Melissa Victoria is a former English teacher with over 15 years' experience in a variety of secondary school settings, including comprehensive and grammar schools. She provides English resources mainly for high-ability students studying for GCSE and A level (AQA).
Melissa Victoria has an MA in English from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Melissa Victoria is a former English teacher with over 15 years' experience in a variety of secondary school settings, including comprehensive and grammar schools. She provides English resources mainly for high-ability students studying for GCSE and A level (AQA).
Melissa Victoria has an MA in English from the University of Birmingham, UK.
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint which explores ‘The Farmer’s Bride’ in preparation for the AQA Literature Examination
The PowerPoint and accompanying teacher notes are aimed at high-level GCSE candidates aiming for grades 7, 8 & 9
The resource contains the following:
AQA Assessment objectives for the poetry anthology examination paper
Warm-up activity
A brief biography of Charlotte Mew
A link to an audio of a reading of the poem
A list of high-level terminology for this particular poem as required for higher grades
A pyramid of questions which moves from knowledge to evaluation as a way of stretching students’ thinking
A copy of the poem
A student sheet which can be printed off or projected onto the board to record ideas whilst working through questions
A short plenary
Followed by:
Teacher notes - two slides containing ideas for understanding the poem and its methods at a high level which you should likely read before the lesson as preparation for discussion and teaching. How much you ‘teacher-lead’ using these notes, or how much you use them to aid independent learning is up to you. Notes are not definitive, but offer good-grounding in understanding Mew’s use of method in the poem, with detail on structure and form as well as language in order to reach higher grades (e.g. Subversion of the pastoral, significance of the ending, use of irregular couplets, natural imagery etc…)
NEW: THREE PAGE LESSON PLAN ON HOW TO USE EACH SLIDE INCLUDING KEY QUESTIONS, LEARNING AND OUTCOMES
The lesson presumes that some previous learning has taken place on what language, form and structure mean, and that students have a good level of understanding of what questions they should ask of poems in order to explore them (e.g. when was it written? how might that influence language choices? is there a specific form? what relevance is the form? how is the poem’s narrative structured? Is there a clear structure? etc.)
Best wishes,
Englbee x
This is high-level revision sheet of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s 'Sonnet 29: I think of thee…’ for students aiming for grades 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Love’s Philosophy’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Please note the preview shows only a small section of the revision sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
This is high-level revision sheet of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s ‘Love’s Philosophy’ for students aiming for grades 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to Sonnet 29 and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Please note the preview shows only a small section of the revision sheet.
Kind regards,
Englbee x
Al revision sheet of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Neutral Tones’ for students aiming for levels, 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Winter Swans’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Please note the preview shows only a small section of the revision sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on the Initial Characterisation of the Inspector in Act 1 of an Inspector Calls for mid-to-higher level groups.
Prior to the lesson, students will need to have read from the Inspector’s entrance and the subsequent interrogation of Birling’s involvement with Eva before using the resource.
The resource makes use of skills such as questioning the text and making links between the characterisation of Birling and the Inspector as foils. The focus is on the language of the characters and significantly, the contrasting stage directions.
Includes:
LOs and skills
The significance of the bell ring and what Birling is saying at that point
Priestley’s characterisation of the Inspector in the stage directions as a contrast to Birling and the family
Significance of the Inspector’s name
Significance of the Inspector’s news (about a young woman)
Significance of the Inspector’s methodology
Significance of the contrasting stage directions in how Birling and the Inspector should deliver their lines.
A reflection on Birling and the Inspector as foils in terms of beliefs and values
A plenary slide in which to reflect on learning and skills from the lesson
Under most slides there are indicative answers in the notes section for teachers to help them. Students will likely come up with other valid answers so these are only a guide.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
It’s hard work finding quality GCSE model writing answers for AQA English Language Paper 2, and even harder work writing them yourself, especially at a high level.
Here, you will find a high-level model answer: a letter to persuade. The topic is homework.
Pupils are asked to reflect on the significance of style and genre at the end as a self-reflection exercise.
