Family Matters Issue 3

the britishinternationalschoolShanghai, China

MATTERS

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FAMILY ISSUE 3

What makes students succeed?

Which university is right for my child?

Looking for a house in Shanghai

Growing up without roots

Great books for teenagers

plus Expo special: 13

unforgettable shots

68What makes students succeed?74Which university is right for my child?80The benefits of an international education

84Making an educated choice: Understanding the British and American curricula90Personalising learning94Understanding the learning process

education

ASK THE EXPERTS

ASK THE EXPERTSCOMMUNITY

Expo Special

16Ten must-read books for teenage girls20Ten classic books for teenage boys

HEALTH

4Growing up without roots

42Expo at night: memorable shots

8Fun in the sun12The Curves revolution comes to Shanghai

24Living in Shanghai28Looking for a home in Shanghai34Ripple effects: Expo and real estate38Shanghai World Expo: Better city, better property market?

ISSUE 3

What makes students succeed? p 68

FAMILY MATTERS

Journal of The British International School Issue 3 + FAMILY MATTERS 3

4 FAMILY MATTERS + Issue 3 Journal of The British International School


Growing up without

roots By Megan Little

Santa Fe Relocation Services

The business of relocation is all about handling people who find themselves in

a foreign country and a different culture. Many assignees are families and with that

comes a lot of worry on how the children will adjust to the move and the new

surroundings.

This worry can be extremely stressful for parents and children, causing the whole move to become very difficult. As a part of

the relocation industry, we believe it is of vital importance that this worry is understood and addressed throughout the move

to ensure a successful transfer of the assignee to their new environment.

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When a child is moved from one culture to the next they instantly begin forming their own “third” culture to incorporate all the new and the old that they come in contact with, making them “third culture kids” (TCKs). A third culture child is someone who has grown up in a culture

not their own. They feel that they can no longer completely assimilate with their home culture, and as they are a foreigner, cannot completely assimilate with their host culture; therefore forming their own third culture. How each child handles this cultural jumble does of course depend on each child’s personality, duration of stay, age, parental attitude, etc.

I am personally a TCK, after moving to Shanghai in 1998 at the age of 15. I have lived in Shanghai for 12 years. Now that I am the mother of a 3-year-old girl and facing questions on how to best raise my daughter in Shanghai, I have had many thoughts on what the importance/disadvantage/advantage is of being a third culture child. As my daughter is growing up raised by an American parent, living in China she is very much growing up in the third culture that I myself have created, with all the benefits and challenges that come along with it.

Cultural Acceptance and Diversity

Growing up abroad has given me a greater understanding of other cultures, as I have had the chance to come in contact with children from different cultures in school and now in an international work environment. My friends and colleagues are from various countries around the world, opening my eyes to different cultures. I have become more aware of the fact that there are different ways of celebrating, smells, tastes, etc. This has given me a flexibility and a sensitivity that can be more difficult to obtain when living “at home”.

Learning and hearing foreign languages is also an important factor in the cultural growth of TCKs. The hopes of many parents is that the children will be able to learn at least one or even more languages while being abroad. This does, however, not come for free. After several years in China I did not speak more than basic Chinese as

most of my world was based in English – at home and in school. My understanding was, however, more than basic, as Chinglish (Chinese and English mixed) was a common “language” at school and I achieved some comprehension of the language this way. It was not until I began studying Chinese seriously at university that I could combine all the conscious and subconscious knowledge I had to actually advance to fluent Chinese.

Given this experience, and similar experiences of friends, I do believe it is very important for parents to ensure that there is some aspect of the TCK’s life that is submerged in the language they should learn – be that extra language lessons, a special activity or even just spending time with a maid/nanny that does not speak their own language.

Cultural Roots

The flip-side to being culturally aware and flexible is a sense of lacking cultural roots. Growing up I was asked if I felt rootless every time I returned home for the summer but could not quite understand the implications until much later. I always felt that I had stability of where I came from and what I stood for. This may not have come from my culture but rather from my family. Wherever my family was – this was home and I know what social/cultural rules applied. To me this has emphasised the importance of having consistency in the home environment – not only in terms of rituals but also in terms of rules and values.

It was only upon my return to the US after graduating from high school in Shanghai and starting US university that I discovered what the effects were of my overseas experience. My lack of understanding of common conversation topics such as TV shows and politics was embarrassing. My gap of knowledge in modern culture with regards to TV shows, commercials, programmes/activities growing up, and the fact that my peers did not understand my experiences, was a constant reminder of my time away from the “norm”. Reverse culture shock does exist and in my case resulted in my decision to embrace my overseas experiences, return to my life as a nomad and move back to China. Every child deals with reverse culture shock differently of course. Some will see their return “home” as yet another adventure.

