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I am a Co-Founder and Director of Curriculum for a charity called Park Street Education. I also run my own tutoring agency called 'The English Tutor'. I take a ton of pride in the creation of my resources and I hope that they will save you precious planning time as well as engaging your students. Please download some of my FREE resources to see the quality of my material. If you don't see a resource you need, then get in touch - I take commissions! My email is samanthajayne13@live.co.uk

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I am a Co-Founder and Director of Curriculum for a charity called Park Street Education. I also run my own tutoring agency called 'The English Tutor'. I take a ton of pride in the creation of my resources and I hope that they will save you precious planning time as well as engaging your students. Please download some of my FREE resources to see the quality of my material. If you don't see a resource you need, then get in touch - I take commissions! My email is samanthajayne13@live.co.uk
Book Report Challenge KS2 / KS3
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Book Report Challenge KS2 / KS3

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Book Report Challenge: Engaging Independent Learning for KS2/KS3 This comprehensive Book Report Challenge resource is designed to foster independent learning and critical thinking in KS2 and KS3 students. Ideal for term-long projects, this resource guides students through the process of reading a book and completing a variety of fun, creative tasks based on their chosen text. Whether you’re working on developing students’ love for reading or encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, this resource has everything you need to inspire and challenge your class. What’s Included: Step-by-Step Guidance: The resource provides a structured pathway, starting with students selecting a book and offering reading tips to help them manage their time effectively. 10 Creative Challenges: Students are tasked with completing three out of 10 engaging challenges, such as writing a sequel, redesigning a book cover, creating a social media profile for a character, or even designing a board game based on the book. These activities encourage creativity and critical engagement with the text. Reading Recommendations: Suggested reading lists are provided, featuring popular titles like The Wrath and the Dawn, The Red Queen, Holes, The Book Thief, and more, while also giving students the freedom to choose their own books. Final Project Ideas: Students can wrap up the project by delivering a book review, a presentation, or even creating an alternative ending to the story. Why This Resource? This Book Report Challenge is perfect for encouraging students to read independently while developing key literacy skills. It’s versatile and adaptable, allowing teachers to integrate it into the classroom as a long-term assignment or a summer reading project. The creative tasks ensure students remain engaged, and the wide range of book choices helps cater to different reading levels and interests. Keywords: KS2, KS3, independent learning, book report, creative writing, reading comprehension, book projects, English lessons, literacy, book recommendations, critical thinking.
Young and Dyslexic by Benjamin Zephaniah - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology
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Young and Dyslexic by Benjamin Zephaniah - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology

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Lesson Summary: Young and Dyslexic This lesson explores Benjamin Zephaniah’s article Young and Dyslexic? You’ve Got It Going On, where he reflects on his experiences growing up with dyslexia and how he transformed this challenge into a strength. The lesson guides students through an analysis of how Zephaniah uses language to connect with his audience and convey his message of resilience and empowerment for dyslexic individuals. Lesson Objectives: Understand Zephaniah’s perspective on dyslexia and how he uses his experience to inspire others. Analyse the use of language, tone, and anecdotes to connect with the reader and convey a positive message. Reflect on the broader implications of the education system and societal views on learning differences. Activities: Group discussions on personal challenges in learning and the perceptions of dyslexia. Guided reading to identify and interpret key literary techniques, such as metaphor, tone, and anecdote. A creative task where students design a poster summarising Zephaniah’s message, aiming to challenge the stigma around dyslexia. Skills Developed: Analytical reading and interpretation, focusing on non-fiction texts and the author’s use of language and structure. Empathy and understanding through the exploration of learning difficulties and the importance of resilience. Creative expression through visual and written tasks that engage students with the material.
A Passage to Africa - EDEXCEL iGCSE English Language
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A Passage to Africa - EDEXCEL iGCSE English Language

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Lesson Summary: A Passage to Africa This lesson delves into George Alagiah’s extract from A Passage to Africa, exploring the impact of war and famine in Somalia. Students engage in analysing how Alagiah uses language to depict suffering, as well as the ethical and emotional dilemmas journalists face when reporting on such crises. Through a blend of group discussions, guided readings, and writing tasks, students will develop a deeper understanding of the passage and Alagiah’s message. Lesson Objectives: Understand the context and purpose of Alagiah’s narrative as a journalist’s account. Analyse how language techniques (e.g., metaphors, sensory imagery) are used to convey suffering. Discuss and reflect on the ethical challenges of journalism in conflict zones. Activities: Group discussions on media representation of humanitarian crises and the role of journalists. Guided reading with a focus on identifying key language devices and their effects. Analytical writing tasks using structured approaches like PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) or PETAL (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link) to respond to a question about Alagiah’s use of language. Skills Developed: Critical analysis of non-fiction texts and understanding the ethical dimensions of journalism. Empathy and cultural awareness through exploration of real-world humanitarian issues. Structured analytical writing, focusing on language effects and textual evidence.
Chinese Cinderella - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology
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Chinese Cinderella - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology

