Year 8 Study the Film ‘La Famille Bélier’

After the Common Entrance exams, the Year 8 students studied a French film entitled ‘La Famille Bélier’.

Paula, the principal character in the movie is the only hearing member of her family (her parents and younger brother are deaf and mute). She often has to act as a go-between for her parents (who are farmers) and the outside world. Studying this film gave the students an insight into the challenges a deaf person faces in everyday life.

Jacob, who is one of our Sixth Form students, was born profoundly deaf. He kindly came to give a presentation to the class. Jacob explained the cause of his deafness, demonstrated sign language, and showed how his cochlear implant works. It was a fascinating talk and he even explained humour specific to the deaf community, for example, deaf people rarely sign their full name but rather use a trait of character to name themselves.

For the end of year concert, Year 8 will perform one of the main songs from the film entitled ‘Je vole’, originally sang by Michel Sardou and interpreted by Louane in the movie.