Social Skills

Going to school in a foreign country puts great emphasis on your social skills but also builds empathy. At any international school around the world, each student will have been the new kid at one time or another. Generally I have found that TCKs have a sense of openness and confidence in

handling new situations simply because they have to! During school they will inevitably say many goodbyes to good friends; they will have to make new friends continuously. This can of course lead to many good friendships all over the world that will last for a long time, but can also create a situation where a protective mechanism is built up, where out of sight is out of mind, leaving the TCK with few friends from a specific period in their life.

Looking back I do feel that the advantages of being a TCK far outweigh the disadvantages. I will always be different; I will always have a different way of perceiving the world and a unique understanding of the challenges that face our clients, not only the adults but also the children.

There are plenty of resources either from the web or books where you can better understand your third culture kid. Here are two websites that might provide you with more insight:

www.tckworld.comwww.tckid.com

Whatever you do as a parent, the most valuable suggestion I can give you is: Tell your child that their life will be different; that the lessons they learn along the way as a TCK will be valuable tools in their adult life; and most importantly that they are not alone.

When a child is moved from one

culture to the next they instantly begin forming their own

“third” culture

Reverse culture shock does exist and in my case resulted in my

decision to embrace my overseas

experiences, return to my life as a

nomad and move back to China

Megan LittleRelocation Services Manager(Residential and Immigration Services)Santa Fe Relocation [email protected]

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Fun in the sun: How to protect your childDr Liu XiaoyanBeijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic

A baby’s skin is very sensitive and fragile, and is very easily hurt. During the summer, strong sunlight and heavy sweating constitute great threats to a baby’s skin. Parents should pay careful attention in taking care of their baby’s skin. What are the most common skin problems for your baby in summer? How to deal with those problems with home care? Let me give you the following advice:

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HEALTH


Say “Bye-Bye” to Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It’s most likely to occur on the face, neck and backside. Your baby will feel itches and irritation caused by heat rash.

Tips for dealing with heat rash:

• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Make sure the air inside the room circulates well. If the room temperature is above 30°, use a fan or air conditioner to cool it down.

• Keep the baby’s skin dry and hygienic. Constantly wipe all the sweat away and change the baby’s clothes often so as to make sure the baby wears fresh and cool clothing.

• You can give your baby daily baths to keep her fresh and dry and rash free during the summer months.

• Dress your baby in loose clothes to prevent irritation caused by clothing that rubs against the skin.

• During hot summer weather, don’t carry your baby in your arms for a long time, this will increase the body temperature and induce the heat rash. Put the baby on the mat and let him play by himself.

• Let your baby drink as much water as possible. Cooler water, green bean soup and other cold drinks are good choices for your baby. Give light food to your baby, avoiding fatty, oily or spicy food.

Say NO to Sunburn

The sun helps the skin produce Vitamin D and heightens its absorption. For these reasons, the bones benefit. But on the other hand, a baby’s soft skin may get sunburned after exposure to strong direct sunlight. The baby’s skin will become pink or red, and

warm or hot to the touch. In addition to these symptoms, the baby will feel pain in severe cases.

Tips for dealing with sunburn:

• Always obey the “Shadow Rule”. The shadow rule is a way to estimate exposure to UV light on a sunny day. A shadow that is longer than your baby means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than your baby means UV exposure is high. During times when a baby’s shadow is short, it’s best to stay indoors or in the shade.

• Stay inside or in the shade between 10am-4pm. The sunshine between these hours is at its most brilliant, and also it’s the time when the UV rays are at their strongest.

• You can try using stroller hoods for your baby, or use wide-brimmed hats, UV protection glasses or an umbrella to keep your older child covered. Cotton T-shirts can also prevent sunburn, but not if the T-shirt is white.

• Use sun block and children’s sunscreens. Don’t be afraid to use children’s sunscreen on babies – in small doses. If you’re going for a walk, and the baby’s feet are exposed, it’s appropriate to put sunscreen on them so they don’t get burned. It’s better than not protecting them at all.

Close the Door on Mosquitoes and Bugs

Insect bites are very common in summer. It’s essential to protect your baby from the potentially dangerous effects of nasty insect bites. When an insect bites, skin rashes, painful joints, hives and swollen glands will appear on your baby’s skin. A small percentage of babies may develop severe reactions or fever, depending on how sensitive the baby’s skin is. Bites from

mosquitoes, bugs, fleas, mites, bees or yellow jackets are usually the most problematic.

