Section outline

  • Our focus is film study.  We will be watching a New Zealand film - Whale Rider. The film is set in Whangara, which is located on the east coast of New Zealand. It is present day. 

    The main characters are: 

    • Paikea (or Pai) - a young girl and the central character in the film 

    • Koro - Paikea's grandfather 

    • Nanny Flowers - Paikea's grandmother 

    • Porourangi - Pai's father 

    • Rawiri - Pai's uncle 

    The narrative focus (story is told from their point of view) stays with Paikea and Koro throughout the film.


    Learning Intentions: We are learning to (WALT)... 

    • view film for enjoyment and for meaning 

    • answer questions based on the first 30 minutes of the film

    • write meanings of Maori words in my own language

    • predict what will happen next in the film



    Learning Intentions: We are learning to (WALT)... 

    • view film for enjoyment and for meaning 

    • answer questions based on the first 30 minutes of the film

    • write meanings of Maori words in my own language

    • predict what will happen next in the film


     characters in Whale Rider. 

    Learning Intentions: We are learning to (WALT)... 

    • Identify characters and the importance of characterisation in film 

    • Written a paragraph on a character from Whale Rider 

    • Presented my information about a character to my class/group 



    This week we will look at the themes (key ideas/messages/lesson we learn) in Whale Rider. 

    Learning Intentions: We are learning to (WALT)... 

    • Identify the themes in the film

    • Identify key characters who are linked to this theme

    • Written a SEXY paragraph on theme


    Our focus this week is is starting our reviews! We have been preparing for this all term. I can't wait to read all about your thoughts on 'Whale Rider'. 

    Learning Intentions: We are learning to (WALT)... 

    • Write an effective review 

    • Use language persuasively 

    • Identify ideas in text 

    • Identify language techniques 

    • Produce structured writing 

    • Proofread effectively 

    Success Criteria: I can/have... 

    • use interesting vocabulary to write a review 

    • use persuasive language to persuade our audience 

    • use sub-headings and headings 

    • use the SEXY writing structure to develop each paragraph 

    • use a range of connectives within and to other paragraphs 

    • use a variety of length of sentences for effect 

    • develop an introduction that hooks in the reader and provides an orientation