Deeper Shade of Blue, A (ATOM Study Guide)

This is the story of Hawaiian surf culture; the evolution of the surfboard; and the millions of dedicated surfers who dream of riding waves, in all of their fascinating forms.'

Jack McCoy's feature documentary A Deeper Shade of Blue (2011) is a film about surfing's deepest roots: in the subconscious; in ancient lore; in the craft of surfboard building; in man's perpetual quest for a joyful relationship with the natural world. While A Deeper Shade of Blue explains what surfing is, where it came from and how it has changed, much of the film is given over to conveying what surfing means. For McCoy, the core tenet of surfing is a spiritual connection with the ocean.

Curriculum Relevance:

This study guide to accompany A Deeper Shade of Blue has been written for middle and senior students. It provides information and suggestions for learning activities in:

• English
• Health
• History
• Media
• Physical Education
• Sport

In English, A Deeper Shade of Blue could be used to study a context or theme. In History, having considered the history of surfing, students could investigate the history of a pastime that they find interesting. Media students could view A Deeper Shade of Blue to discuss media representations and analyse how social values are presented in media texts. In those subjects that are part of the Physical, Personal and Social Learning Domain such as Health, Physical Education and Sport, A Deeper Shade of Blue provides students with the opportunity to learn about the craft of surfing and to further their learning about the importance of developing and maintaining their physical, mental, social and emotional health.

A Deeper Shade of Blue may be of interest to students completing TAFE Certificate courses in the areas of:

• Community Recreation
• Outdoor Recreation
• Sport and Recreation
• Leisure and Health