Irish Parents Review English Curriculum

  Lord of the Flies  is a 1954 novel by Nobel Prize-winning British author William  Golding . The book focuses on a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves.(Wikipedia).  The boys divide up into groups with leaders, followers and dissenters and the story follows their progress and regression on the island as some fall prey to power mania or peer pressure and participate in bullying and even murder. Others however, stand strong against the force of man's inhumanity to his fellow man. NB There is NO cannabalism in this story. A haunting, tragic book, with such deep hidden meaning. Golding reminds us of the depraved human nature of man, and how even the most civilized people can become monsters. (Kyra Bredenhof). . Lord of the Flies Themes Human Nature . William Golding once said that in writing Lord of the Flies he aimed to trace society's flaws back to their source in  human nature . ... Civilizati...

The Book of Learning by  E.R. Murray In my opinion this is a very mediocre book with nothing very original about it. It contains the usual mix of magic, time travel, ghosts, re-incarnation, fantasy, changing the past etc.etc.I feel that my teenagers could pick up a book like this themselves any day in any bookshop and would have no problem reading it and no need for a trained English teacher to have to spend hours dissecting it and analysing it in the classroom!  I would prefer their time in school be spent actually studying good quality literature (which is sorely lacking in the new prescribed list) for which there IS a need of a trained English teacher to bring out the themes and explain nuances and analyse the depth of a novel etc. How can a teacher do this with such a mediocre text?? (Reviewed by Michelle D.Co.Cork)

  Once by Morris Gleitzman, is the survival story of Felix, a young imaginative Jewish boy, who escapes from the orphanage, where his parents left him at the outset of WW11. He goes on a journey with the hope of finding his parents and along the way witnesses strange and worrying scenes involving Nazis, whose actions or wickedness his childish heart can't comprehend. Along with a young child, Zelda, who he rescues, Felix encounters Barney, a dentist, who helps and hides him until they are eventually discovered. While being deported, the children manage to escape from the train. Verdict: Heartwarming story despite the serious backdrop. Suitable for study at Junior Level. .

  Millions by award-winning writer, Frank Cottrell, tells the humorous (and somewhat complex) story of  young brothers, Anthony and Damien, who come into possession of almost 230,000 sterling pounds in a plot that continually surprises and excites. Verdict: Suitable for study at junior level. Does not contain any objectionable material.

  The Hobbit is a children's fantasy adventure book, set in Middle Earth, replete with Goblins, Dwarves, Dragons and Hobbits, a cracking tale of adventure and a wise and friendly Wizard to guide the likeable heroes, Frodo and Sam, through it all. First published in 1937, to wide acclaim, it became an instant children's classic in the fantasy genre and has ever since been hailed as one of the finest examples of fantasy literature. Many themes occur in the story such as friendship and loyalty, overcoming fear and exercising courage in the face of real and unknown danger, heroism and  self-sacrifice for the sake of others, inner struggles with greed and self-loathing/acceptance etc. and of course, the bigger, over-arching theme of good vs.evil. Verdict: suitable for study at Junior Level although weaker students may struggle with the sophistication of the language and many references to mythology etc. Is there any better writer in the fantasy genre than Tolkien! Pleeease can my ...

  ABOUT  SILAS MARNER   (by Penguin/Random house publishing) The classic novel of hope, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit, from beloved novelist George Eliot. In this heartwarming classic by George Eliot, a gentle linen weaver named Silas Marner is wrongly accused of a heinous theft actually committed by his best friend. Exiling himself to the rustic village of Raveloe, he becomes a lonely recluse. Ultimately, Marner finds redemption and spiritual rebirth through his unselfish love for an abandoned child who mysteriously appears one day in his isolated cottage.   Somber, yet hopeful, Eliot’s realistic depiction of an irretrievable past, tempered with the magical elements of myth and fairy tale, remains timeless in its understanding of human nature and has been beloved for generations. Verdict: Suitable for study in the classroom. Does not contain any objectionable material or language.

