Analizing Billy Elliot and Oliver Twist to improve the students´competences and understanding social issues.

2.  During our English classes at CEIP Ria de Vigo, we have attempted to offer a varied and diverse
exploration of UK culture. We have primarily done this through the study of two sources, both a
novel and a film.
 The first term was dedicated primarily to the study of Billy Elliot. The film was used as a means
for further exploring and analysing various aspects of UK culture. We examined aspects of the
film, such as its portrayal of the British Class System, the events of the 1984 Miners´ Strike, as
well as the distinct dialect of North East England. Often pupils are exposed only to a certain type
of UK accent. We believed it important that our pupils be exposed to different regional accents
within the UK. Our study of the film also enabled us to consider more universal concerns such as
gender roles and social stereotypes. Watching the film, with subtitles and analysis, allowed for the
students to practice their listening skills. We thought it important that the pupils hear
more ´natural´and vernacular English as well as more formal varieties.
 In the second term, we decided to study Charles Dickens´ classic and canonical novel, ‘Oliver
Twist´. We examined the often difficult life of those living in Victorian London, exploring social
issues such as poverty and child labour- a particularly pertinent topic considering the age of the
pupils. Studying the novel allowed the children to practice and improve their reading and
comprehension skills whilst reading an important work of English literature.

3.  Improve the students´ English abilities, such as Listening, Reading,
Speaking, Writing and Interaction.
 Exploring various aspects of British Culture.
 Using films as an accessible introduction to British Culture.
 Motivate students´desire to learn English.
 Use the film Billy Ellliot to explore social and cultural issues.
 Explore British History through the study of Oliver Twist.
 Describe different characters.
 Relate the activity to the Library Project, which deals about cinema.

4.  The Task is addressed to all Primary levels,
especially to Grade 5 and Grade 6.
 English was the LANGUAGE USED to carry
out the task.
 The activities were made both in the English
and Art lessons.

7. Describe the gender stereotypes that are shown in
the film. Do you think that boxing is an activity for
boys or girls? Why?
Name 5 activities that you think are for boys, and 5
that you think are for girls.
Describe the struggles that Billy faces. What
obstacles does he overcome? What personality
traits does he demonstrate on his journey to
becoming a professional ballet dancer?

8.  What´s Billy´s father´s job?
 What does Billy want to do?
 What doesn´t Billy want to do?
 Who does Billy care for?
 Why isn´t Billy´s father working?
 Who are the Scabs?
 Where is the Royal Ballet School?
 What has happened to Billy´s mother? What
item has she left for him?

10.  Choose the right name for each description:
1. Nancy.
2. The Artful Dodger.
3. Bill Sikes.
4. Fagin.
5. Oliver Twist.
6. Mr. Bronlow.

11.  The novel’s protagonist is an orphan born in
a workhouse. He is an innocent child, whose
true identity is the central mystery of the
novel. He lives a hard life, however was also
helped by wealthy benefactors.

12. He is the leader of a criminal
gang, who takes in homeless
children and trains them to
pick pockets for him.

13.  Although she used to be one of
Fagin’s former child pickpockets, she
is one of the noblest characters in the
novel, who gives her life for Oliver
when Sikes murders her for revealing
Monks’s plots.

14. He is an educated gentleman
who was the first person that
helped Oliver. Besides, he is a
very sensible person, who
becomes a leader along the
novel.

15. He is the worst criminal of the
gang, who even treats Nancy
with cruelty.

16.  He is the cleverest of Fagin’s
pickpockets, whose nickname
implies it. He is no older than Oliver,
however he dresses like a man. He is
also the one that introduces Oliver to
Fagin.

25.  Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens.
 Sparknotes.
 Films: Oliver Twist and Billy Eliot.
 Seaching internet for pictures to draw.