This resource would be suitable for one or two hours of lesson time (or alternatively, the essay writing task could be given as a homework activity). It breaks down the aspects of essay writing, through identifying key terms in the essay title, brainstorming ideas using technical terms and helping pupils draft analytical points, supported by evidence. The final activity is a peer assessment task so pupils can explore what was successful in their partner’s work.

3 hour resource looks at the main components of narrative writing for GCSE, ranging from sourcing ideas, planning and technical suggestions.

This 1 hour Powerpoint talks through the technicalities of using quotes in Literature essays for GCSE. It talks about why we use quotes, appropriate punctuation and how to embed. There are exercises to reinforce learning in class.

This worksheet engages pupils to explore the main ideas expressed in the poem using a step by step approach. The final activity practices essay writing and research skills, with pupils using the essay to check and expand on the ideas they have come up with. Any new ideas they have identified using the worksheet could also be added to the detail of the essay.

This Powerpoint presentation offers a plot summary, historical background/context, a discussion of key themes and symbols, some alternative interpretations (as per assessment objective 5) - including a discussion of the play’s tragic elements, comparisons of the characters of Richard and Henry Bullingbrook, a consideration of the use of verse, and scene by scene questions.

A worksheet to help students approach this text analytically. Questions focus around context, language choices, themes and syntax.

These slides include the poet’s bio, key vocab, key ideas and some analysis to assist with AS analysis. Hopefully this will save teachers some time looking up definitions and the like.

I put these resources together for my A Level English Language group who are studying for 9093 English Language, but they could easily be used with a good GCSE group for first language English.