Example/model texts on the theme of ‘emergency services’. These examples can be used for reading comprehension or to teach students about the different forms or text types they might encounter as part of a GCSE English Language exam. Text types include: narrative, descriptive, essay, letter, speech and article. Text types are not categorised by purpose e.g. persuasion, exposition etc.

Examples/models of different types of writing all on the theme of ‘prisons’. The types of text include: narrative, letter, speech, article and essay.

This lesson is based on the different types of writing GCSE students might be required to write. They are given a set of texts on the theme of ‘memory’ and asked to identify the G-A-P (Genre, Audience, Purpose). After looking at these examples of different text types (such as essay, speech, letter and article) they are then required to write their own text.

A series of lessons based on the themse of diversity and inclusion through analysis of ‘The Skin I’m In’ by Sharon Flake and creative discussion and writing. Includes PPT slides, lesson plans, structure slips on letter writing, an extract from the novel and a series of questions on the extract.

A set of 3/4 (depending on ability) lessons on the theme of ‘charity’. In their first lessons students can read an extract from ‘A Christmas Carol’ and answer questions. In their second lesson students engage in a debate using printed prompts and in their third (and potentially fourth) lesson students can complete a multimedia project on a charity of their choice. This resource includes a set of PPT slides for the first lesson, lesson plans for the second, third (and fourth) lessons, extracts and questions, and prompts for printing.

This lesson can be a stand-alone lesson on the theme of justice (and injustice) in literature or it can be part of a series in which students read and study the novel ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar. Students add key words to their ‘geirfa’ (glossary) and answer inference and opinion questions on the extract.

A set of questions based on the film adaptation of ‘Enola Holmes’.

These resources form one full lesson that allows students to explore the charity/campaign ‘Children in Need’ whilst also working on their proof reading skills and their SPaG accuracy. Also included is an extract on the charity and a set of questions to be answered.

This grid is essentially a complete essay plan for the above poems from the WJEC, English GCSE curriculum. The grid guides students through comparisons and encourages them to think critically. This grid could form an introduction to poetry comparison in general or as a tool to support students in preparing for their NEA.

A series of worksheets and activities combined into one workbook on the theme of ‘Dragons’. Students have the opportunity to read extracts from the works of writers such as Tolkien and Lewis, read about dragons in Chinese culture and learn about ‘real life’ dragons such as Komodo dragons. Students also have a set of extension tasks and activities including creative writing and wordsearch tasks.

A grid that allows students to engage with ‘Dulce et decorum est’ and write an essay discussing Wilfred Owens’ feelings towards war and violence. The grid includes key quotations and question prompts.

This table intends to encourage students to think about the techniques and literary features that they use. Any picture can be displayed via projector or simply pinning a picture to a board and students can fill in their table using each technique to describe said picture.

A grid to guide students in writing an essay on Romeo and Juliet and the theme of bravery. The grid includes key quotations, prompts that reference language and literary features, and areas to encourage strong introductions and conclusions.

A copy of the poem ‘Walnut Tree Forge’ and a guide for its annotation including question prompts and mini-essay questions.

A series of questions and links to useful websites. I found this particularly useful as a homework / revision tasks for GCSE students studying Robert Cormier’s ‘Heroes’.

A double lesson plan and accompanying PPT that encourages KS3 students to engage with themes of climate change and environmentalism through literature. Students read or listen to The Lorax before creating their own ‘whimsical’ tale with a strong eco-friendly message.

Two ‘pitches’ based on Dragon’s Den, alongside several questions centred on understanding, inference and presenting opinion. Aimed at KS3 students and could be used as a whole lesson activity, in preperation for their own persuasive writing, or as a reading assessment.

A short (original) story extract and a series of questions based on inference, vocabulary, opinion, understanding and creative reasoning. Aimed at KS3 students with low reading scores.

Essay plan on the theme of betrayal in Macbeth.

Quotations on the theme of ‘identity’ in THT. Including chapter and paragraph numbers.