13 Reasons Why
The hit Netflix series "13 Reasons Why", based on the Jay Asher novel of the same name, raises important issues for teens, parents and educators.
This academic year (2018/19) at Escola Oficial d'Idiomes Barcelona Drassanes, we hope to launch a group of lessons organised around the first season of the award winning show, loved by both teenagers and older generations . The classes will come under the umbrella of EOIBD's innovative "Series Club", where students improve their English by following a group of series together, commenting on characters, story lines and issues raised. As "13 Reasons Why" raises lots of complex issues such as suicide, self-harm, bullying, sexual harassment and rape (among others), we will be sticking to the one show to ensure we have the time and resources to deal adequately with everything. La Fedracion de Salud Mental de Cataluña have kindly agreed to help prepare a list of key local resources for anyone profoundly affected by these issues and who might be in need of professional support and guidance.
The Australian based "ReachOut" organisation, which was specifically established to reduce teen suicides and support teenagers, parents annd educators in dealing with the myriad of challenges facing young adults, has already launched something similar in their schools. This, however, will be the first initiative of its kind, as far as we know, where this has been done specifically with English as a Second Language. We sincerely hope the classes are both enjoyable and valuable, encouraging us to face up to the problems faced by young people and to be more supportive as friends, family members and educators (other professionals); not forgetting that it should also be a great way of improving one's English skills
We will of course keep you up-to-date with how everything goes should we be lucky enough to launch.