B Block Share Experiences with Dubai

This term sees a new and exciting collaboration between one B-Block set and a class of corresponding Year 9 pupils in Repton Dubai. The theme of ‘Outsiders’ is the inspiration for an ambitious project which ultimately aims to create an Anthology of Creative Writing consisting of offerings from both Dubai and Repton.

This theme will encourage pupils to consider what constitutes acceptance and belonging within society as a whole, as well as within their own communities. Pupils will be able to communicate their insights and experiences through the means of a shared website. This will enable pupils to challenge each other’s perceptions of society, enhanced by sharing their own experiences and exploring the similarities and differences between our two communities.

The Anthology will be inspired by a range of texts. ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, for example, with its inherent themes of racism and prejudice has encouraged pupils to discuss how far they believe society’s attitudes have developed and changed. Their study of ‘Pygmalion’ will further develop the theme of ‘belonging’, asking them to consider whether one can ever fully transcend one’s social class. Pupils will also be introduced to a variety of poetry exploring the theme of isolation from society, studying poets such as Thomas Hardy and Stevie Smith.

Finding and appreciating different viewpoints and interpretations is a vital skill within the study of literature and is assessed at both GCSE and A-Level. The collaboration with Dubai will therefore provide an invaluable means of developing these skills.