An engaging, structured double lesson that helps students to develop their thinking, reading, and writing skills for GCSE English Language (or Functional Skills English) by exploring the theme of people travelling on-foot through harsh, desolate locations. The two main tasks are reading comprehension and a creative writing continuation exercise, both provided in a three-page handout, but the lesson’s PowerPoint also features several riddles and a variety of thought-provoking pictures for discussion, plus a link to a short video about Mauro Prosperi and his fight for survival when lost and alone in the Sahara Desert. A teacher’s answer sheet for the comprehension exercise is provided, too.

An engaging, structured double lesson that helps students to develop their thinking, reading, and writing skills for GCSE English Language (or Functional Skills English) by exploring the topic of wildlife photographer Joel Sartore and his campaign to save endangered species: the National Geographic Photo Ark. The two main tasks are reading comprehension and letter writing, both provided in a five-page handout, but the lesson’s PowerPoint also features a variety of starter activities, discussion-prompting visuals, and links to two fascinating short videos about the topic. A teacher’s answer sheet for the comprehension exercise is provided, too.