When there is a focus on European culture or history, ignoring or excluding cultures and history from the wider world.

The learning that occurs outside formal settings; a lifelong education in which you learn about yourself and the world.

Teaching and learning that happens in institutions and follows a particular curriculum.

A system in which items are ranked according to their rank or value.

When you make people believe something; a less formal synonym is to brainwash.

Winsome Pinnock’s messages about education in ‘Leave Taking’

English

In 'Leave Taking: the power of education', pupils explored how a lack of Black representation in education and literature impacts sense of identity. In 'Leave Taking: an intersectional analysis', pupils focus on the specific experiences of Black Women in the play.

In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the themes of immigration and identity in the play. In 'Leave Taking: The Importance of Literature', pupils explore how a lack of representation in literature and other educational materials negatively impacts on sense of self.

Modern text: first deep dive

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

The importance of seeing yourself reflected in the education system.

That formal education is destructive and worthless.

The importance of both formal and informal education.

That we should use education to indoctrinate people.

That we should widen our views about what is valued in formal education.

Education is a central theme in 'Leave Taking'. What are some of the central messages Pinnock wants us to consider?

To understand what the writer intends to do next.

To explore what messages they might want their audiences to take away.

To give biographical detail about the writer before starting the analysis.

To say what you intend to write about in your essay, as the writer of the essay.

In every essay about 'Leave Taking', you should explore Pinnock's intentions. What does it mean to explore a writer's intentions?

Del respects formal education's power, but her experiences were often negative.

Consider Del's negative experience at school, where she did not receive support.

Brod opens up Del's eyes to the Eurocentric nature of her schooling.

It is Del's informal education that is positive, not her formal education.

Consider that Mai tells Del that being an obeah woman is more important.

A pupil argues, "In 'Leave Taking', Pinnock presents all of Del's formal education as a positive experience." How would you correct this pupil?

make clear the paragraph has reached a conclusion

When you are writing main body paragraphs about 'Leave Taking', you should finish each with concluding sentences. What should good concluding sentences do?

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Pinnock writes, "My parents' generation had been indoctrinated by a colonialist education that lionised [celebrated] all things {{ }}".

In 'Leave Taking', Pinnock explores the idea that there is a {{ }} of knowledge whereby some knowledge is considered more valuable than others. 

She is interested in her cultural heritage.

She is respectful when the Pastor visits.

In 'Leave Taking', why is Enid particularly proud of Viv?

In Scene Six of 'Leave Taking', Enid tells Mai that she is not worried about Viv because, "They can't take you {{ }} away from you".

Del draws attention to it, and this is why Enid slaps her.

Viv doesn't know who Nanny of the Maroons is.

Brod draws attention to it, and this is why Enid throws him out.

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', how does Pinnock draw attention to the Eurocentric nature of Viv's schooling?

Enid is worried that Del doesn't have strong qualifications, unlike Viv.

Enid worries Del is going to become an obeah woman.

Enid is worried that Del drinks to excess.

Enid is worried that Del wants to visit the West Indies.

Enid is worried because she doesn't know where Del is.

In Scene Six of 'Leave Taking', Enid tells Mai that she worries about Del. Why does Enid worry about Del?

Brod comes into conflict with Enid about the way she is teaching her daughters.

Brod complains about his own education, and how it has impacted his life.

Brod draws attention to Viv's Eurocentric education.

Brod teaches Del about her cultural heritage.

Brod serves as the catalyst for Viv questioning her formal education.

Education is an important theme in 'Leave Taking'. How does Pinnock explore this theme through the character of Brod?

Mai teaches Del about her cultural heritage.

Mai shows the importance of informal education.

Mai encourages Viv to reject her Eurocentric education.

Mai complains about her own education and the impact it had on her.

Mai is especially proud of her son because of his academic success.

Education is an important theme in 'Leave Taking'. How does Pinnock explore this theme through the character of Mai?

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz