Included is a starter I have used in both observation and interview lessons (successfully) previously. A simple paired activity which uses images as stimulus for creative writing. There is some support and challenge for the task which follows and is ideal to lead into an assessed or extended piece of writing. Easily adapted for texts of a different genre if images and key words are altered. Images not my own and post it notes or white boards suggested for first of the two tasks. Edit, adapt and enjoy!

Exactly as stated. A self and peer assessment template which can be easily copied and used to guide students’ reflections on any given activity. Suitable for all subjects and guides them to provide a WWW (what went well) and an EBI (even better if) comment. Really useful as a 5 minute mini-plenary activity to check understanding and provide students with quick feedback. It is best used alongside a clear success criteria which they can use to form their comments to ensure they are constructive.

Included is a Gothic themed paired starter task to support students with their creative writing in a Gothic themed unit for KS3. This was used to great success in an interview observation lesson and students went on to edit and improve these into a short Gothic story. All you need is a mini whiteboard or post it note per student and you’re away! Edit, adapt and enjoy.

Included is a lesson (1 x 55 min) analysing an extract of H G Wells classic Gothic tale ‘The Red Room’. It supports students in analysing how language creates atmosphere and tension. It contains a simple context based starter, printable book cover to aid a prediction based activity as well as a fully explained task and steps to success for the main task. There is a model analysis included and guided self and peer reflection slides also.In addition to this, there is a separate worksheet included which can aid in the understanding of language and planning of the analysis (I usually blow this up to A3!) Edit, adapt, use and enjoy!

Included is a series of resources (at least 2 x 55 min lessons) in which KS3 students are challenged to understand and analysis the language of Edgar Allen Poe in his Gothic poem ‘The Raven’. There is a PPT which guides students through the poem and activities. In addition, there is a speaking and listening assessment based on a group performance of the poem (or an extract of it as it is long!) and peer/teacher assessment sheets. This leads into a task analysing the language of ‘The Raven’. I also highly recommend using part of The Simpsons S02 E03 ‘Treehouse of Horror’ Episode in which it provides an interpretation of the poem which is narrated in full by James Earl Jones and really conveys the atmosphere well however this is not included (you may be able to find on Youtube but most likely would require purchasing). Edit, adapt, use and enjoy as always.

Included is a lesson (1 x 55 mins) which aims to support KS3 students in analysing the language of Bram Stoker in an extract of Dracula. There are differentiated support sheets for analysis as well as a differentiated starter tasks which challenge all students to be able to identify and define various creative writing techniques (literary devices). This includes an answer sheet. This can be used to support students in writing their own analysis of the extract using the PEE technique (Point, Evidence, Explain). Use. edit, adapt and enjoy!

Included is a previous observation lesson (2 x 55 mins) I created and adapted over the last couple of years. It has been taught to my set 1 year 8 students this year but has previously also been used for set 2. It includes a PPT which contains all activities and clearly differentiated steps to success. There is also an extract of Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic tale Dracula as well as a link to a short clip of a film interpretation of Dracula. The outcome is for students to plan, draft and craft their own Gothic characters, using Dracula as their inspiration. There are challenge (or superstar) questions throughout to stretch all students. Edit, adapt, use and enjoy!

This is a PowerPoint resource which includes a choice of 3 differentiated tasks for both a year 7 Science Fiction and Year 8 Gothic end of unit writing assessment. There are clear success criteria converted to our assessment milestones from levels which is easily editable. There is also a check-sheet for students to use to help them proof read and reflect on their work.