Tips for dealing with insect bites:

• Mosquito bites cause an uncomfortable and itchy allergic reaction in most people. It is always best to avoid scratching them, as spreading the enzyme fluids across the surface of the skin may cause a brutal hive outbreak or a full blown allergic attack that may require medical treatment. Therefore, parents should always keep baby’s nails short, in order to prevent them from scratching the bitten areas.

• Use some calamine lotion to help stop the itching.

• Keep the room neat and clean. Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that may allow mosquitoes indoors.

• For young babies, mosquito netting is very effective in areas where exposure to mosquitoes is likely. Netting may be used over infant carriers or other areas where small children are placed. Mosquito-repellent incense is another good choice, as long as it is not located too close to the baby.

• The gaps in a summer sleeping mat give easy access to parasitic mites and other insects. Therefore, in addition to a regular scrub with warm water, the mat should always be placed under the sun to dry.

• Stay out of shady areas near bushes and shrubs. Remove standing water from your yard. When going outdoors use insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients.

• Light coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark colours.

We hope that all babies have healthy skin this summer.

SHEALTH

www.lifelineshanghai.com

Free, Confidential And AnonymousListen, Care And Support10AM to 10PM, 365 days a year.


HEALTH


The Curves revolution

Comes to Shanghai

Eight years ago, I was a busy advertising executive who stumbled upon a Curves club in Minneapolis. My girlfriend was a member, and she invited me to join her on a visit. When I walked in, I was completely stopped in my tracks. What was this? My girlfriend grabbed me and said, “Come on, it’s fun!” I figured there must be something to this, she had lost nearly 15 kilos doing this workout over the last several months. So, with that, I jumped in.

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what he was talking about. This is the right way to maintain your weight and have a healthy lifestyle. And then to belong to a club that follows up with you and helps you stay focused on your health, this was something very special. I had never belonged to a gym that had been as focused on my health as I was. This was really something. And it really has been.

That was eight years ago. I opened my club and had the largest club in Chicago for years. I have also taught our Curves weight management programme the entire time.

My girlfriend also has a very successful club in Los Angeles. And my husband became involved in helping Curves expand into Asia about 5 years ago. We both worked in Australasia last year with the group of

By performing strength training,

the body protects the muscle mass and

prioritises the body to burn fat in the form of

weight loss

To my complete amazement, according to my heart rate monitor (which I was wearing because I thought we were going to a gym) I was in a fat burning zone in less than 2 minutes. Around the circuit I went with her, laughing and working out. We finished in 30 minutes and I felt great! However, I had a few questions for the Curves trainer. I wanted to know, where was my Curves in Chicago? And if there wasn’t one, how could I get one there? Every woman needed this – a fast, fun and safe workout that combined cardio and strength training.

I was going to campaign on behalf of the busy women of Chicago! Little did I know that I would be the one to open the one in my neighbourhood! This was a franchise! This was amazing! I made a decision for me and my girlfriend – we were going to own Curves! I read Gary Heavin’s book on the way home from Minneapolis on the plane. It talked about metabolism. And that strength training is the key to raising or maintaining metabolism. I understood this and actually liked strength training, though I was not a real fan of cardio training, but to combine the two. I was hooked. Then I continued to read about nutrition and how to match your food to your workout. It was the best of everything I had ever read all in one concept. It was brilliant.

I knew from his book that this man knew

franchisees there. And just about one year ago, we arrived and opened two Curves in Shanghai.

Curves is now one of the largest fitness chains in the world, with thousands of locations in more than 75 countries. This year, through our research, Curves has become the most extensively researched and scientifically validated exercise and weight management programme in the world. In the United States and some other international countries, insurance companies are now paying for Curves memberships. We are moving into a wellness model for women. It is a very exciting time in our business. The average Curves member burns up to 500 calories in 30 minutes on our circuit. We recommend 3 times a week, every other day. When you belong to one Curves, you belong to all Curves, making it easy to get in and get your 30-minute workout anywhere in the world. And there is always a trainer in the middle of the circuit to guide and motivate you through your workout.