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Lesson Summary: Chinese Cinderella This lesson explores an extract from Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah, focusing on her experiences growing up in a wealthy yet emotionally neglectful family in 1950s Hong Kong. The lesson guides students through the analysis of how the author uses language and imagery to convey her feelings of isolation, fear, and hope. Through discussion and structured activities, students will deepen their understanding of autobiographical writing and the historical and cultural context of the narrative. Lesson Objectives: Analyse how Adeline Yen Mah uses literary devices and imagery to convey her emotions and experiences. Understand the cultural and familial context influencing the author’s upbringing. Engage with autobiographical writing to identify its typical features and explore its purpose. Activities: Group discussions exploring students’ own experiences and cultural perspectives on family expectations and education. Guided reading focusing on identifying and interpreting language techniques such as metaphors, similes, and allusions. Creative writing task where students compose a diary entry from Adeline’s perspective, capturing her emotions after learning she will study abroad. Skills Developed: Analytical reading and interpretation of autobiographical texts, focusing on language and structure. Empathy and cultural awareness through examining familial dynamics and societal expectations. Creative expression through writing tasks that encourage personal engagement with the text.
A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat - Edexcel iGCSE English Language
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A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat - Edexcel iGCSE English Language

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Lesson Summary: A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat This lesson explores Emma Levine’s travelogue extract “A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat,” which describes a donkey race in Karachi, Pakistan. The lesson engages students in analysing how Levine uses language and structure to create excitement, build tension, and provide a humorous account of cultural experiences. Students will examine literary techniques such as metaphor, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia, and discuss their effects on the reader. Lesson Objectives: Analyse how language and structural choices create excitement and build tension. Understand and identify literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification. Explore the cultural and social context of the narrative to deepen comprehension. Activities: Group discussion on the extract’s themes, including cultural differences and the appeal of unusual sports. Identification of literary techniques and their impact through guided reading and annotation exercises. Creative writing task where students craft their own sports commentary using similar devices to those found in Levine’s writing. Skills Developed: Critical analysis of text and understanding of authorial choices. Empathy and cultural awareness through the exploration of diverse experiences. Creative writing skills by applying learned techniques to original stories.
Piano - D.H. Lawrence
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Piano - D.H. Lawrence

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Piano by D.H. Lawrence: A Comprehensive GCSE Poetry Lesson This detailed GCSE lesson on D.H. Lawrence’s Piano is designed to help students analyse the poem’s themes, language, and structure while building essential skills for their English Literature exams. Through a combination of close reading, literary analysis, and contextual exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional power of the poem and its reflection on memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. What’s Included: Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis: A detailed breakdown of Piano, examining how Lawrence uses memory and music to evoke the speaker’s emotions and reflections on childhood. Focus on Literary Techniques: Exploration of key literary devices, including imagery, symbolism, rhyme, and rhythm, highlighting how they contribute to the poem’s mood and deeper meaning. Historical and Biographical Context: Insight into D.H. Lawrence’s life and the societal context of the poem, helping students understand the personal and historical influences behind the text. GCSE Exam Preparation: Structured questions and tasks modelled on GCSE exam-style prompts, helping students practise analytical writing and engage with the poem on a critical level. Creative and Analytical Activities: Activities such as reflective writing, comparison tasks, and close reading exercises, encouraging students to connect the themes of the poem to their own experiences of memory and emotion. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for GCSE English Literature teachers looking to equip students with the analytical tools necessary for their exams. It provides structured lessons that promote both literary analysis and personal reflection, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of Piano and its emotional impact. Keywords: GCSE, Piano, D.H. Lawrence, poetry analysis, literary devices, memory, nostalgia, GCSE English Literature, exam preparation, stanza analysis. This resource offers all the tools needed to guide students through a detailed exploration of Piano while preparing them for their GCSE English Literature exams.
Introduction to Transactional Writing
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Introduction to Transactional Writing