  The Red Pony tells the story (in 4 short stories) of a young boy, Jody Tiflin, living on a Californian ranch in the 1930s and follows him, his family and two ponies, through Jody's childhood as Jody learns diligence and perseverance in learning to care for, and ride, his first pony and deals with the shock of losing it when the pony dies following surgery. The difficult relationship between Jody and his father is explored and contrasted with that of Jody and the ranch hand, Billy Buck, who seems to understand Jody better. We see how similarly they think when the old Gitano comes to visit the ranch and is welcomed by them both, while scorned by Mr.Tiflin (Carl), Jody's father. Billy also keeps a promise to Jody, in that he ensures that Jody's young foal is born safely. Jody's relationship with his grandfather is also explored and general themes of conflict within the family, loss of innocence, conquering fear and human fallibility are all here.   Interesting themes for...

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare This classic play by Shakespeare contains as its main three themes: Love, Conflict and Family. Beautiful play to study in the classroom at Junior Cycle level. Always one of my very favs to teach!! (Nicola P,Co.Cavan,Mum/teacher)

  Young Irish immigrant Eilis Lace (Saoirse Ronan) navigates her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her past disrupts her new vivacity, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. (Bustle.com) Themes include Love and identity, resilience and self-determination. Suitable for study at Senior Level. lovely film to use on the English Curriculum. Am happy for my daughter to watch this in class. Jason, Co.Waterford This film is a family favourite in our house! Love Eilis' vulnerability and strength. Kathy l, Co.Donegal

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan As a teacher and a parent of a young teenage daughter,I can happily recommend this book for Junior Cycle students.It deals with the very relevant theme of moving to a new country and trying to settle there,making friends,going to school,learning to communicate effectively in the new language etc.In this poetic little book,Kasienka,the protagonist,has to deal with her parents’ separation,her Father’s betrayal of the family and her Mother’s depression. She also has to learn to live with poverty and how to deal with bullying at school.She finds release and friendship when she starts swimming competitively at the local pool.A beautifully written short tale which sheds light on some very relevant topics of our day. (Review by Mary T. Co.Clare, Teacher and Mother of teenage daughters)

The Tempest by William Shakespeare Classic play dealing with the theme of The Supernatural. In The Tempest , magic is a dazzling art form that infuses the play with a sense of wonder and a whole lot of spectacle. ...Other themes include: Art and Culture. ... Contrasting Regions. ... Freedom and Confinement. ... Man and the Natural World. ... Betrayal. ... Compassion and Forgiveness. ... The Divine Verdict: suitable for study in the classroom at Senior Cycle level.   .

  Play Summary  Oedipus the King (Cliffsnotes) Oedipus the King  unfolds as a murder mystery, a political thriller, and a psychological whodunit. Throughout this mythic story of patricide and incest, Sophocles emphasizes the irony of a man determined to track down, expose, and punish an assassin, who turns out to be himself. As the play opens, the citizens of Thebes beg their king, Oedipus, to lift the plague that threatens to destroy the city. Oedipus has already sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle to learn what to do. On his return, Creon announces that the oracle instructs them to find the murderer of Laius, the king who ruled Thebes before Oedipus. The discovery and punishment of the murderer will end the plague. At once, Oedipus sets about to solve the murder. Summoned by the king, the blind prophet Tiresias at first refuses to speak, but finally accuses Oedipus himself of killing Laius. Oedipus mocks and rejects the prophet angrily, ordering him to leave, ...

  Girl, Missing is an award-winning thriller from the pen of Sophie McKenzie, who was inspired to write the story after a true event she read about.  In terms of language and style, it is an easy read, even for  "non-readers" and the story, although short, is gripping and face-paced enough to keep the attention of weaker students. The storyline follows Lauren's discovery of her adoption and the mystery surrounding her past. She sets out, with her friend, Jam, on a dangerous quest to unlock the secrets of her true identity. The themes of family and identity are explored. Verdict: Suitable for Junior level students although teachers might struggle to find much depth of language or themes to explore.

  Directed by James Marsh, this documentary follows the story of Philippe Petit, a tight-rope, high wire walker, who in 1974, succeeded in crossing a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The daring stunt involved meticulous planning and subterfuge as it was an illegal venture from start to finish. The documentary highlights Philippe's ambitious determination, diligence and courage and we marvel at his nonchalant philosophy of the possibility of dying  a "beautiful death, doing what you love".  Verdict:Unfortunately, due to the inclusion of  the  "sex" scene towards the end of the film, in which Philippe and his girlfriend strip naked and entwine themselves together in full view of the camera, we feel that we cannot recommend this to be shown in English class.....  Review by IrishParents So disappointed to see the unnecessary sex scene included in this fascinating documentary. My sons were mortified (as were my wife...

