By Mr Piesse, NHEHS French Department

On Monday 15th March, as part of the world-wide celebration of ‘La Francophonie’ the NHEHS French Department hosted a fascinating and wide-ranging on-line discussion led by Dr Hélène Neveu Kringelbach, Associate Professor of African Anthropology at University College London and expert in Francophone Africa.   The event attracted over 50 A level linguists from several GDST schools, including Bromley High School, Northampton High School, Putney High School, Royal High School, Bath, Sutton High School, as well as linguists from two of our local partner schools, Ellen Wilkinson School and Twyford C of E High School. 

Our discussion focused on the film ‘Mignonnes’ or ‘Cuties’ directed by Maimouna Doucouré.   The film tells the story of 11 year old Amy, growing up in the 19th Arrondissement of Paris, seeking identity through dance, whilst navigating her way through the three interconnected yet contradictory worlds: traditional Senegalese culture, French secular culture and the ever-present world of social media.

Having set the tone by explaining that the anthropologists seek to understand cultures and not make moral judgements, Dr Kringelbach deftly elicited the girls’ impressions of the film and shared many insights into Senegalese rites of passage, the importance of cloth in Senegalese culture and Doucouré’s unique cinematography.  Contributions and observations came thick and fast from a wide variety of girls and the hour passed by in a flash. 

Dr Kringelbach’s conclusion that the level of the girls’ critical engagement was on a par with UCL undergraduates was very encouraging and both teachers and students were left stimulated, informed and inspired to continue to explore this fascinating part of the A level course.    Furthermore, it was agreed that this was not the end of the conversation, but rather the beginning of a new partnership with UCL, which is very exciting. 

Sincere thanks go to Dr Kringelbach for this wonderful opportunity!