Lecture Notes: Edexcel IGCSE Literature - The Whale Rider

Introduction

• First video lesson for Edexcel IGCSE Literature, focusing on "The Whale Rider."
• Intended for students doing Edexcel, but could be useful for Cambridge students as well.
• Announcement of one-to-one and group tutoring starting September 2024.

Assessment Objectives

• The Whale Rider appears on Edexcel English Literature IGCSE Paper 1 as a modern prose text (closed book).
• AO1: Knowledge and understanding of the text; write in an academic and critical manner.
• AO4: Understanding how the text relates to its context.
• AO2 (language form and structure analysis) is not tested for this text.

Exam Strategy

• Avoid spending excessive time on unseen poetry or anthology poetry questions.
• Consider starting with The Whale Rider essay question as it is worth the most marks (40).

Essay Question Analysis

• Question: "Traveling to different places is experienced by some of the characters and the whales. Explore the significance of traveling in The Whale Rider."
• Initial Thoughts:
  • Identify who travels: Rawiri (Australia, Papua New Guinea), ancient bull whale, Kahu.
  • Consider literal and metaphorical journeys (growth and learning).

Key Characters and Themes

• Rawiri: Travels internationally, signifies Maori diaspora.
• Kahu: Embarks on a coming-of-age narrative.
• Ancient Bull Whale and Koro: Represent nostalgia and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

Key Literary Concepts

• Maori Diaspora: Overseas communities of Maori people.
• Coming of Age Narrative: Focus on Kahu's growth and maturity.
• Magic Realism: Genre combining magical elements with real-world settings.
• Post-Colonial: Context after British colonial rule, reflecting on cultural recovery.
• Paradox: Coexistence of tradition and modernity.

Example Essay Insights

• Travelling symbolizes emotional journeys; traditional cultures should modernize while retaining their heritage.
• Kahu's Journey:
  • Literal (return to tribe on bull whale) and metaphorical (restoration of oneness with nature).
  • Resolves the paradox of tradition vs. modernity.
• Rawiri's Experience:
  • Realizes the importance of Maori identity when facing racism in Papua New Guinea.
  • Highlights the significance of traditional communities.
• Ancient Bull Whale:
  • Represents the danger of being too nostalgic and not moving forward.
  • Reflects on the environmental and cultural conservation message.

Assessment Criteria

• AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding):
  • Discuss important moments without needing direct quotations.
  • Critical style and structured writing.
  • Personal engagement and interpretations.
• AO4 (Context):
  • Include relevant historical, cultural background.
  • Discuss Maori Renaissance, magic realism, and post-colonial context.

Additional Resources

• Subscription to YouTube channel for more lessons.
• Website (taughtlead.co.uk) for free resources and quizzes.
• Tutoring opportunities for personalized learning experiences.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to revisit key themes and ideas.
• Emphasize the importance of context, structure, and personal engagement in essays.
• Future lessons will cover more literature topics, including Cambridge syllabus.