KS3 English Unit: The Ruby in the Smoke

Introduce your students to Victorian mystery with this KS3 unit based on Philip Pullman’s The Ruby in the Smoke. Through a blend of character analysis, reading comprehension, and creative writing, students explore the novel’s suspenseful plot and vivid historical setting. This unit builds key skills by delving into Sally Lockhart’s journey and the richly crafted characters around her. Students analyze character motives, relationships, and transformations, enhancing critical thinking and inference skills. Guided by Pullman’s gripping narrative style, students then apply these insights in creative writing sessions where they craft their own mystery stories, practicing techniques to develop character, build tension, and set the scene.

This unit also emphasizes reading for deeper understanding by examining the social issues and themes woven into the story, including courage, friendship, and class dynamics in Victorian England. Through structured activities, students enhance comprehension and learn to appreciate Pullman’s layered writing. This unit’s blend of analysis and creative practice makes The Ruby in the Smoke an engaging study that fosters both analytical and narrative skills, inspiring young readers to think critically while sparking their imagination. Perfect for KS3 students, this unit is a memorable way to develop a love of literature and storytelling.