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This lesson introduces students to the concept and forms of transactional writing, emphasising its relevance in real-life contexts such as running or promoting a business (e.g., a hotel). Through interactive activities, students explore different types of transactional texts, including brochures, speeches, reviews, newspaper articles, and reports. Lesson Objectives: Understand the concept and importance of transactional writing. Identify the form, conventions, purpose, audience, and tone in various transactional writing tasks. Practise creating appropriate content based on these elements. Activities: Students work in groups to design their own “dream hotel” and brainstorm the types of transactional writing necessary for its operation and marketing. Groups are assigned specific writing tasks (e.g., brochures, reviews) and must determine the format, purpose, audience, and tone before presenting their ideas. Exercises include adapting the tone of a letter of complaint to demonstrate the impact of language choice. Skills Developed: Critical thinking in evaluating the form and tone suitable for different audiences. Collaboration through group work and brainstorming sessions. Practical application of writing conventions in structured formats. This lesson is ideal for engaging students in transactional writing and helping them connect classroom skills with real-world scenarios.
'Disabled' by Wilfred Owen
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'Disabled' by Wilfred Owen

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The lesson on Wilfred Owen’s poem Disabled is designed to help students explore the poet’s depiction of the horrors of war and its aftermath, especially in the lives of disabled veterans. The key objectives of the lesson include: Understanding the Themes and Imagery: Students are guided to analyze how Owen contrasts the soldier’s life before and after war, using imagery to evoke sympathy and highlight the futility of war. Examining Structure and Tone: The lesson emphasizes the shift between past and present in the poem, as well as how the irregular rhyme scheme reflects the chaos of war. Historical Context and Empathy: Students are introduced to the historical background of Wilfred Owen and World War I. They also consider modern perspectives on disability, featuring real-life examples like Sapper Matthew Weston, a contemporary veteran. Critical Discussion and Reflection: Through discussions and activities such as responding to pictures, videos, and key questions, students reflect on the emotional impact of the poem, considering the reasons people enlist and the psychological toll of warfare. The lesson ends with an optional creative homework task, asking students to write a letter from the perspective of a hospitalised soldier, encouraging empathy and deeper engagement with the poem’s themes.
The Immigrant Experience, Critical Appreciation - OCR A Level English Literature H472
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The Immigrant Experience, Critical Appreciation - OCR A Level English Literature H472

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This booklet contains a variety of unseen passages for the unit on ‘The Immigrant Experience’. Texts include: ‘American and I’ - Anzia Yezierska ‘Exit West’ – Mohsin Hamid ‘Brick Lane’ – Monica Ali ‘Enemies: A Love Story’ – Isaac Bashevis Singer ‘The Assistant’ – Bernard Malamud ‘The Namesake’ – Jhumpa Lahiri ‘The Buddha in the Attic’ – Julie Otsuka ‘The Lonely Londoners’ – Sam Selvon ’The Road Home’ - Rose Tremain ‘Terrorist’ – John Updike ‘My New American Life’ – Francine Prose ‘The Fortunate Pilgrim’ – Mario Puzo ‘The Association of Small Bombs’ – Karan Mahajan ‘Black-Eyed Women’ from ‘The Refugees’ - Viet Thanh Nguyen ‘The Secret River’ – Kate Grenville ‘The Third and Final Continent’ from ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ - Jhumpa Lahiri ’Call it Sleep’ - Henry Roth ‘A Long Way Home’ – Saroo Brierley ‘The Blue Between Sky and Water’ – Susan Abulhawa ‘Shantaram’ – David Gregory Roberts ’Eva’s Story’ - Eva Schloss ‘Girl in Translation’ – Jean Kwok ‘Café Scheherazade’ – Arnold Zable ‘Brooklyn’ - Colm Tóibín I set ‘The Blue Between Sky and Water’ as a Mock Examination so I have included indicative content for this which would work as a mark scheme and two model answers for ‘A Long Way Home’ and ‘Brooklyn’.
Greek Mythology Collection
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Greek Mythology Collection

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A Greek Myth Collection: An Introduction Prometheus and Pandora Demeter and Persephone Theseus and the Minotaur The Golden Fleece Heracles Perseus Orpheus and Eurydice
The Hunger Games - Scheme of Work
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The Hunger Games - Scheme of Work

