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50p

Bond, James Bond

7 May 2015
Andrew W, Whittall ‘17
A man in a goldenrod yellow soccer jersey stands in front of a class, the articulative swinging of his limbs mirroring the motion of the waving-armed inflatable men, often found lining the perimeter of used car dealerships. These energetic movements, with the energy in his voice, create an enthralling euphony, pointing and shouting as his students react with an elated elevation of interest, sharing a smile with their instructor. With all of this action one may wonder what these students are studying.  Something sports related?  Or is it perhaps something light and happy, such as learning about the process of raising miniature horses?  It is, however, quite the contrary. This Grade 10 English elective is all about the dark, secretive, and exciting world of James Bond. Directed by Mr. Collis, the class aims to learn more about the works of Ian Fleming, looking at both the books and movies of Agent 007. Students are taught to look past the glamour of both the page and reel to see the subtleties that make the Bond series a masterpiece. Exercising their writing skills, students are tested through a variety of assignments, such as critical essays, or writings of their own, designed to emulate the unique and masterful style of the Bond artist Ian Fleming. In addition to creating works of their own, students also look at the patterns in the works of Bond, such as the key plot elements found in all of his works, often referred to as the Bond formula.  Although the stimulating circumstances of Bond prove to be an intriguing factor of the class, many of the students say the true value lies in the teaching style of Mr. Collis. His endless excitement and wonder for the works of Fleming combine with a unique style of speaking that is not without his quirks.  On the other hand, although 007 may utilize the latest of technology, students in this class are meant to stay away from these devices while working, an uncommon occurrence within the confines of Brentwood. These devices, likened to the secret intel carried by Mr. Bond, can have disastrous consequences if revealed by the villain (Mr.Collis). One student, when caught, was given the comedic punishment of lying on the floor and pounding with angst, all the while repeating “I am not worthy.” Although Bond was made famous by film, the literary works often garner equal or higher praise. In fact, an integral part of the class relies upon these aforementioned works. This appreciation of literature, combined with the inquisitive investigation of both the subtleties and the plotlines of the Bond works, create a class that is both fun and informative, a great amount of both attributed to the masterful teaching of Mr. Collis. Andrew W, Whittall ‘17

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