Banned Books Week: The Power of Unsilenced Voices
Banned Books Week: The Power of Unsilenced Voices This week (October 1st – October 7th) we celebrate Banned Books Week, an annual event that champions the freedom to read. It’s a...
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Banned Books Week: The Power of Unsilenced Voices This week (October 1st – October 7th) we celebrate Banned Books Week, an annual event that champions the freedom to read. It’s a...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Last Friday, a group of 50 year 11 students, accompanied by Mr Carter, Mr Godfrey, Mrs Godfrey, Mr Waygood, Mrs Hedges, and Ms Hofer, embarked on an educational journey to the...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Thousands of people are dying, And the world sits back, crying, The world leaders get up, this has to stop, Tottenham’s trophy cabinet dust is flying. Arsenal fans are...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Reading ‘Noughts and Crosses’ in our English lessons was an enjoyable and enriching experience. The storyline and plot is carefully crafted in such a way that the readers...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Last Friday, 45 Year 11 students travelled to Milton Keynes Theatre with Mr Carter, Miss Collins, Ms Court, Mrs Famili, Mr Burley, Mrs Hughes, Ms Gray and Ms Malik to watch an...
Posted by Anthony Carter
One of my favourite things about being an English teacher at BMS is being the Character Development Coach for 10 Elm. A highlight of this academic year was witnessing Trishan in...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Heartstopper is a young adult graphic novel series written by writer and illustrator, Alice Oseman. The series follows Charlie, an openly gay student at the fictional Truham...
Posted by Anthony Carter
During the month of February, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated. History month is an annual month-long observance of LGBT+ history and is observed around the world. At Bushey...
Posted by Anthony Carter
In 8s/En4, we are lucky to have wonderful and knowledgeable Learning Assistants supporting students with learning. Our amazing Learning Assistants, Ms Gray and Miss Bidder work...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Between January and March 2021, 8 students from Bushey Meads School joined their English teacher, Mr Carter, and Dr Ian Cushing from Brunel University London in conducting...
Posted by Anthony Carter
Banned Books Week: The Power of Unsilenced Voices
This week (October 1st – October 7th) we celebrate Banned Books Week, an annual event that champions the freedom to read. It’s a time to highlight the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas.
Famous Examples of Banned Books:
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee – This classic novel has been challenged and banned due to its themes of racism, but is now one of the most taught books in the world – 70% of American school children study the text!
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – This book has previously been banned due to its language and themes of rebellion, but nowadays, it is the second most taught book in North America
1984 by George Orwell – The dystopian novel has been previously banned for its political themes and supposed pro-communist message
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – This book has been banned previously due to its portrayal of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare – This classic tragedy – which our Year 9 pupils are currently studying – is presently banned in Florida due to the state’s Parental Rights in Education Act! The state has also banned Macbeth (which our Year 11 students are currently revisiting) and Hamlet!
Why Were They Banned?
Books are often banned or challenged because they present ideas or content that some people find uncomfortable or disagree with. They may deal with difficult themes, or challenge the status quo. However, it’s important to remember that one of the fundamental principles of literature is to explore the human condition in all its complexity.
Why Should You Read Them?
Banned books often deal with important social issues and can provide a valuable perspective on the world. Reading these books can help us understand different viewpoints and experiences, promoting empathy and critical thinking. They challenge us to question our assumptions and broaden our horizons.
This Banned Books Week, pick up a previously banned book from the LRC!
The day started with a presentation from Sadiqa Khan our Services for young people advisor. Sadiqa discussed the purpose of a CV, how to create one and what personal branding is....