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The Hunger Games Scheme of Work: 13 Engaging Lessons for KS3 English with Creative Final Assessment This comprehensive 13-lesson scheme of work is designed to immerse KS3 students in Suzanne Collins’ thrilling novel The Hunger Games. Through detailed analysis of characters, themes, and literary techniques, students will explore the deeper meanings behind the text while participating in a variety of creative and analytical activities. The scheme culminates in a unique final assessment where students design their own version of the Hunger Games and participate in an interview-style reflection. It was designed during the pandemic for online learning but can easily be adapted for classroom use. What’s Included: 13 Complete Lessons: Each PowerPoint lesson covers specific chapters and themes from The Hunger Games, with structured activities such as reading comprehension, discussions, and group work. Character and Theme Analysis: Lessons focus on key themes like survival, inequality, and rebellion, alongside character studies of Katniss, Peeta, and other significant figures. Literary Devices and Techniques: Exploration of techniques such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and narrative structure, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how the novel is crafted. Creative and Analytical Activities: Varied tasks such as creative writing, role-playing, debates, and group presentations ensure that students engage actively with the text. Contextual Studies: Lessons connect the dystopian world of The Hunger Games with real-world issues, such as political oppression and media manipulation, making the content relevant to students’ lives. Final Creative Assessment: Students design their own Hunger Games as part of the culminating assessment. This task challenges them to create a new arena, rules, and tributes, followed by a reflective interview where they discuss their design decisions and the moral implications of the games. Exam and Assessment Preparation: Opportunities for students to practice analytical writing and respond to GCSE-style questions, preparing them for future exams. Why This Resource? This scheme of work is perfect for KS3 teachers who want to engage their students with a modern literary classic while fostering key skills in critical thinking, creative expression, and literary analysis. The creative final assessment provides an opportunity for students to apply their understanding of the novel in an imaginative and reflective way, making it both an enjoyable and educational experience. Keywords: KS3 English, The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, literature analysis, dystopian fiction, creative writing, final assessment, design your own Hunger Games, critical thinking, exam preparation. This engaging and versatile resource ensures students not only explore the novel in depth but also express their creativity through a unique final assessment, helping them connect with the story on a personal level.
Banned Book Series
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Banned Book Series

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**Banned Books Scheme of Work: Engaging and Thought-Provoking Lessons for KS3/KS4 English ** This comprehensive scheme of work explores the theme of censorship through the lens of banned books, offering a series of interactive and engaging lessons for KS3 and KS4 students. The resource covers a variety of controversial and thought-provoking texts, including Fahrenheit 451, I Am Malala, Alice in Wonderland, The Hate U Give, Harry Potter, and many more. Each lesson is designed to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of societal issues. What’s Included: 10 Complete Lessons: PowerPoint presentations that guide students through each text with a blend of discussion prompts, extracts, historical context, and multimedia resources. Diverse Themes: Lessons cover a wide range of topics such as freedom of speech, race, gender, mental health, and the impact of literature on society. Engaging Activities: Each lesson incorporates activities like group discussions, debates, creative writing, and presentations, helping students develop their analytical and expressive skills. Presentation Project: The final lesson encourages students to create their own presentations on a banned book, fostering independent research and public speaking skills. **Why This Resource? ** Perfect for English teachers looking to inspire curiosity and promote critical engagement, this scheme of work not only aligns with curriculum objectives but also brings real-world relevance into the classroom. It offers structured lessons with all the necessary resources, including videos, extracts, and comprehension questions, to make implementation easy and effective. Keywords: KS3, KS4, banned books, censorship, literature, English lessons, critical thinking, debate, social issues, freedom of speech, book challenges, interactive learning. This engaging and thought-provoking scheme of work ensures students connect literature with the world around them, making for a powerful addition to any English curriculum.
The Little Prince - Scheme of Work (KS2 or KS3)
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The Little Prince - Scheme of Work (KS2 or KS3)

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The Little Prince Scheme of Work: An Engaging Journey Through Literature for KS2/KS3 This comprehensive scheme of work takes students on an immersive journey through Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless classic, The Little Prince. Designed for KS2 and KS3 learners, the lessons explore essential themes such as friendship, imagination, loss, and the human experience. Each lesson integrates reading comprehension, interactive discussions, and creative tasks, ensuring students connect deeply with the text while enhancing their critical literacy and expressive skills. What’s Included: 12 Complete Lessons: Each PowerPoint presentation covers different chapters of the book, guiding students through the narrative with activities such as group discussions, debates, writing exercises, and multimedia elements. Key Vocabulary and Literary Analysis: Every lesson introduces important vocabulary and literary techniques, supporting students in expanding their language skills and understanding the author’s style. Diverse Activities: Lessons include creative tasks like drawing illustrations, debating themes (e.g., leadership and friendship), and connecting the story’s lessons to real-life experiences, all of which promote critical thinking and empathy. Final Projects and Creative Assignments: The concluding lessons allow students to engage with the text through personalised projects, such as imagining a new planet, writing diary entries from a character’s perspective, or creating artwork based on their favourite quotations. These tasks foster independent thinking, creativity, and comprehension. Why This Resource? Ideal for teachers who wish to inspire and engage students with a literary classic, this scheme of work meets curriculum goals while providing an enriching and interactive learning experience. It offers all necessary resources for effective lesson delivery, including videos, discussion prompts, comprehension exercises, and creative project ideas. Perfect for English and literature classes, it helps students develop an appreciation for storytelling and a deeper understanding of universal themes. Keywords: KS2, KS3, The Little Prince, literature scheme, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, creative writing, English lessons, critical thinking, interactive activities, discussion prompts, literary analysis. This engaging and versatile resource ensures students connect with the story on multiple levels, making The Little Prince a valuable addition to any classroom.
Diversity Reading Club - KS3, Year 9
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Diversity Reading Club - KS3, Year 9