You might wonder, what has made a little club like this so successful? The key to the success of the Curves programme is strength training in combination with cardiovascular training. By performing strength training, the body protects the muscle mass and prioritises the body to burn fat in the form of weight loss. Most women diet or do a lot

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Tips for raising metabolism:

• Strength train – 3 x’s a week• Eat often – 5-6 small meals

a day – 30-40% a day in the form of lean protein

• Eat more – a boost in calories will raise metabolism

of cardio to lose weight. During this weight loss, the body will not lose just fat, it will lose muscle and fat and sometimes as much as 40% of the weight that is lost is muscle. This is not good. Our muscle is where our metabolism is stored. Muscle burns calories. So, when we stop the diet or the cardio, or the combination of the two, we will suddenly see a quick weight gain. This is due to our metabolism being compromised. For each kilo of muscle we lose, we will lower metabolism by as much as 110 calories a day. Our metabolism is our ability to burn calories. If you lower this, you have to eat less in order to maintain your weight. This is not a healthy approach. As a woman, it is important to maintain your metabolism and in some cases, it is necessary to raise it again. As we age, our body naturally slows its metabolism. This is due to hormones and lifestyle. To keep her metabolism high and her energy up, a woman needs to incorporate strength training into her exercise routine. A balanced diet is also very important. Eating properly keeps metabolism high as well. Our weight management programme teaches our members how to eat properly for strength training.

Another important aspect to the benefits of strength training is bone mass. Osteoporosis is a very real threat to a woman’s health. As early as 38, a woman can be diagnosed with osteopenia, the beginning of osteoporosis. By performing strength training, we can add to bone mass and protect our bones with our muscle support. Strength training is an essential key to women’s health. It should not be missed. Some women do fear that by doing strength training, they will bulk up and look masculine. This is highly unlikely. First, due to our hormones; and second, when you consider that fat is stored in muscle, around muscle and packed in and around all our major organs. This means that as we protect our lean mass and force the body to burn off fat, we are burning it throughout our muscle and throughout our body. Think of steak and compare a lean cut to a fattier cut. The fat takes up more volume. If you remove the fat, you have a lean piece of meat. It is not bigger, but more lean and more efficient. Replacing fat with a little more muscle raises our metabolism and makes us leaner and more toned. This supports our bones, gives us more energy and allows us to eat a balanced diet. It is permanent results without permanent dieting. Stop in and join one of our weight management classes – they are free and open to all women. You will read the story I read 8 years ago and I trust you will be as amazed as I was, and still am, by the power of Curves.

A Curves circuit

With over 5 million dollars in clinical research, Curves has become the most extensively researched and scientifically validated exercise and weight management programme in the world.

The 30-minute Curves workout is equivalent to 1.5 hours in a normal gym.

I had never belonged to a gym that had been as focused on my health as I was.

To keep her metabolism high and her energy up, a woman needs to incorporate strength training into her exercise routine.

Strength training is an essential key to women’s health.

476 Jinfeng Lu, Huacao Town152 0182 0649 (English)152 0182 0648 (Chinese)

HEALTH


1Ten must-read books for teenage girlsBy Mark AngusPrincipalThe British International SchoolShanghai, Nanxiang

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte (13+)

A truly gripping novel that all teenage girls should read! It is the story of an orphaned girl who is unloved by her aunt and sent to boarding school. After school, she becomes a strong willed governess and takes a job at the house of Mr Rochester, where she hopes she might have finally found love and companionship. However, Mr Rochester has a dark secret from his past which continues to haunt him in his present. This is one that you really can’t put down once you get started!

2Tess of the d’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy (16+)

As with many of Hardy’s novels, I found this one took a little time and perseverance to get into when I first read it as a teenager. However, it is truly worth the wait! It is an incredibly powerful novel which will rouse your emotions and leave you shocked and, at times, in disbelief. It is a heavy read and deals with many tragic and shocking issues, but it is also a fascinating one, revealing the strength and honour of Tess in a weak and dishonourable Victorian world. Suitable for older teens.

3Noughts and Crosses – Malorie Blackman (13+)

This is a really thought-provoking and clever novel which discusses issues of racism and prejudice. Callum (a Nought) and Sephy (a Cross) find their life-long friendship being torn apart by a segregating society in which the Crosses dominate and the Noughts become increasingly oppressed. Blackman skilfully turns the world as we know it upside-down and forces us to see the world from new perspectives and in different ways.

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4Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (13+)

An absolute must-read for all teenage girls! It is a novel in which you can fall completely in love with Austen’s characters and lose yourself in their world. It is a brilliantly witty story which offers great insight into the world and the way we make assumptions about the people we meet. It is considered one of the greatest love stories of all time and I honestly believe it lives up to that reputation. 5

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Northern Lights – Phillip Pullman (13+)

This is another really gripping fantasy novel about a teenage girl, Lyra, living in a strange yet familiar world. Pullman’s writing and creation of this world is wholly convincing and forces the reader to consider new possibilities, questioning the world around them as they know it. It is jam-packed with adventure and action which doesn’t stop, from beginning to end!