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Wonderful,enduring classic. A joy to explore in the classroom. The themes of the destructiveness of  selfish love,revenge and jealousy and the refusal to change, are dominant. Also, the precariousness of social class (back in the 1800s) and the idea that cruelty begets cruelty, just as surely as love and gentleness beget the same.Great character analyses possible with this novel. Wholly appropriate for study at Senior level in the classroom.   (Review by Helen G.,Co. Cork, teacher and Mother to two teenage boys and a tween girl) Wuthering Heights is a great read although a bit dark for teens to be studying......there are other classics which don't have violence and cruelty and gothic ghosts in them........ Maria, teacher Co.Limerick

. . KIng Lear by William Shakespeare Classic play dealing with themes of: Authority and Order. ... Destruction of family relationships. Old Age. ... Fooling and Madness. ... Blindness and Insight.   Verdict: Suitable for study in the classroom at Senior level.  

  Plot synopsis [ edit ] The play centres on the experiences of eight  unionist   Ulstermen  who volunteer to serve in the  36th (Ulster) Division  at the beginning of the  First World War . The story is told in a nostalgic flashback from the viewpoint of the only surviving soldier of the eight (now an unmarried old man). The play reaches a climax at the start of the terrible  Battle of the Somme  on July 1st, 1916 – the anniversary of the  Battle of the Boyne  in 1690 – in which the Ulster Division suffered heavy casualties. It explores how both the Boyne and the Somme have come to have a significant place in  Northern Ireland  unionist consciousness. Stylistically typical of McGuinness's art, the narrative also decentres the constructed ideals of  homosocial  institutions, such as the military. What is somewhat ironic and notable in the play is that, though the main character throughout the play (Kenneth Pyper)...

  Directed by Stephen Spielburg in 1982, the movie E.T. was an instant hit. A family-friendly, heartwarming Sci-fi movie in which a young boy, Elliot, and his sister befriend a cute little extra- terrestrial creature who has been left behind after his spaceship pays a short visit to earth. Friendship, family, loyalty, bravery and perseverance are the main themes. A very good movie for this age group but parents should know that there is some use of  blasphemy.

  Eclipsed  This play was the first to speak out on the plight of the Magdalene women and their treatment in Irish society.  The content of the play was inspired by the playwright’s  personal experience as a novice in a Galway convent in the 1960s and her subsequent experience in the ‘laundries’.  After what she witnessed she did not continue as a nun.  The “Magdalenes”  (as the young women the play features were called) were a hidden group that others only spoke about in hushed whispers.  All had three things in common: they were young, single and pregnant.  These young women were placed in religious institutions by a family member or priest and most had their babies taken off them, without their consent.  Some were themselves orphan children who had never been adopted. To pay for their keep, the ‘Magdalenes’ worked in laundries run by religious orders throughout the country. They had no rights and no proper living conditions and some l...

The Shadow of a Gunman - Wikipedia The  Shadow of a Gunman  is a 1923 tragicomedy play by Seán O'Casey set during the Irish War of Independence. It centres on the mistaken identity of a building tenant who is thought to be an IRA assassin. (Wikipedia) Funny, tragic, political and down-to-earth, with insight into ordinary people trying to live out their ordinary lives in an extraordinary time in Irish history. The most prominent  theme  of the play is the examination of the Irish War of Independence, and the pivotal events that occurred during the revolutionary war. In particular, the play explores the history of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and the negative stigma that members carried, especially among loyalists. “The   Shadow of a Gunman ” shows us the real lives of the people living in the war zone that was Dublin during the War of Independence. War has lead people into lives full of poverty and fear. Verdict: suitable for study at Junior Level although it ...

 The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey reads more like a first hand narrative than a diary, in its style, the genre of  which could be classified as pretty typical light "chick-lit". It is suitable for girls aged 12- 14, depending on their maturity level, and follows Rebecca and her friends through school days with boring classes and embarrassing teachers, bullies and friendships, new crushes and  hobbies and family relationships (although only at surface level).  Verdict: A bland but harmless choice for study in the classroom at Junior level. More suited to students of lower ability. Does not contain any objectionable material. My friend's daughter enjoyed reading this book but I know my son wouldn't have any interest in it as it is a very shallow book aimed at the interests of teenage girls. Tanya B Co. Cavan I fail to see how this trite read can be classified as "literature" to be studied on an English curriculum!  Why are our kids not being introduced to good ...