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Diversity Reading Club for KS3 (Year 9): 12 Engaging Lessons Exploring Diverse Voices This Diversity Reading Club is a 12-lesson course designed for Year 9 students, offering a thought-provoking journey through a range of literary texts that focus on diverse voices and underrepresented stories. With extracts from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, the course introduces students to the works of Black, Indigenous, queer, and immigrant authors, as well as authors living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. By engaging with these narratives, students will build empathy, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills, while developing a deeper appreciation for literature. What’s Included: 12 Fully Structured Lessons: Each lesson focuses on a different text or author, presenting unique perspectives on identity, resilience, and social justice. The texts include: Butterfly by Yusra Mardini The Boat People by Sharon Bala Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman Still, I Rise by Maya Angelou The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok The Girl With The Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon The Fault in Our Stars by John Green The Kayak by Debbie Spring Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Diverse Themes and Perspectives: Lessons explore a wide range of themes, including immigration, race, disability, mental health, resilience, and survival, encouraging students to connect with the challenges faced by different communities. Creative and Analytical Tasks: Students will participate in group discussions, reflective writing, and creative activities, fostering deeper engagement with the texts while enhancing key literary analysis skills. Contextual and Thematic Exploration: Each lesson includes background on the historical and cultural context of the texts, helping students understand the broader significance of the narratives and their relevance to contemporary issues. Exam Preparation: Lessons are designed to build skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and essay writing, preparing students for GCSE-level work and beyond. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for Year 9 English teachers who want to introduce students to a wider range of literature that reflects diverse experiences and voices. The Diversity Reading Club encourages students to think critically about the world, develop empathy, and engage with literature in a meaningful and reflective way. Keywords: KS3 English, Year 9, diversity in literature, immigrant stories, Black authors, Indigenous authors, queer literature, disability narratives, social justice, literary analysis, creative writing.
Diversity Reading Club - KS3, Year 7  8
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Diversity Reading Club - KS3, Year 7 8

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The Diversity Reading Club: 12 Engaging Classes for KS3 English The Diversity Reading Club is a carefully curated 12-lesson course designed for Year 7 or 8 students (depending on maturity), aimed at broadening their literary horizons with a wide range of voices and perspectives. This course features extracts from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry by underrepresented authors, including Black, Indigenous, queer, disabled authors, immigrant stories, and authors living with chronic illnesses. The mission of this reading club is to expose students to diverse narratives and experiences, helping them develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. While not discouraging the reading of literary “classics,” this course focuses on expanding the traditional curriculum to include stories that are often overlooked. What’s Included: 12 Fully Structured Lessons: Each lesson introduces students to a new text, fostering discussions around themes such as identity, resilience, and belonging. The texts include: Refugees by Brian Bilston The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen Wonder by R. J. Palacio Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake Running Through It by Lorie Scarfarotti Diverse Themes and Perspectives: Each class explores a different perspective on themes such as migration, disability, identity, and equality, challenging students to think critically about the world around them. Creative and Analytical Activities: Students will engage with the texts through group discussions, reflective writing, and creative projects, helping them to build key skills in empathy, critical thinking, and literary analysis. Contextual Discussions: The course includes discussions on the historical and cultural context of each text, helping students to understand the societal issues the authors address. Why This Resource? This reading club is perfect for KS3 English teachers who want to inspire a love for reading while exposing students to a more diverse range of literature. It encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal reflection, making it an essential addition to any classroom that values inclusivity and representation. Keywords: KS3 English, diversity in literature, Black authors, Indigenous authors, queer literature, disability narratives, immigrant stories, multicultural education, literary analysis, creative writing.