ENGLISH YEAR 8

THE SAPPHIRES BY WAYNE BLAIR

FILM AS TEXT RESPONSE COMMON ASSESSMENT TASK

Victorian Curriculum ENGLISH Level 8 Content Descriptions for this task

● Explore the ways that ideas and viewpoints in literary texts drawn from different
historical, social and cultural contexts may reflect or challenge the values of individuals
and groups [VCELT403]

● Understand and explain how combinations of words and images in texts are used to
represent particular groups in society, and how texts position readers in relating to
those groups [VCELT405]

● Experiment with text structures and language features to refine and clarify ideas to
improve the effectiveness of students’ own texts [VCELY421]

Purpose

This task provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding of
the film as text The Sapphires, and your skills in composing a text response in the form of an
essay in response to one of the provided topics.

Task description

Your task is to write an essay where you respond to ONE of the following topics:

1. Blair’s The Sapphires explores the impact of racism during the 1960s. Discuss.

2. The Sapphires asserts that discrimination can be overcome. Do you agree?

Assessment

The CAT will be assessed in accordance with The Sapphires text response success criteria.

Along with your completed essay you will need to complete and hand in:
● Draft of the essay
● Viewing notes