Inspired by: The Viewer - Week 3

The educational resource "Unconquerable" seeks to deepen students' engagement with poetry by encouraging them to memorise and interpret the classic poem 'Invictus' by William Ernest Henley. As part of the learning experience, students are prompted to consider the tone and voice in which the poem might be recited, reflecting on its powerful theme of resilience and unyielding spirit. The poem's title, 'Invictus', meaning unconquerable in Latin, hints at its message of strength and perseverance. Students are tasked with exploring the metaphorical language within the poem, such as the representation of adversity as 'night' and 'shade', and to analyse the poet's use of literary devices like alliteration. They are also invited to consider the poem's impact on historical figures, exemplified by Nelson Mandela's connection to its verses during his imprisonment, and to think about what message the poem might convey to the character Tristan in the story.

Another aspect of the resource is "Civilisation Collapse", which focuses on summarising complex passages and contemplating the fragility of civilisations. Students are encouraged to reflect on the theme of impermanence through the study of historical empires and to consider the factors that could contribute to the collapse of modern civilisation. By researching and summarising the decline of a specific civilisation, such as the Roman Empire, students gain insight into the causes behind such monumental historical events, ranging from political corruption to external invasions and internal strife. This activity not only develops their précising skills but also instills a sense of historical perspective regarding the cyclical nature of civilisational rise and fall.