This immersive lesson offers students a deep dive into Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic short story “The Black Cat.” By examining Poe’s use of symbolism, themes, and narrative style, students uncover the psychological and moral complexities of the narrator’s descent into madness. Engaging activities include analysing imagery, discussing the symbolism of the black cats and the wall, and exploring how alcohol influences the narrator’s unraveling psyche. Students analyze key themes like guilt, violence, and unreliable narration, using textual evidence to support their interpretations. Through a blend of individual, pair, and visual storytelling tasks, students also plan and create their own comic adaptation of the story, making complex literary elements accessible and memorable. Buy this lesson to captivate your students with the dark intricacies of Poe’s Gothic world while enhancing their analytical, creative, and interpretative skills! SEE ALSO: TRUE CRIME: Solving the Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe’s Death - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152942 The “Tell-Tale Heart” Lessons: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152809 “The Raven” Lessons: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152971

FREE - First Lesson from Bill Bryson Travel Writing SOW! This lesson focuses on Bill Bryson, an introduction to who he is, what his writing is all about as well as an introduction to travelogues… LINK TO FULL UNIT - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-sow-bill-bryson-inspired-travel-writing-scheme-of-work-13149043 Description of Unit: A whole unit of lessons (ten lessons - although some lessons may take longer!) which uses Bill Bryson’s Travelogue/Travel Writing style as inspiration to write an English Language GCSE Paper 1 Section B style response! The focus of these lessons is to help students write engaging travelogues inspired by Bill Bryson’s style. The lessons emphasise the use of humor, vivid descriptions, character observations, cultural engagement, and personal reflections to create compelling travel narratives. Students are guided through drafting, editing, and refining their work with practical exercises, planning tools, and peer feedback to enhance their storytelling. I have previously uploaded an earlier version of this SOW, but it was made when I was teaching the class I made it for once a week, so I have heavily edited it, expanded it and made it much more substantial! Travel Writing Scheme of Work which can be used for Mixed ability Y7 and Y8 groups, or a lower ability Y9. Could even be adapted for GCSE or “flip”/step-up lower ability KS4 English groups.

FREE - First Lesson from Bill Bryson Travel Writing SOW! - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13149689 FREE -Second Lesson from Bill Bryson Travel Writing SOW! - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152951 This lesson focuses on Bill Bryson, an introduction to who he is, what his writing is all about as well as an introduction to travelogues… LINK TO FULL UNIT - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-sow-bill-bryson-inspired-travel-writing-scheme-of-work-13149043 Description of Unit: A whole unit of lessons (ten lessons - although some lessons may take longer!) which uses Bill Bryson’s Travelogue/Travel Writing style as inspiration to write an English Language GCSE Paper 1 Section B style response! The focus of this lesson is on SENSORY LANGUAGE, how to use it and how Bryson uses it…

This worksheet guides students through analysing John Keats’ poem La Belle Dame Sans Merci using the PEED structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Development). Students are tasked with answering one of the following questions: How does Keats present ‘La Belle Dame’ as a victim? How does Keats present the ‘Knight-At-Arms’ as a victim? Students are instructed to write one or two PEED paragraphs answering the question(s), using the following framework: Point: Rephrase the question as a statement. Evidence: Provide a relevant quotation from the poem. Explanation: Link the evidence to the theme of victimhood, considering the context of Keats’ life. Development: Expand by zooming in on specific words, techniques, or themes, such as love, death, or identity. Students should aim to write a focused response that demonstrates their understanding of the poem’s themes, Keats’ life, and poetic techniques, applying critical analysis to present either La Belle Dame or the Knight-at-Arms as a victim.

This is a poster outlining the PEED writing structure (Point, Evidence, Explain, Development), with prompts and sentence starters to guide students in analytical writing. PEED stands for Point, Evidence, Explain, Development, a framework commonly used to structure paragraphs in essays and analytical writing. The poster provides a clear breakdown of what is required for each part of a paragraph, reducing confusion and ensuring students stay focused. Encourages Analytical Thinking: By including prompts, it guides students to think more deeply about their writing, such as how evidence supports their point or how their ideas connect to broader concepts. Supports All Learners: The inclusion of sentence starters is particularly useful for students who struggle with beginning their responses, making this a great tool for mixed-ability classrooms. Promotes Independence: With this poster, students have a handy reference to structure their work without constant teacher input, fostering self-reliance. Visually Engaging: The icons and layout make it an attractive and memorable resource that is easy to understand at a glance. This poster is an invaluable classroom tool for improving student writing. It simplifies essay planning, supports structured thinking, and provides scaffolding for students who need extra help. By using this resource, teachers can ensure that students consistently produce well-organized, analytical paragraphs, making it an essential addition to any English classroom.