Please note the preview shows only a section of the sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A high-level revision sheet (PDF) of Cecil Day-Lewis’ ‘Walking Away’ for students aiming for levels, 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Follower’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Please note the preview shows only a small section of the revision sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A high-level GCSE essay for those studying Much Ado about Nothing for AQA English Literature Paper 1
The resource offers an extract from Act 3 scene 2 with an AQA-style examination question on attitudes towards Hero.
There follows an essay which focuses on the question. The essay is written to a high-level for those aiming for grades 7-9 (although might help aspiring grade 6 also). The essay is around a side-and-a-half typed, meaning handwritten it would be about four sides (in keeping with high-level candidate expectations).
After the essay, there is discussion as to:
how the essay’s approach fits AQA’s ‘extract to whole’ further insight booklet on GCSE English Literature
how the essay hits AO1, AO2 and AO3.
how the essay covers higher band criteria
The resource is fully-adapatable for you to change as needed for your OWN classroom use.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A high-level revision sheet (PDF) of Andrew Waterhouse’s ‘Climbing my Grandfather’ for students aiming for levels, 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Before You Were Mine’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on simple past tense verbs. Suitable for high-ability KS3, mid-to high ability KS4, and intermediate ESOL. Suitable for home-learning.
The PowerPoint introduces the student to the infinitive verb form and explores conjugation for simple past tense.
Includes:
*an explanation of the infinitive verb
*three differentiated challenge exercises: conjugating verbs; conjugating phrasal verbs; free-writing activity using simple past tense verbs. All include with answers/sample answer (less able might choose challenge one, with increasingly able choosing challenges two and three OR students could work from challenges one to three)
Could be used as a series of starter activities or as a longer grammar lesson. Could also be set remotely for home-learning as an independent study exercise
The PowerPoint is not definitive, but offers a clear approach to understanding how to conjugate the infinitive into the simple past tense.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
Looking for a high-level example of a persuasive speech to show to your level 7+ GCSE group? Or looking to inspire Year 9 as they lead up to the English GCSE? This speech contains a number of devices for you to explore with your class in order to consider what a strong piece of writing might look like on English Language paper 2.
At the end, you will find a section for pupils to complete against the AQA mark scheme (not provided) for writing on language paper 2 in order to justify the marks given for the piece of writing.
Don’t waste your precious time writing your own high-level piece. Use this.
There are four more high-level answers here for you: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/advise-argue-persuade-explain-gcse-high-level-model-writing-answers-english-language-paper-2-11914737
Best wishes,
Englbee
It’s hard work finding quality GCSE model writing answers for AQA English Language Paper 2, and even harder work writing them yourself, especially at a high level.
Here, you will find a high-level model answer: an essay to explain. The topic is homework.
Pupils are asked to reflect on the significance of style and genre at the end as a self-reflection exercise.
Please note the preview shows only a section of the sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
This is high-level revision sheet (PDF) of Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Before You Were Mine’ for students aiming for grades 6- 9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a easy format rather than being too colour-heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Eden Rock’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Please note the preview shows only a small section of the revision sheet.
Kind regards,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on Birling’s involvement with Eva Smith in Act One of An Inspector Calls. The resource is suitable for a mid-high level group studying the text for GCSE Literature.
The resource contains:
LOs and learning skills outline
Reading and note-making on Birling’s involvement with Eva
An exploration of the skill of distilling evidence from a text which will be practised today
A table to complete on language used to demonstrate Birling’s views on Eva as a contrast to that of Eric, Sheila and the Inspector
A slide with a completed table for pupils to fill in any gaps or offer other suggestions of evidence they might have
An exploration of what Eric and Sheila’s views are and who they most closely align with
An exploration of the significance of Eric and Sheila siding with the Inspector’s views rather than their father’s
A plenary in which students can reflect on wider themes and issues explored in Birling’s involvement with Eva, and the two side of the argument (capitalist vs socialist)
A reflection on the skill of distilling information today and what students did to achieve this.
Under most slides also are detailed indicative comments or answers for the teacher which can be shared as appropriate with students or simply used to aid the teacher during discussion. These could be collated and printed off separately if the teacher needs extra support and notes during the lesson.
Kind regards,
Englbee x
10 AQA Writing to Describe GCSE English Language Question 5 Writing Tasks with both a descriptive and a narrative question for all pictures. Variety of pictures included.
