Great as a starter activity for new LCAs getting stuck into the ‘Identity’ Module. Start with a discussion of where we come from, in the broadest sense. Discuss how important where and what we come from is to people’s sense of who they are. Read the original poem by Mary Pipher together. Share the template for students to now write their own version, following the prompts in brackets. Enjoy!

These colour-coded templates help students to brainstorm ideas about particular aspects of poems, following a predictable pattern - title, plot, mood/genre, speaker, structure, theme, language and poetic techniques, overall meaning, my personal response. Once the template has been filled in, and groups or pairs fed back to the main class (and added in further notes if necessary), the sheets become excellent resources for a) extended writing about poems and b) revision. They greatly support pair- and group-work and help unlock some what students consider the most difficult types of texts, and hence the ones they least enjoy. As well as the templates there are examples of completed templates plus extra notes on the poems as well as typical exam Qs at LC (O) level.

These colour-coded templates help students to brainstorm ideas about particular aspects of poems, following a predictable pattern - title, plot, mood/genre, speaker, structure, theme, language and poetic techniques, overall meaning, my personal response. Once the template has been filled in, and groups or pairs fed back to the main class (and added in further notes if necessary), the sheets become excellent resources for a) extended writing about poems and b) revision. They greatly support pair- and group-work and help unlock some what students consider the most difficult types of texts, and hence the ones they least enjoy.

This complete resource for guiding the study of Willy Russell’s play ‘Blood Brothers’ covers all the major bases including plot development, characterisation, key themes, dramatic techniques, as well as preparing students to complete the Key Assignment using a writing template. Enough for them to be getting on with all the time you are reading or watching the play in class.

Worksheets on - Film posters Close-viewing of the first 32 minutes Key moments Writing templates Character analysis Power and Powerlessness Understanding Structure/genre - Sing Street and Fairytale conventions Pair/Group tasks on plot, character, theme, 1980’s bands, music, fashion etc.

A scheme of work and a few resources for a KS3/JC level class reader that is tried and tested and has high student engagement, accessible to all in terms of language yet sophisticated enough for higher-ability students (double plot, etc.) Lots of opportunity for class discussion about real-life situations and teenage issues. Works a treat!

These colour-coded templates help students to brainstorm ideas about particular aspects of poems, following a predictable pattern - title, plot, mood/genre, speaker, structure, theme, language and poetic techniques, overall meaning, my personal response. Once the template has been filled in, and groups or pairs fed back to the main class (and added in further notes if necessary), the sheets become excellent resources for a) extended writing about poems and b) revision. They greatly support pair- and group-work and help unlock some what students consider the most difficult types of texts, and hence the ones they least enjoy.

Full students’ notes on the character development and fall of the tragic hero Lear, including full quotes. Full pdf slides for classroom delivery of this topic, with built in reflection and discussion points. Ready for import into Powerpoint, Google Slides, whichever presentation software you prefer. These notes/slides take students step-by-step through each of the five acts and the crucial points that lead to the tragedy of King Lear. The notes/slides are followed by 15 MCQs to check comprehension, with answers Suitable for A-Level and Leaving Cert, and any higher study of Shakespeare.

End of Unit assessments on the Reformation. Tier 1 (YELLOW) = accessible to all - 10 MCQs with answers Tier 2 (TURQUOISE) = more challenging but most students can do - 20 MCQs with answers Tier 3 (PINK) = most challenging level for students targeting Higher Merit/Distinction - 10 MCQs and 10 short response Qs requiring a paragraph with answers Teacher can either assign a level to a student OR allow students to differentiate by choice or by setting (let them choose to work in pairs, groups or alone). Tried and tested system with many benefits beyond the actual topic of History.

These colour-coded templates help students to brainstorm ideas about particular aspects of poems, following a predictable pattern - title, plot, mood/genre, speaker, structure, theme, language and poetic techniques, overall meaning, my personal response. Once the template has been filled in, and groups or pairs fed back to the main class (and added in further notes if necessary), the sheets become excellent resources for a) extended writing about poems and b) revision. They greatly support pair- and group-work and help unlock some what students consider the most difficult types of texts, and hence the ones they least enjoy.

A whole set of lessons and activities on animation - both in terms of understanding the genre, and in terms of wider storytelling through visual media. Excellent first unit in media/film studies for secondary school students. Contains activities and worksheets on 3 different individual animations then a differentiated end of unit task where students choose which animation out of 5 new choices they’d like to analyse. Tiered prompts and activities from YELLOW (easy, accessible to all) through TURQUOISE (more challenging) to PINK (demanding - in this case, a full 7 paragraph analytical essay on the chosen animation). Links to the studied animations included. The Present - https://youtu.be/3XA0bB79oGc?si=uqCJdwVQIGr1ldyB Das Rad/Rocks - https://youtu.be/HOPwXNFU7oU?si=rZITc9Ustl9GyuiH Oktopodi - https://youtu.be/badHUNl2HXU?si=6ZEGi0lpeLH2UKyd

Self explanatory and suitable either for group/pair-work or individual completion. At least three lessons’ worth of independent work, freeing up the teacher to help individual students or work with groups.