This engaging and imaginative lesson combines literary analysis with creative persuasive writing, inspired by 1984’s infamous Room 101. Students will explore George Orwell’s dystopian concept of exploiting personal fears before crafting a persuasive letter aimed at convincing the Prime Minister to consign their three chosen “worst things” to Room 101 forever. Learning Objectives To understand the concept of Room 101 and its symbolic significance in Orwell’s 1984. To develop persuasive writing skills by employing a variety of techniques. To write creatively and persuasively, tailoring their arguments for a specific audience (the Prime Minister).

A fun lesson that I made for my Year 9 class whilst doing a scheme of learning on People and Relationships Poetry. It uses the song ‘Exile’ by Taylor Swift to teach perspectives in poetry, as well as to help sell the idea that modern poetry/songs wouldn’t be possible without the poets of the past! Can be used for unseen poetry for a bit of end of term fun at GCSE, half-term homework, or just general poetry lesson!

A lesson I made for my Y9 class which focuses on Sylvia Plath’s poem, ‘Mad Girl’s Love Song’, focuses on how people can become victims of relationships. The Unit this originates from is a People and Relationships Poetry SOW Can be used to practise English GCSE Poetry analysis skills, I taught to KS3 Y9, but can be adapted.

A lesson which focuses on ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ by Wilfred Owen. I used this with my Year 8 class whilst doing a scheme of work around War Poetry

This dynamic lesson on travel writing focuses on honing students’ observational skills and crafting engaging anecdotes, inspired by the style of celebrated travel writer Bill Bryson. Through interactive tasks, students learn to notice and describe overlooked details, bringing scenes to life with sensory-rich descriptions and humour. The lesson emphasises Bryson’s techniques, including self-deprecating humor and observational storytelling, helping students craft their own memorable anecdotes. By weaving together observation, humor, and personal reflection, students develop their creative writing abilities while learning to make travel narratives vivid, relatable, and impactful. This captivating lesson is perfect for sparking a love for storytelling and enhancing descriptive writing skills. Buy this lesson to transform your students into engaging travel writers! FREE - First Lesson from Bill Bryson Travel Writing SOW! - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13149689 FREE -Second Lesson from Bill Bryson Travel Writing SOW! - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152951 This lesson focuses on Bill Bryson, an introduction to who he is, what his writing is all about as well as an introduction to travelogues… LINK TO FULL UNIT - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-sow-bill-bryson-inspired-travel-writing-scheme-of-work-13149043 Description of Unit: A whole unit of lessons (ten lessons - although some lessons may take longer!) which uses Bill Bryson’s Travelogue/Travel Writing style as inspiration to write an English Language GCSE Paper 1 Section B style response!

A lesson which explores the theme of inequality in the Hunger Games, no printing needed. Purely thematic lesson!

A comparative worksheet which focuses on the poem Mid-Term Break by Seamus Heaney and Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden. The focus of this lesson is on comparing poems, using unseen poetry skills. Great for GCSE, also good for KS3 Year 9 English.

A worksheet which can be used when doing dystopian literature or when studying The Hunger Games. Students are to design their own Tribute/character. They can then use the character in a writing assessment!

This engaging lesson explores the complex and often controversial role of monarchy in modern society, focusing on the ways differing perspectives shape public debate. By examining the appeal of controversy, students learn how disagreements can drive deeper inquiry and foster critical thinking. Through comparing writers’ viewpoints, they evaluate both the advantages and challenges associated with monarchies. Pros such as historical and cultural significance, symbolic unity, political stability, and economic benefits like tourism are analysed against contrasting views. The lesson encourages students to think critically, form balanced arguments, and consider how monarchy’s symbolic and practical roles influence national identity and political discourse. Buy this lesson to inspire informed debate, critical analysis, and nuanced understanding of modern monarchy’s place in society! Link to FULL SOW: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/opinion-writing-sow-gcse-english-language-paper-2-skills-13149240 ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE PAPER TWO SKILLS - Comparing Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives GUN DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153078 MONARCHY DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153080 COMPULSORY VOTING - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153075 PAPER 2 BUNDLE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153693 PAPER 1 WORKBOOK - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153254

