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
Twenty-Eight PowerPoints exploring each scene of ‘Macbeth’ for mid-high level GCSE Engish Literature classes.
The PowerPoints contain exploration of themes: Gender & Identity; Appearance and Reality; Children; Ambition, Fate & Freewill; Guilt; and Kingship
There is also exploration of Genre, Shakespeare’s Method and Context.
This includes:
Dramatic Tragedy Genre:
Tragic Hero; Tragic Villain(s); Tragic Victim(s); Perpeteia; Anagnorisis; Rising & Falling Action; Catharisis; Endings; Hubris; Hamartia; Overreaching; Limits of Humanity
Shakespeare’s Method:
Shakespeare’s use of Language inc. Phantasmagoria, Equivocation & Lexical Fields/Motifs; Structure; Stagecraft; Dramatic Irony; Characterisation & Foils; Men of Thought/Men of Action; and Setting
Context:
Medieval/Shakespearean/Jacobean Gender Expectations; The Role of Medieval Kings; Elizabethan Great Chain of Being; The Divine Right of Kings; The Body Politic & The Body Natural; Regicide & Sacrilege; Witchcraft; Elizabeth I & James I (VI); Medieval Children; Fathers & Sons; Jacobean Male Friendships; Ontological Death; Insanity; some of Sigmund Freud’s ideas on Macbeth/Lady Macbeth
The above is not exhaustive. PowerPoints are also not definitive. There will be other analysis and interpretations that can be applied alongside as the teacher wishes.
The teacher can choose to focus on some, or all of the slides, as the class requires.
Underneath most slides are teacher notes to aid with class teaching. These can be shared with students as and when the teacher sees fit.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable 15-slide PowerPoint on The Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom and Simon Armitage’s appointment.
The PowerPoint contains:
A history of the role of Poet Laureate
The role itself
Payment
How the role has changed over time
Famous past Poets Laureate
Differing opinions of the role
A biography of Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage’s reactions to becoming PL and his ambitions for the role.
Many slides contain thought-bubbles which could be used with a class if needed to further discussion.
The PowerPoint could be used:
As an introduction to Armitage’s Poetry at GCSE
For KS3 classes in the summer term as an introduction to poetry
In PSHE exploring the role of poetry in wider society
In an assembly exploring poetry/society
Where copyright infringement is not an issue, I have included pictures of poets. Where copyright would be violated, I have given links to pictures and news stories. You can of course adapt the PowerPoint for yourself and include the images on slides.
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 leaflet to advise with a clear 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
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
A high-level analysis of the Inspector’s Final Speech in the play, An Inspector Calls. The analysis is 600 words long approximately. Offered as both an adaptable Word doc. and PDF.
The short essay offers a high degree of close analysis of language and method as well as conceptualised interpretations in order to hit those top levels (7-9).
Useful for any high-ability class studying A Inspector Calls.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint which explores ‘Love’s Philosophy’ 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
A warm-up activity
A brief biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley
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 - a detailed slide 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 Shelley’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. Use of structure/argument, use of irregular couplets, plosive and sibilant sounds 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
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint which explores ‘Sonnet 29 'I think of thee…’ 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 Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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 - three 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 Barrett Browning’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. use of the ‘abstract thought/empirical being’ structure; breaking of the Petrarchan sonnet form; use of extended metaphor/symbolism.
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 (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
This is high-level revision sheet of Robert Browning’s ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ 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 ‘The Farmer’s Bride’ 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 which explores ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ 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 Robert Browning
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 - three 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 Browning’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. Mirroring of structure/tableau, dramatic monologue, pathetic fallacy, caesura and enjambment, ambiguous language and moral questions 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
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 GCSE essay for those studying Much Ado about Nothing for AQA English Literature Paper 1
The resource offers an extract from Act 2 scene 2 with an AQA-style examination question on attitudes towards Deception
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 character revision poster of Lady Macduff with key quotations on the following themes: Masculinity/Femininity; Appearance and Reality; Children; Guilt; Kingship; Fate, Free Will and Ambition.
Quotations are not definitive, but offer a simple way for students to link quotations and theme for revision purposes. Act, scene and line are also given. Would be useful printed onto A3 for classroom revision or A4 for home revision.
Bundle of all eight Macbeth character posters found
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/macbeth-revision-posters-12070022
Original illustrations by mancsunshine (copyright)
Best wishes,
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
This bundle contains two PowerPoints, one focusing upon the dramatic comedy genre, and the other the dramatic tragedy genre.
Both PowerPoints follow a similar format:
*students are introduced to the terms ‘comedy’ or ‘tragedy’
*critical interpretations
*revision of dramatic method
*paired exploration of genre-specific method
*a didactic commentary of characterisation
language and structure
Best wishes,
Englbee
Six PowerPoint exploring Act 3 ‘Macbeth’ for mid-high level GCSE Engish Literature classes.
The PowerPoint contains exploration of themes: Children; Appearance and Reality; Kingship; Gender & Identity; and Ambition, Fate & Freewill
Genre, Shakespeare’s Method and Context are also explored.
The teacher can choose to focus on some, or all of the slides, as the class requires.
Underneath most slides are teacher notes to aid with class teaching.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
Four PowerPoints exploring Act 2 of ‘Macbeth’ for mid-high level GCSE Engish Literature classes.
The PowerPoints contains exploration of themes: Kingship; Ambition, Fate & Freewill; Appearance and Reality; Gender & Identity; and Children
Genre, Shakespeare’s Method and Context are also explored.
The teacher can choose to focus on some, or all of the slides, as the class requires.
Underneath most slides are teacher notes to aid with class teaching.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
Seven PowerPoints exploring Act 1,of ‘Macbeth’ for mid-high level GCSE Engish Literature classes.
The PowerPoints contain exploration of themes: Gender & Identity; Appearance and Reality; Children; Ambition, Fate & Freewill; and Kingship
There is also exploration of Genre, Shakespeare’s Method and Context
The teacher can choose to focus on some, or all of the slides, as the class requires.
Underneath most slides are teacher notes to aid with class teaching.
Best wishes,
Englbee x
A fully-adaptable PowerPoint on adjectives. 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 adjective types: positive; negative; comparative; superlative; and descriptive.
Includes:
*an explanation of the function of each adjective type within the English language
*an example list of the type of adjective discussed
*three differentiated challenge exercises for each adjective type with examples for students to choose from (less able might choose challenge one, with increasingly able choosing challenges two and three OR students could work from challenges one to three)
Teachers can choose to teach the adjectives types in any order, dip in or out, or select 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 and using different types of adjectives.
Best wishes,
Englbee x