Students will explore the importance of setting in Macbeth, focusing on how Shakespeare uses it to shape mood, introduce characters, and establish the play’s context. Fact Sheet & Questions: Students will begin with a fact sheet about the settings in Macbeth, followed by questions to explore how the setting influences tone and atmosphere. Analysis of Act 1, Scene 1: Students will analyse the opening scene’s setting to understand how it creates an ominous mood and foreshadows the play’s events. Group Task – Set Design: In groups, students will design their own set for Act 1, Scene 1, explaining how their choices reflect the scene’s mood and themes. Writing Task: Students will write a response to the big question, using sentence starters to explain how Shakespeare’s use of setting establishes mood, character, and place.

This lesson is part of a broader curriculum that guides students in creating their own campaigns by first examining various types, such as political, social, and advertising campaigns. In this particular lesson, the focus is on political campaigns, specifically the 2024 UK General Election. Students will analyse the election campaigns of the Labour and Conservative parties, paying close attention to their websites, social media presence, and campaign posters. They will explore how these different elements are utilised to create effective and persuasive campaigns.

In this lesson, students will examine how Macbeth is introduced as a heroic figure in Act 1, Scene 2 through the captain’s speech, and explore how he fits the characteristics of a tragic hero. The lesson includes: Do Now Activity: A quick recap of Act 1, Scene 1. Analysis of the Captain’s Speech: Students will analyse the captain’s description of Macbeth’s bravery in battle, discussing how Shakespeare presents him as a noble and heroic character. Tragic Hero Exploration: The students will then explore the characteristics of a tragic hero, identifying these traits in Macbeth based on what they have learnt from Act 1, Scene 2. Independent Writing Task: Students will complete an independent writing task focused on how Shakespeare uses the captain’s speech to establish Macbeth as a heroic figure. Sentence starters are provided to guide their responses.

Students will engage in a structured debate, arguing whether Christmas has become too commercialised and lost its true meaning. Lesson Includes: Class Discussion Students explore the various reasons people celebrate Christmas. Debate Activity Students will work in groups of three as part of either the Affirmation or Negative team. Each team will present their arguments in a structured debate format: Introduce their case Rebut opposing points Deliver a final summary A planning sheet will be provided to guide students in preparing their arguments.