Interviews

INTERVIEW WITH MS. LUCCOCK (INTERVIEW: LEON)

*Le = Leon, Lu = Ms. Luccock

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Leon: What is the key curriculum of this course?

Ms. Luccock: In this course, we learn about about the history, literature, art, and usic of the First Peoples of this land. It's also really important that we get to know their stories, beliefs, and culture so that we can bring about Truth and Reconciliation. 

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Le: What are students expected to learn?

Lu: We start with identity, which is an important part of their culture. Students will then create collages about their own identity. Next, we will read about an Indigenous man who is trying to find his identity, the process, and the pride that comes after realizing his identity and heritage at the end. 

We will also watch a movie called Beans, which is about a young girl--a Mohawk--who is trying to find her identity amidst the Oka Crisis. The Oka Crisis is a fight against Quebec. 

Another thing we will be doing is research projects. Students will research First Peoples history, the Indian Act, and about Truth and Reconciliation. These different topics will allow them to turn them into presentations. 

Lastly, we're going to study a novel, called Moon of the Crusted Snow. Oh, and we will also be doing a bit of Indigenous poetry. 

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Le: What assignments and projects will students do in the course?

Lu: What I said above. Research projects, writing short stories, watching movies, writing essays, one novel study, poetry, and a little bit of Indigenous art. 

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Le: What are some examples of literature in this course?

Lu: Here, you can take a picture of them. 

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​Le: How is the First Peoples' aspect integrated into traditional English literature classes?

Lu: It's a separate course: English 12 First Peoples. Some other courses use Indigenous material as well. 

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Le: Do you think the First Peoples part stand out to students?

Lu: I think so, yes. They really like learning about them, about what they went through at residential schools, and about the suffering they went through during that time. 

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Le: Does this course contain more oral and media or traditional learning?

Lu: I would say more oral media learning. 

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Le: What do you think is the most interesting part of this course?

Lu: All of them. I like learning about their history, culture, art, their artists, music, and their stories. 

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Le: What is your usual teaching style?

Lu: Well, this is my first time teaching this course, but I've been teaching normal English 12, English 10 Incentive, and English 11 for a long time. Hmm, I would say I do a lot of teaching. Then students will break up into groups to do a lot of research and analysis. We also do a lot of writing--essays and stories--alongside with quizzes and tests. So yes, I teach using mostly the traditional style, along with some project-based learning. 

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Le: Now that there are new requirement for graduation, is there an influx of students taking this course?

Lu: Well, let's put it this way: it's mandatory for all students. Although, they do get a choice of either taking it in English or Socials--doesn't need to be both--because the have to take some Indigenous course. I hate to say it, but I think some students are taking this course just because they have to. What makes me happy is that there are actually students who want to learn more about Indigenous culture, so that's nice. 

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Le: Thank you so much for your time. 

Lu: Yes, I hope that helped!

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Interview Questions for Students

1. How do you feel about this course?

2. What is the main takeaway of this course?

3. What is your favourite part of the course?

4. What is the most difficult and stressful art of the course?

5. What projects and assignments do you get?

6. Do you think you made the right choice enrolling in this course?