School Journal Level 3 November 2020
PDFs of all the texts in this issue of the School Journal are available online as well as teacher support materials (TSM) for the following:
| TSM | ||
| Stories | No Girls Allowed | ✔ |
| Trouble in the Foodlands | ✔ | |
| News for You | ✔ | |
| Articles | The Coprolite Hunters | ✔ |
| All As One | ✔ | |
| Poem | Huia | ✔ |
| Play | An Interesting Situation | ✔ |
Look inside this issue
No Girls Allowed
by Victor Rodger, illustrations by Daron Parton
Based on a true story: Victor Rodger explores what it means to make a difficult decision as a group to protect the interests of one person in that group – and the cost of taking a stand. He also makes the point that some things are worth calling out, especially when they involve injustice.
Trouble in the Foodlands
by Johanna Knox, illustrations by Toby Morris
This detective story is another instalment in the Minnie Sharp series, the only continued storyline at this level. The distinctive tone – hard-boiled detective noir – ensures the story has an entertaining surface, and this is matched with an equally satisfying plot: Minnie is required to solve conflict in the Foodlands, the main farming district on Mars. The character, setting, voice, and themes will be familiar to those who’ve met Minnie Sharp, allowing for reading activities across multiple texts – but the story also stands alone.
News for You
by Bernard Beckett, illustrations by Giselle Clarkson
This story has a mission: to shed light on the concept of algorithms, in particular the ways in which they influence our access to news. Bernard Beckett takes the Covid-19 lockdown as his starting point, using this shared experience to provide humour and appeal. This relevant context also allows students to explore the idea that people have different interests and perspectives and that news on social media has been curated for the user and may not represent all aspects of current events.
The Coprolite Hunters
by Neil Silverwood
Photographer Neil Silverwood has documented the work of New Zealand scientists before. This time, they’re hunting for coprolites – fossilised animal faeces. Analysing this “treasure from the past” allows scientists to learn more about our endangered native bird species, including the kinds of habitats that once supported them. This is another useful article about the work scientists do and the many ways in which they continue to learn about our world.
All As One
by Susan Paris with Tahir Nawaz
While Muslims account for a small percentage of New Zealand’s population, their community has had a high profile in recent years. This article provides a brief introduction to the community’s values, as seen through the eyes of four people involved with the Kilbirnie and Hāwera mosques.
Huia
by Bill Manhire, illustration by Rachel Walker
This item complements the article about coprolites in the same Journal, providing a more emotive response to the idea that extinction is permanent – and often caused by the actions of people. The poem might be called a mōteatea – a lament.
An Interesting Situation
by Jo Randerson, illustration by Ali Teo
This play links to the concept of financial capability learning. Jo Randerson has created a situation that is humorous and relatable, with a clear context that allows for a careful explanation of credit and interest – and a great twist at the end.
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