Dark Symphony

the inclusion of *Born a Crime* by Trevor Noah in the syllabus of all New South Wales schools. The book is a funny, entertaining memoir of Trevor Noah's childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, but it also contains powerful lessons for students that can promote understanding, empathy, and cross-cultural awareness. The book is a worthy choice for all Year 8 students because of the themes, language, and humour that it explores. The inclusion of *Born a Crime* is well-explained by its examination of identity and racism, two complex themes that are essential to discuss in the classroom. Trevor Noah, as the offspring of a white father and a Black mother, explores apartheid—a system of racial segregation—firsthand. The book invites readers to think about matters of race and identity, which is highly relevant in a multicultural country like Australia. Noah specifically says, "I was born a crime." When you tell people that you're half-white, half-black, they think of something beautiful, like a zebra. The metaphor of a zebra to describe mixed-race identity points out how society views racial mixing as something unusual rather than natural. The text's ability to discuss serious topics with humor and sensitivity will allow students to explore identity in a safe and thoughtful manner. Additionally, the book features great characters—especially Trevor's mother, who serves as a fantastic role model of strength and ethics. Trevor's journey with her offers insights into courage and the value of education. As Noah puts it, "My mother did what school couldn’t. She taught me how to think." This ironic line implies that real learning goes beyond formal education. Students can easily relate to characters like Trevor's mother, through whom they learn about family, sacrifice, and the importance of education—lessons relevant to all young readers. Finally, Trevor Noah's accessible writing style makes complex issues understandable for students of all reading levels. His use of humor, storytelling, and simple yet heartfelt language makes challenging topics more approachable. One memorable example is his statement, “Language defines you more than color to people.” Noah’s use of everyday language mixed with deeper themes helps students connect with the text and develop empathy for different perspectives. Overall, I believe *Born a Crime* is an excellent choice for the NSW curriculum, as it engages with crucial themes of identity, racism, and family through relatable characters and accessible language. It is not only an enjoyable read but also a text that challenges students to think critically about the world around them. Including this book in the curriculum will provide students with a meaningful literary experience that aligns with educational standards. Thank you for considering this proposal. I truly believe this book will resonate with students and help them construct a clearer picture of the complexities within our multicultural society.

Sa kislap ng mga bituin, Parang lihim kang bumubulong, Sa bawat ngiti, may pag-ibig Na tahimik na bumabalong. Sa iyong mga mata, Parang alon ng dagat sa dapithapon, Andoon ang aking mga pangarap, Ang puso ko’y nasa bawat pagdaloy. Hawak kamay, lumulutang Sa agos ng panahon at daang magulo. Sa ilalim ng liwanag ng buwan, Ikaw ang sagot sa bawat dasal ko. Magkasama tayong sisilip Sa bawat hiwagang dala ng damdamin, Ikaw ang aking tahanan, Sa mundong minsan ay puno ng alinlangan. Sa mga gabing may takot, Ikaw ang liwanag na natatanaw. Sa bawat hirap na tatawirin, Hindi kita kailanman bibitawan. Sa ilalim ng mga ulap, Pag-ibig ay parang hangin – Walang katapusan, walang hanggan, Ikaw ang tibok ng puso kong nilalaman. Chorus: Hawak kamay, lumulutang Sa agos ng panahon at daang magulo. Sa ilalim ng liwanag ng buwan, Ikaw ang sagot sa bawat dasal ko. Magkasama tayong sisilip Sa bawat hiwagang dala ng damdamin, Ikaw ang aking tahanan, Sa mundong minsan ay puno ng alinlangan.

'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more

You're my sunshine, my favorite sight, My morning thought, my dreams at night. Today’s your day, and I just hope you see, How much you truly mean to me. Through every laugh and every smile, With you, life feels a little worthwhile. So here's to you, on this special day, In every possible, wonderful way. I know I've caused you hurt and pain, And I'd take it back, again and again. Every sound and notification, I hope it's you— You’re my heart, my home, my truth. I know I stumble, I get things wrong, But I miss you deeply, all day long. I’ll work on myself, be better each day, To never hurt you in any way. I dream of being near you, close, Though distance now keeps us apart. But for a lifetime, I’ll be there, With steady hands and open heart. I’m learning love, I’m growing still, To stand beside you, strong and true. I work each day to be the one, Deserving of a soul like you. Through all our days, I’ll be the same, Forever here, in love’s sweet name. You've become my favorite place to be, My happy thought, my harmony. In all the world, there's no one I’d find, Who could ever be so kind. Every moment with you feels so right, From sunrise glow to the starry night. You are my joy, my heart's delight, A love that sparkles, warm and bright.

