News
BOS Consultation Survey Proposed HSC Course Prescriptions Extension course in French March 2007
26/03/2007
NAFT FEEDBACK
This response is following a letter written by Dr. John Bennett of the Office of the Board of Studies inviting NAFT to provide feedback on the recommendations. Thank you to all teachers who sent their opinions and ideas by fax or email. A warm thank you as well to the teachers who attended the NAFT screening of the proposed prescribed text on Monday, 5th March and shared their views during the ensuing discussion to finalise the NAFT response.
The following points, comments and/or suggestions were made:
| Page 8 |
Proposed Prescribed Text |
| 2.1 |
agree |
| 2.2 |
agree |
| 2.3 |
disagree |
| 2.4 |
agree |
| 2.5 |
strongly disagree |
Strength - comments/suggestions
- the Algerian war allusions have current value in French politics (coming to terms with atrocities of the past...) but how does it fit in with Prescribed Issues?
- The film shows off Brittany and some cultural aspects (dancing/music) and the cinematography have appeal
- Theme of the Outsider is well-developed (but is nearly overpowering all else)
Weaknesses - comments/suggestions
- Scanty, shallow dialogues lack depth and richness thus limiting the breadth of analysis (political/cultural and social)
- A linear plot, long scenes with silences do not lend themselves to Text analysis
- The one sex-scene is intrinsic to the plot: conception of Camille, but is contentious in many regards as part of an HSC text and considering some students are as young as 15 or 16 years of age.
- Reliance on adultery for content is objectionable and may hurt the sensitivities of religious students, groups or parents with high moral values
- References to Arabs and to the Algerian war may offend Arabs or Muslim students.
- The derogatory language used towards the above-mentioned individuals may offend
- Issues relating to the Adolescent world are missing. It is feared many teenage students will not connect with this proposed text at all, some students are as young as 15 (accelerated).
- The scenes for study are too light and too numerous (it is assumed the 2nd is the reason for the 1st )
| Page 9 |
Proposed Prescribed Issues |
| 3.1 |
agree |
| 3.2 |
agree |
| 3.3 |
agree |
| 3.4 |
agree |
Strength - comments/suggestions
- The issues are relevant to modern-day society and lend themselves to study but they are not well-illustrated by the chosen Text apart from the issues of the Outsider.
Weaknesses - comments/suggestions
- The lack of substantial dialogues and the wooden characters do not make the study of Prescribed Issues obvious.
- Issues are apparent but not meaty enough.
- The visual Text, especially the dialogues, does not lend itself to in-depth analysis especially if set for the next 2-3 years.
- The Prescribed issues should somehow relate to or connect with more directly with the world of students as Adolescents (ages range from 15 to 17 years on the whole).
Overall comment:
- It is feared students may have little interest in the proposed Text itself.
- The suitability of the proposed Text is in question and the majority of teachers would welcome films such as :
Camping à la ferme or
La 1ère fois que j'ai eu vingt ans (indeed there is nudity like in Marius and Jeannette but no sex scene)
Blame it on Fidel, a film so rich socially, culturally and politically
All films are recommended as being more substantial than l'Equipier and better relating to the world of Adolescents.
Jacqueline Meunier
NAFT President
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