Week 11 Term 2 - English Department: Unit Plan: In The Rubbish Tin (Apriana Taylor) (June 29 - July 03)

Apriana Taylor

Our Department is deeply committed to prioritizing texts that are local, relevant, and culturally responsive to our students, our school, and our community. We believe that when students see their own lives and environments reflected in literature, it fosters a more profound connection to learning and a stronger sense of identity. By exploring stories that resonate with the world right outside our classroom doors, we aim to make English a subject that feels both personal and powerful for every student.

In The Rubbish Tin - Apriana Taylor

This Year 10 unit centers on a close study of Apirana Taylor’s short story, In The Rubbish Tin. Over the course of seven weeks, students dive into the world of characters like Phillipa and Ruth, exploring a narrative that navigates themes of domestic struggle and the search for hope amidst harsh realities. The unit is designed to move from initial vocabulary building and context setting to a deep-dive analysis of how a story's historical and social background influences its meaning..

Narrative Structure - In The Rubbish Tin Workbook

Throughout the study, we cover the essential building blocks of narrative, such as characterization, setting, and pacing. Students use the "STEAL" method to analyze characters and learn to identify complex plot structures, including parallel and non-linear narratives. We also spend significant time looking at Taylor’s specific craft, such as his use of symbolism and the effect of the story's "open ending," which leaves Phillipa’s fate for the reader to consider.

Common Assessment Task: Creative Writing (Short Story Unit)

 By the end of the unit, they will apply these insights to their own work through a Common Assessment Task (CAT) focused on creative writing. This allows them to transition from being analytical readers to becoming confident storytellers who can craft their own meaningful narratives.