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott (13+)

Another must-read for all teenage girls. The story of the March sisters and their determined sense of fun, happiness and laughter, both in good times and hard times, is one that all teenage girls can relate to. The way that comedy and tragedy are seamlessly blended together makes Alcott’s novel one which will be forever remembered as one of the greats of American literature. The fact that it continues to break its readers’ hearts today is testament to its brilliance!

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87Twlight – Stephenie Meyer (16+)

This is a novel and series that readers seem to love or hate! If you don’t take it too seriously and allow yourself to become absorbed in the fantasy, this is a fantastic read, as are the other novels in the series. The stories are filled with action, drama and suspense as well as a love story which seems doomed by an endless array of obstacles. It’s a good read, suitable for older teens who love a bit of horror, fantasy and adventure as well as a good old fashioned romance!

A Series of Unfortunate Events – Lemony Snicket (11+)

This is another brilliant series about the misfortunes and bad luck of three orphaned children following their parents’ death. The books warn readers that they are unpleasant and unhappy, and certainly live up to this warning! These stories offer a unique change from some of the more cheerful, traditional examples of children’s literature and make a point of not treating children like delicate creatures who need a happy ending every time. If you like horror, drama and something a bit different, you’ll love these!

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9 10Vicky Angel – Jacqueline Wilson (12+)

This is a tragic yet beautiful and uplifting story of two best friends, Jade and Vicky. When Vicky is killed at the beginning, the reader is truly shocked. However, once the shock has passed you become captivated by the ongoing friendship between the two girls and Jade’s journey to come to terms with the loss of her friend and move on with her own life. This is a really inspiring and beautifully written novel for teenage girls to read.

The Other Side of Truth – Beverley Naidoo (14+)

This is a novel which will make you think. The narrative is powerful and emotive from start to finish and raises issues of injustice, political asylum and bullying. The tragedy of the children’s lives in the novel makes you consider hard the life you have and the horrific experiences people living alongside you may have had, as well as the suffering taking place around the world.

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Ten classic books for teenage boys

By Mark AngusPrincipalThe British International SchoolShanghai, Nanxiang


1Our Man in Havana (1958)Graham Greene

The archetypal Greene work, the novel is set in Cuba prior to Castro coming to power. James Wormold, a vacuum cleaner salesman, is enlisted by the British secret service and agrees to ‘spy’ for them in order to cover his teenage daughter’s very expensive tastes. However, Wormold’s spying is at first entirely imaginary, but his life begins to unravel when his fantasy world and the real world begin to coincide.

A classic work for boys in terms of its subject matter, but more importantly Greene’s direct yet poetic prose style has turned many a sceptic into an enthusiastic reader. 2Rogue Male (1939)

Geoffrey Household

A British sportsman attempts to assassinate Hitler in his rural retreat. However, he is captured and tortured although he finally manages to escape. He then finds himself on the run from a mysterious figure and the two engage in a riveting and deadly game of hide and seek (the scenes in the London Underground are a particular highlight).

Part military survival manual, part thriller, part old fashioned heroic tale, the pace is gripping, the descriptions of the protagonists’ plans and tactics for survival are compelling and right triumphs at the end. A boy can ask for no more.

3The 39 Steps (1915)John Buchan

Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Richard Hannay has returned to London from Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) when a mysterious man calls upon him and desperately seeks his help to stop a group of German spies known as the Black Stone. However, when the man is murdered in Hannay’s flat he is the prime suspect, and when he decides to try and solve the mystery he is forced to go on the run.

A complicated and twisting plot, treachery, betrayal and some good old fashioned murder and mayhem make this the father of all ‘man on the run’ novels and films. This, combined with the glimpse back in time to a world that no longer exists, makes it a vital and necessary part of every young man’s education. 4

Right Ho, Jeeves (1934)PG Wodehouse

Bertie Wooster finds himself in one of his usual scrapes: trying to reunite his friend Tuppy Glossop with his estranged fiancée Angela, avoiding getting married to the soppy Madeline Bassett and trying to stay on his Aunt Dahlia’s good side so that she doesn’t ban him from eating any more of her peerless chef Anatole’s (“God’s gift to the gastric juices”) sumptuous dinners. Thankfully, at Bertie’s side throughout is the inimitable Jeeves, his gentleman’s personal gentleman, who is always there to ensure that he avoids the ultimate peril. A classic set piece is the laugh-out-loud scene in which Bertie’s friend Gussie Fink-Nottle drunkenly presents the prizes at Market Snodsbury Grammar School, which once read will be never be forgotten.

