENGING FILM, DEFINITE THEMES/ MESSAGES, GOOD CONTRASTS, SYMBOLISM CLEARLY DEFINED, GREAT ENDING, EMOTIONAL AND MEMORABLE. POWERFUL USE OF A VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES, CHARACTERISATION CLEVERLY EXECUTED, SYMBOLISM AND A GRIPPING STORYLINE, NARRATOR TECHNIQUE EFFECTIVE

    * SHAME STEVE JODRELL DIR. AUSTRALIAN FILM USES WESTERN GENRE TO SHOW WOMEN/MEN SUPPORTING EACH OTHER AGAINST INJUSTICE/ABUSE. ALTERNATIVE YEAR 12 CLASS

    * SILENCE OF THE LAMBS JONATHAN DEMME DIR. EXCELLENT FOR FILM WORK WITH SENIORS

    * STAND BY ME DIR REINER. BASED ON A NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING. MANY USEFUL FILM TECHNIQUES

    * STRICTLY BALLROOM BAZ LUHRMANN DIR.

    * TAKE FIVE (SHORTS NZ ) MIKE FOWLER. COMPLETE WITH VIDEO CLIPS AND TEACHER TEXT HUMOUROUS

    * TESS OF THE D'U RBAVILLES IAN SHARP DIR. (TV 1998) BASED ON A NOVEL BY THOMAS HARDY. TRIALLING AT PRESENT BUT SEEMS TO BE WORKING

    * TO SIR WITH LOVE JAMES CLAVELL FILM AND BOOK. YEAR 11. DONE WITH ALTERNATIVE 6TH FORM.

    * TO THE ISLAND USE AS A COMPARISON BETWEEN TEXT AND FILM (FORM 7).

    * UTU GEOFF GEOFF MURPHY DIR.

    * WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE A LOT OF ISSUES COVERED, WELL RECEIVED BY STUDENTS. MODERN, HUMOUROUS, COVERS FAMILY, TEENAGE ISSUES, STUDENTS RELATE DESPITE A VERY DIFFERENT SETTING. YEAR 12 STUDENTS HAVE LOVED THIS AND IT REVERSES SO MANY FILM CONVENTIONS. LEONARDO DI CAPRIO IN AN EARLY ROLE INTRIGUED FORM 5 CLASS, HUMOUR AND PATHOS, GOOD FOR THEME OF GROWING UP/COMING OF AGE

    * WITNESS PETER WEIR DIR. WORKED WELL WITH FORM 5

 

 

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (FIRST PUBLISHED 1998).