[Instrumental]

[Verse] City lights they shine so bright In London town where dreams take flight From Tower Hill to Camden's beat Where every corner hums a treat [Verse 2] In smoky pubs we sing our song With laughter loud it won't be long Before the bridges bend and sway We find our light in cloudy grey [Chorus] London Love won't let us down now We rise above the fray somehow From rainy days to nights so grand We build our castle on this land [Verse 3] With Big Ben striking midnight's chime We dance to time and feel sublime In Covent Garden's lively square Where art and love are everywhere [Verse 4] By the Thames where tales are spun Each whispered secret shared in fun Brick by brick our story's told In London’s heart forever bold [Chorus] London Love won't let us down now We rise above the fray somehow From rainy days to nights so grand We build our castle on this land

[Verse] Eyes once brighter than the morning sun Now shadows fall as days are done Dreams we painted over midnight skies Fading echoes love’s goodbyes [Verse 2] Promises like whispers in the rain Softly spoken yet they fade in pain Time’s a thief that stole our fate Left our future blank and late [Chorus] Every heartbeat feels like thunder Tearing skies that pull me under Thought we'd light up old and grey Now these tears fall every day [Verse 3] Silver strands we’ll never touch our hair Moments frozen in that vacant stare Laughter lost in empty rooms Lonely echo fills my gloom [Bridge] Our photographs now ghostly frames Nights are haunted by our names I’m a ship on shattered seas Lost in waves of memories [Chorus] Every heartbeat feels like thunder Tearing skies that pull me under Thought we'd light up old and grey Now these tears fall every day

[Instrumental]

[Verse] Woke up shattered pieces on the floor Your echo's in the walls but not the door You left a map of tears across the hall Straight into the silence of your call [Verse 2] Your laughter's now a ghost in every room Every corner's painted with our doom A heartbeat once so loud now barely hums A symphony of shadows when you run [Chorus] Broken strings don't play the same Our song became a weary game We danced on glass and called it love Now all we have are stars above [Verse 3] Memories in boxes tied with string Each one a tale of what spring used to bring Now they're just reminders of the fall A picture frame No picture at all [Bridge] Echoes fade I'm learning how to breathe Without your whispers tangled in my sleep A melody that used to be so clear Now just a hum A distant tear [Chorus] Broken strings don't play the same Our song became a weary game We danced on glass and called it love Now all we have are stars above

[Verse] Han går genom gatan solen är låg Tänker på livet på det han har och vill ha Men plötsligt en skugga något i hans själ Inget han kan göra han är fångad nu helt fel [Verse 2] Regnet börjar falla når hans kind Hjärtat väger tungt i nattens vind Fångad i tankar som aldrig försvann Ändå fortsätter han fast hans steg är svag [Chorus] Fångad nu han kan inte fly Känslan djup den tysta kry Ser sig omkring ett eko av då Fångad nu han önskar han förstod [Verse 3] Han stannar till hör sitt eget andetag Allt är tyst men bruset är så starkt idag Minnet av tiden när allt var klart Nu är det grumligt som en dold karta [Bridge] Fångad i en spegel av sitt förflutna Ser sitt yngre jag det svider i brustna Vårtorna skrattade nu är de borta Kvar är minnet av de som alltid trotta [Chorus] Fångad nu han kan inte fly Känslan djup den tysta kry Ser sig omkring ett eko av då Fångad nu han önskar han förstod

[Verse] Lucas can't win a single round Tripping on pixels falling down Shouting at the screen so loud Game-over signs keep coming 'round [Verse 2] Clicks the mouse but moves way slow Every jump A fall below Navigation like a maze So low Replays just won't let him go [Chorus] Lucas why you losing every time Running in circles can't stay in line Noobs got better scores online Lucas buddy you're crossing the line [Verse 3] Lost in layers losing hearts Can't even get past the start Blames the game it's falling apart But we all know he's just not sharp [Bridge] Frustration mounting on his face Can't keep up with this fast pace Takes a break from this wild race Might just need a change of place [Chorus] Lucas why you losing every time Running in circles can't stay in line Noobs got better scores online Lucas buddy you're crossing the line