Unlock the Secrets of Gothic Literature with this Engaging Lesson Series on “The Pit and the Pendulum”! Transport your students to the heart of Gothic horror with this comprehensive set of lessons designed to immerse them in Edgar Allan’s timeless tale, The Pit and the Pendulum. Tailored for Year 8 English students of all abilities, this resource masterfully combines historical context, thematic exploration, symbolic analysis, and creative writing tasks. Why This Lesson Plan Stands Out: Dynamic Starters: Thought-provoking Do Now! activities ignite curiosity and activate prior knowledge, from Gothic conventions to themes like madness in Poe’s works. In-Depth Context: Students dive into the historical backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition, understanding its influence on the story’s atmosphere and Gothic themes of oppression, fear, and injustice. Thematic Analysis: Key themes such as fear, isolation, mortality, and power are unpacked with examples that encourage critical thinking and literary appreciation. Symbolism Unveiled: Detailed analysis of the pit, pendulum, and rats allows students to explore their deeper meanings, fostering connections between symbolism and universal human fears. Creative Expression: Culminating in an imaginative writing task, students apply their understanding of Gothic conventions to create suspenseful narratives, inspired by Poe’s haunting style. Engaging Plenaries: Plenaries prompt reflection and discussion, encouraging students to link Gothic elements in The Pit and the Pendulum with modern storytelling. What Teachers Gain: A fully structured week-long scheme with ready-to-use lesson plans and materials. Activities that meet diverse needs, with a mix of analytical, discussion-based, and creative tasks. Opportunities to foster deeper literary analysis while inspiring students to think creatively. Bring the dark allure of Poe’s Gothic masterpiece to your classroom. Buy this resource today and transform your students’ understanding of Gothic literature! SEE ALSO: TRUE CRIME: Solving the Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe’s Death - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152942 “The Tell-Tale Heart” Lessons: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152809 “The Raven” Lessons: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13152971 “The Black Cat” Lessons: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153003

This engaging lesson encourages students to explore the debate around compulsory voting, using real-world data and case studies to analyse voter behaviour and political participation. Through interactive activities such as mind-mapping reasons for and against voting, examining key terms like voter apathy and turnout, and analysing recent UK election data, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing democratic systems. By studying global examples and reading an opinion piece in favour of mandatory voting, students reflect on its potential impact on civic engagement. The lesson culminates in writing an opinion piece either supporting or opposing compulsory voting, with a focus on crafting persuasive arguments supported by evidence. Buy this lesson to inspire critical thinking and meaningful debate about democratic participation and civic responsibility! ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE PAPER TWO SKILLS - Comparing Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives GUN DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153078 MONARCHY DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153080 COMPULSORY VOTING - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153075 PAPER 2 BUNDLE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153693 PAPER 1 WORKBOOK - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153254

This thought-provoking lesson introduces students to the complexities of controversial issues by exploring differing viewpoints on gun control in the media. By analysing key terms such as “controversial” and discussing why controversy draws public interest, students learn how debates can sharpen critical thinking and reveal deeper truths. Using compelling statistics and viewpoints related to gun control, students will evaluate contrasting perspectives, including those rooted in the Second Amendment debate in the U.S. They will compare how different writers present their arguments and consider the persuasive techniques employed. This lesson encourages nuanced understanding, analytical skills, and thoughtful reflection on the role of controversy in shaping public opinion. Buy this lesson to spark meaningful discussion and develop your students’ ability to critically engage with complex social issues! GCSE English Language Paper Two Skills: Title: Controversy in the Media – Comparing Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives on Gun Control FULL SOW: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/opinion-writing-sow-gcse-english-language-paper-2-skills-13149240 ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE PAPER TWO SKILLS - Comparing Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives GUN DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153078 MONARCHY DEBATE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153080 COMPULSORY VOTING - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153075 PAPER 2 BUNDLE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153693 PAPER 1 WORKBOOK - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13153254