Year 9
We have been continuing with our narrative writing focusing on the fantasy genre. The students have completed multiple iterations of their writing ensuring they are elevating their writing through well-chosen language devices and sophisticated vocabulary. Below are some of the amazing examples that have been produced.
Caspar David Friedrich, The Lone Tree, 1822. Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin. Public domain.
Cohen
Lothar’s Encounter
Celegorn’s time as the chosen one had begun to end, thus came the time to select another commander, a gentle leader of the people. A sturdy noble being. Many had put themselves forward solemnly believing they would be chosen, however all had been thoroughly disappointed with the result of their attempt. When Lothar, son of the engraver, heard of the opening he was over the moon. He wasted no time and began his trek within the hour…
…As the engraver’s son made his final steps up the vibrant vermillion hill he yelled out to the all powerful tree who stood atop it,
“Before thee, master tree, I proudly stand
For surely I am who fate hath chose.
I slew a giant with mine own bare hand,
And thus my worth above all others grows.
I made this journey without breaking sweat,
No breathless gasp nor weakness crossed my way,
Thou couldst not find a finer man I’ll bet,
For strength and health make me the clear array.”
Officially putting himself forward for consideration. A brief moment of silence traveled through interaction before the tree’s grave, authoritative voice cut the anticipation in a single sentence, “Thy boastful tongue betrays thy pride,
Seek worth elsewhere and leave my side.”
The tree commanded
“I know thy deeds both good and ill,
Now leave my sight and flee my hill.” The tree scorned.
Disheartened, Lothar did as he was told and briskly made his way back to his dwelling to avoid another reprimand. As he disappeared from sight, he bellowed over his shoulder,
“You Vain, Toad-spotted, maggot pie!
Thou shalt reject me with such ease!”
And with that the tree’s instincts prevailed.
The tree was never wrong.
Atawhai
A heavy silence fell over the summit. Then, the ancient bark shuddered, and a voice like grinding stones reverberated through the air. “You seek a leader, Aleveleen, yet you look to godforsaken horizons instead of your twin in the glass. The words reiterated from the roots of the mountain, thrummed beneath her boots. Her breath caught as she finally fathomed her father’s trust and why every contender had been spurned. The quest was never meant to find an absent friend, but to force her to recognize the strength within herself.”
Hudson
Lothar kneeled down in front of the tree “Oh mighty tree, I am Lothar, slayer of giants, jewel of the realm! I have come to see if I am the one you seek!” Lothar said head down. He smiled to himself, of course it would choose him, he was the best choice! All the other warriors were nothing compared to him. He was Lothar, the champion of the king! The conqueror of evil! The- “No.” Lothar froze his mind racing. He looked up at the tree and felt anger and confusion well in his mind “what? But…” “I know you are a fierce warrior,” the tree boomed “but you are too ambitious, too boastful, You will not be king” “Please oh great one!” Lothar said pleadingly “No. Now leave me.” the tree said. Lothar got up and stormed out of the hollow, irate and confused, he mulled it over in his mind, getting more bitter by the second. It should have been him! The tree was foolish, old and foolish! And as he contemplated this something started forming in his mind. He knew what to do. And as he left the forest and felt the light on his skin, he was not the same hero who went in, he had a plan.
Gustave Doré, illustration for Dante’s Inferno, Canto I, 1861. Public domain.
Liya
At the summit, Aveleen stood before the ancient tree, its silver leaves shimmering beneath the heavens. As she approached, the wind stilled, and a voice older than time rumbled from its ancient trunk. “Daughter of Celegorn, your blood grants you no privilege towards what you seek. Only your heart shall determine your worthiness.” And with that, a twisted bough descended towards Aveleen, its weathered bark brushing gently against her skin. For a fleeting moment, nothing happened. Then, a faint pulse of golden light stirred within the wood, spreading through the veins of the branch, growing brighter with each passing heartbeat until the ancient tree spoke.
Maheu
Lothar had been forged by hardship, a warrior born to the bloodline of the engraver,whose craft guarded forbidden knowledge passed down from a forgotten age. He had fought giants in the mountains,the scars he carried were the marks of his resilience of countless encounters.But as he moved under the uncanny canopy of the forest,in front of him he saw a glimpse of the keeper of ages, a tree that can decide whether someone is adequate to take care of villages. As he stumbled closer he saw ancient symbols covering the whole of his trunk.This was no ordinary tree,myth says, that he had turned down innumerable warriors that could save not only villages but even continents,judged them unworthy of the power.
Year 10
Week 1 was full of revision for the examinations! The students revised across both courses: Language and Literature. This included everything from summaries, analysis and directed writing, to “Macbeth”, “Lord of the Flies”, and poetry.
Week 2 was putting into practice the skills they had learnt during the year.
Henry Fuseli, Study for the Three Witches in Macbeth, c. 1783. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Public domain.
