51ºÚÁÏ

Class reader suitable for GCSE Key Stage 3, age 11-14 yrs.
Also suitable for Functional English Classes, 15+.
Workbook to accompany the reader, testing and embedding key literacy steps.

Key themes: Victorian Colonialism; The Raja Brooke Dynasty in Sarawak; Tourism: Blessing or Curse?; Forest Fires & Their Cause/Effect; Family DNA… Fate or Fortune? Literary fact vs literary fiction.

This class reader is illustrated to facilitate ease of comprehension with an unfamiliar setting and culture… the jungles of Borneo, Southeast Asia, where Iban head-hunters once ruled. Now the indigenous tribes live peaceful lives as rice-farmers and fishermen. But what of their history under the brutal civility of the White Rajah?

The story unfolds with James Ascot, a direct descendant of the White Rajah, being summoned to Gonjong (Sarawak) by the Governor to revisit his ancestral seat. The Governor’s request for James to bring along his great-grandfather’s diaries sets the stage for a profound exploration of legacy and identity. Confronted with the brutal history of his ancestor, James grapples with a moral crisis that challenges his sense of self. Bad-blood seems to run through his veins.
Amidst this personal turmoil, a raging wildfire threatens the local ecosystem and community. James, alongside Raja The Ferryman, rises to the occasion, leading the fight to safeguard lives and homes. As they combat the blaze, they uncover the true source of the threat, leading to a confrontation with familial betrayal and the opportunity to rectify past and present injustices.
This gripping tale is a testament to the enduring qualities of integrity and valour, proving that one can transcend the shadows of history to forge a path of righteousness.
Man’s fate is ordained by free-will and making the right choices in life.
Complex & mature themes are uncovered as the plot unfolds but in a writing style that is both entertaining and accessible to the Key Stage 3 secondary school student. The Raja workbook is based on the class reader. Every chapter has relevant exercises that test all four macro skills of RWSL. For the busy teacher, Raja’s scheme of work is a godsend: enjoyment, fascination & language enhancement in one package.