English

Grammatically accurate and challenging prose. Introduction of new terms and concepts, with a lexicon for assistance (pps.251-62). Smooth, fluid text, ending each chapter with a cliff-hanger. Excellent character definition, pace and atmosphere.

Maths

Clever system used by one of the magical civilisations for calculating the position of key structures and buildings in their city (p.139).

Science

Biology: Introduction of new species: eg. unicorns (p.53), six-legged wildebeest (167) , giant sharks (153) etc. References to pandemics (18), cloning (102), anthropology and evolution (223).

Chemistry: Concept of diffusion (p.72), the curious properties of monatomic gold (72) and healing properties of silver (108, 122, 125, 155).

Physics: Introduction of concepts such as other dimensional worlds (p.103), wormholes (219) and superstring theory (232).

PHSE

Vanity and the obsession with physical beauty is explored (p.10), along with bullying (15, 87), the importance of self-esteem (28, 35) and of treating animals humanely (71). The differences between good (87) and bad teachers (14, 69) are touched upon, along with some of the beneficial mechanisms used by a school for helping pupils, such as SENCO (13). Throughout the book I have tried to represent all cultures, by selecting characters of different nationalities, giving them culturally varied names and making sure there is an equal balance of male and females. No group is underrepresented.

Citizenship

In the Utopian elf society, the idea of the ‘good citizen’ is explored (p.137), along with the democratic process (68), socialist values and sound leadership (185).

RE

I have tried not to make the book contain specific ideas to any one particular religion; it is, rather, a composite of different theological ideas. For instance, in the elf city, some of the architecture leans towards different religious designs (p.55) and some of the key characters have composite names: for instance, Elyon Kabir (Elyon=Jewish God, Kabir=Hindu saint). Miss Abbott is, however, a Christian (87), but a difference is gently implied between her and another teacher, Mr Partisan, who, as his name suggests, is of a more fanatical inclination (148, 222, 227). Throughout the book, certain Christian ideas, common to other religions, are touched upon: angels (58), the cosmology of Dante Alighieri (88), out-of-body experiences (90), the Devil (94), the soul (104), the afterlife (105) and the Great Flood (221). However, the book isn’t dogmatic in its approach and extols the virtues of science (159) and critical thinking (223).

Geography

Description of a new world, complete with different habitats and terrain. Map provided at the beginning of the book.

History

The history and event chronology regarding the characters that dwell in this magical world are expounded in some detail (pps.219-35).

DT

Incredible gadgets, designed by the elf race, are described, such as the robot cleaner (p.104), sound-amplifying telescope (115) and super-lance (183). One of main sectors of their society is devoted to the manufacture of such products (60).

History of Art

Description of the incredible elf city (p.55) and some of its key buildings: eg. Government headquarters (56), science building (63), healing centre (120), psychic research facility (127), aquatic stadium (143) and weaponry (212).

Art

Some of the artwork of the elf race is portrayed (p.56).

MFL

Although the study of French and German, per se, are not mentioned in the book, one of the more powerful races that lives in the magical world speak their own language (p.113, 260). Readers are thus encouraged to appreciate this fact and that not everything revolves around the use of English.

Classics

There are many strange creatures that inhabit the magical world, which are lifted straight out of classical Greek and Roman mythology. Some of the characters are also familiar, such as the giant Prometheus (p.221) and mermaid leader, King Triton (225). There is also an insinuated mention of the epic Titan assault on Mount Olympus (234). Furthermore, many of the key terms have been composed using Greek and Latin derivations. For instance, the name of the demonic warriors – “Nekracons” – comes from the Greek nekros (dead); the magical world – "Peralucia" – comes from the Latin per (beyond) and lucidus (light); and finally, the name of the magical red stone that converts sunshine into food – “solvictus” – comes from the Latin sol (sun) and victus (food).

PE

One of the elf divisions are much like the Spartan warriors of old. They are fit, athletic and physically powerful (pps. 212-4).