Upper School has been reading The Arrival by Shaun Tan over the past week. It is a fascinating graphic novel which tells the story of a man’s journey from his family to a new country and new life.
Today the children explored the scene when he arrives at the immigration office and the difficulties he faces-doesn’t know the language, doesn’t understand the culture, has no where to live, has no friends or family with him but is desperate to be able to communicate his skills and need for work.
The children discussed what might be happening in the pictures from the scene and then role played the interview between the officer and the immigrant. 
The children really enjoyed exploring the feelings and behaviour that the characters might have shown. The photos show the children working in pairs to describe the story and also role playing the scene.

Mrs Hurley

English - The Arrival