Could also be used with KS3 or any creative writing class despite being specifically designed for the new AQA English Language GCSE.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
It’s hard work finding quality GCSE model writing answers for AQA English Language Paper 2, and even harder work writing them yourself, especially at a high level.
Here, you will find a high-level model answer: an article to argue a point of view. The topic is homework.
Pupils are asked to reflect on the significance of style and genre at the end as a self-reflection exercise.
Please note the preview shows only a section of the sheet.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint for the end of Act Two on Mrs Birling’s involvement with Eva Smith and her condemnation of Eric. Suitable for mid-high GCSE Literature groups
Slides include:
LOs and Outcomes
A prompt slide with focus questions whilst reading pp40-49 (end of Act 2)
Questions to explore Mrs Birling’s class prejudice with example ideas in the teacher notes below
An exploration of Mrs Birling’s first name -Sybil - and its links to blindness
A tension graph (blank) for students to complete if the teacher wishes with the language of the Inspector and Mrs Birling towards the end of Act 2
A completed tension graph
A written response to explore Priestley’s method at the end of Act 2 including a focus on the use of narrative gaps and structure
A plenary task to reflect on learning regarding context, language and structure from the day’s lesson.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on the past perfect tense. Suitable for high-ability KS3, mid-to high ability KS4, and intermediate ESOL. Suitable for home-learning.
The PowerPoint introduces the student to four different ways of using the past perfect tense: to show the sequence of past events; to show a length of time in the past now completed;questions, using the 5Ws1H; the third conditional.
Includes:
*a brief recap of pronoun/verb (‘to have’) agreement (‘had’ in this instance throughout), and the forming of other past participles
*a table on how to form questions using the past perfect tense
*an explanation of each use of the past perfect tense, with an example
*challenge exercise one which all students should complete to show they
understand how to form the past perfect tense
*challenge exercises two-four which students can work through, or choose from to show different uses of the past perfect tense
*sample answers after each exercise
Teachers can choose to teach all or some of the functions of the past perfect tense, dipping in or out, or selecting as necessary.
Could be used as a series of starter activities or as a longer grammar lesson. Could also be set remotely for home-learning as an independent study exercise
The PowerPoint is not definitive, but offers a clear approach to understanding the different uses of the past perfect tense.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on the past continuous tense. Suitable for high-ability KS3, mid-to high ability KS4, and intermediate ESOL. Suitable for home-learning.
The PowerPoint introduces the student to five different ways of using the present continuous tense: basic sentence; interruption of a continuing action in the past by another action; an action which continued to happen at a precise point in the past; questions using past continuous; events repeated habitually in the past.
Includes:
*a brief recap of pronoun/verb (‘to be’) agreement and the forming of gerunds
*an explanation of each use of the past continuous, with an example
*challenge exercise one which all students should complete to show they
understand how to form the past continuous
*challenge exercises two-five which students can work through, or choose from to show different uses of the present continuous tense
*sample answers after each exercise
Teachers can choose to teach all or some of the functions of the past continuous tense , dipping in or out, or selecting as necessary.
Could be used as a series of starter activities or as a longer grammar lesson. Could also be set remotely for home-learning as an independent study exercise
The PowerPoint is not definitive, but offers a clear approach to understanding the different uses of the past continuous.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
This is high-level revision sheet (PDF) of Charles Causley’s ‘Eden Rock’ for students aiming for levels, 6-9 in the new GCSE Literature Paper 2
The revision sheet is laid out in sections with minimal graphics to allow effective revision of ideas and method.
Ideas are written in a brief format rather than being too text/colour heavy to aid key learning and memory
The method focus is rooted in structure and form as well as language choices in order to hit higher band criteria. Only a few choices for each as AQA stresses depth as opposed to breadth to achieve top grades.
There are suggested links to ‘Before You Were Mine’ and evaluative questions to consider in a potential essay conclusion.
The sheet is not definitive, and students should have a much deep knowledge of the poem from class studies; however, it will help as an aid for themes and methods regarding the second, unprinted poem in the examination in which they will need to draw on their memory.
Best wishes,
Englbee x