This unit introduces the WW1 background and focuses on the poem “Dulce et decourum est”. Tasks include: Basic poetic technique revision Basic war background A propaganda poster tasks Analysis of symbolism used in Kasabian’s music video “Empire” Introduction to the poem (analysis not included) Critical essay on theme of war

This is a small unit on preparing pupils for their National 5 Set Text exam on Sailmaker. It includes several practice papers and a powerpoint on how to do the 8 marker, plus Key Quotes and analysis. This also includes a revision powerpoint on key images and quotes. There is also a dual coding powerpoint. UPDATED- I have added a Kahoot quiz for revision of the 2022 Nat 5 Exam Extract.

This is a complete unit on ‘Jojo Rabbit’, using the Scottish curriculum. It looks at different media techniques such as camera angles and sound and has a variety of individual and group tasks on the film. The final outcome is a critical essay (in the style of a potential National 5 essay) on Interesting Character.

This is a unit for a higher ability N5, or a Higher class. It takes you through the story, and the end outcome is an essay on Character. It includes discussion tasks and a short practice RUAE as well.

This is a version of my N5 RUAE Ultimate Guide except I have tried to choose easier model example questions. This should be suitable for teaching S3 or lower, the RUAE skills they will need.

This is a simple guide to RUAE, breaking each question down using a formula. I’ve covered every question type that has appeared in the last few years of N5 and Higher. The powerpoint also includes questions and example answers. I have also included print outs of each formula for your wall and an example from my wall. September 24 Update- We have started using the method of QTA so I have included a second powerpoint and updated wall display- wall display now in Canva so a bit fancier!

This is a powerpoint with notes on the Janice Galloway short story ‘Mary Moon and the Stars’. It includes a how to guide on critical essays on an Interesting Character, and the Theme of Neglect. There is also a quote guide. I have also included a powerpoint about common mistakes my class were making- summarising the story, no techniques- so use this if your class are similar!

This powerpoint clearly explains how to complete the 8 marker on Tally’s Blood, giving a model answer and one to try themselves.

This S1/S2 Gothic story unit guides pupils through writing a Gothic story, looking a the idea of genre, then Setting, Character and Plot. It includes looking at the story The Monkey’s Paw, a short sequence from Woman in Black (if you have a copy), and builds up to writing creatively about being in a haunted house. I suggest for the writing to buy some LED candles and play spooky music! Could also be used for N4 Writing.

This is a unit that would work with S2/ S3. It has a storyboard, hot seating, imaginative writing task, and critical essay task. Good for a decent ability S2, lower ability S3, or S4. Short story text included, as well as a video link.

This is a unit on creating a zombie apocalypse story. It looks at some chapters from the book “The Enemy” (chapter printouts included) and considers tension, hook openings, character, plot and setting, as well as an essay plan (for those who need it) and extension tasks. Suitable for BGE- no video clips included are particularly bloody or gory.

This involves researching a historical figure and comparing two websites and how successful each one was. Perfect for a quick AVU for S3/ S4.

This is a guide to writing a critical essay on a memorable poem- “Trio” by Edwin Morgan on. It takes learners through the different stages of writing an essay. It is heavily hand held and includes some example paragraphs. There is an essay outline which can be printed for struggling pupils.

This is a media unit for Spiderman 2. It takes your through a couple of techniques, getting the class to analyse the film as they go. There’s a Create your own Superhero task, and a critical essay at the end. Suitable for S1-S3

This is a unit made for S2/ S3 on Reality TV to get pupils to think critically about this genre. It includes a fun Group task, articles for gathering information, discussion of reality TV moments and the end result is a discursive essay. Could be used for a N4 S4 class too.

This is a unit of work for the play Frankenstein by Philip Pullman/ Mary Shelley. This includes some guided questions for each Act, group discussion tasks, Understanding questions, a task to design a set, a storyboard and the final outcome is a critical essay on Sympathy. This could be used with S1-S3. I’ve included the SchoolTube link to the play starring Benedict Cumberbatch but I wouldn’t recommend watching the entire play- parts are not appropriate for lower school. I suggest you watch ahead and decide which are suitable.

This unit introduces the class to the poem ‘The Death of Marilyn Monroe’ by Edwin Morgan. It introduces Marilyn’s history and the corruption of Hollywood and comments on the structure of the poem. Then it takes the class through the writing of a critical essay on a Memorable Event. There are a couple of tasks and some video clips. **Important: **this does not include the annotation of the poem- there are other powerpoints by others for that available. This is focused on how to write a National 5 essay.

This is for display in classrooms. It gives some facts about the benefits of reading. Make sure you set to Portrait when you print.