Quite simply, this is the funniest, most well-written, warmly generous book in twentieth-century English literature. Life would be unbearable without it.

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765

Lucky Jim (1954)Kingsley Amis

The eponymous hero Jim Dixon is a Medieval History lecturer at a provincial university in the north of England. Despite the ironic title, nothing quite seems to work out for Jim and he struggles to find a place in the world, a world from which he feels increasingly isolated.

In this great ‘outsider’ novel, Amis captures the anger and frustration of a young man who sees his way thwarted by those with better connections but far less talent. A must-read novel both for its delicious humour and its fascinating evocation of a grim, grey post-war England.

The Red Badge of Courage (1895)Stephen Crane

The novel is set during the American Civil War and has as its hero Henry Fleming, a private in the Union Army. Much of the book revolves around Henry’s questioning of his own (untested) courage: how will he react in the face of the enemy? In several graphic yet honest depictions of conflict, Henry discovers more about himself than he cared to know.

A truly great war novel in which Crane is interested in exploring concepts of valour, duty and loyalty, but from a surprisingly modern standpoint given the time in which the book was written. It is also extremely interesting to read in the light of what society was to learn about the nature of warfare only twenty years later.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1928)Erich-Maria Remarque

Paul Bäumer joins the German army at the beginning of the First World War. He arrives at the Western Front with a diverse group of friends whose fates intertwine. The book focuses not so much on warfare and fighting, but rather the horrendous conditions in which Paul and his comrades find themselves living year after year.

The book is always a favourite amongst boys for its toilet humour, scenes of mayhem and schoolboy pranks that all take place against a backdrop of terrible doom and danger. The last chapter of the book, a single paragraph from which the title is taken, is painfully moving and only serves to highlight the senselessness of conflict.

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8 910Of Mice and Men (1937)John Steinbeck

One of the first credit crunch novels. George and Lennie, two itinerant workers in California during the Great Depression, land casual jobs on a ranch, hoping to “work up a stake” and buy a place of their own. However Lennie, who despite his immense physical presence has the mind of a child, accidentally brings tragedy and misfortune down upon the two friends’ heads.

A road novel, an astute piece of social analysis, a brilliant study in character and dialogue – all of this and more can be said about this masterpiece. Popular with boys, initially at least because it’s short (I am sorry parents, but it’s true – this matters a lot!), the story soon engulfs all but the most unwilling reader. You’d have to be made of stone not to be moved to tears by the book’s concluding moments.

Animal Farm (1945)George Orwell

The animals on Manor Farm rebel and overthrow the farmer. They then assume control of the farm themselves. The novel (invitingly short!) details the trials and tribulations of the animals as they fight to control their own destiny amid attempts to destroy their solidarity both from without and within.

Orwell’s classic parable of the rise and fall of the Soviet Union is flawless. The writing has a directness that is unparalleled and this, combined with his restless and ruthless search for truth behind ideology, makes this the greatest political novel ever written. However, it is far from a polemic and there are moments of real human (animal?) tragedy that would move even the most dialectically detached Marxist!

The Diary of a Nobody (1888-89)George Grossmith (illustrated by Weedon Grossmith)

This hilarious pseudo-diary first appeared in Punch magazine in 1888-89. Mr Charles Pooter is a social climbing, irredeemably snobby clerk in the City and his diary details his everyday life as well as significant social and family occasions. Mr Pooter’s pretensions and lack of self-awareness provide the richest veins of humour, but nevertheless he is a lovable figure and is perhaps one of the finest examples of the inconsequential suburban hero.

This book, helped in no small measure by its charming illustrations, cannot but help to delight. It serves in one sense as a fascinating social document in the way that it lays bare lower-middle-class life in the Victorian age, but is also startlingly modern at times, especially in the depiction of the strained relationship between Mr Pooter and his son Lupin, which is stunningly contemporary in the way it dissects the generation gap and the despair a father feels at seeing his son’s potential go to waste. This is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable books you will ever read.

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Education and learning has always been our focus and our area of expertise. Our people and the people we work with all have a good understanding of what this means to us. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.

helping others to be the best they can be

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Family Matters Issue 3

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Transcript of Family Matters Issue 3