This is a resource that will last approximately two lessons (could be used over three lessons with a lower ability group). It is designed for a low/mid-ability class and is ready to teach with minimal adaptation required. The first lesson is designed to plan responses to the narrative writing option for Language Paper 1 Section B (Q5). There are a variety of tasks to encourage students to think about using sensory details, figurative language, and the zooming technique when responding to an image. There are also grade 4 examples of students’ responses to the activities set The second lesson is designed to put the skills learnt in the first lesson into practice. There is an exemplar response for students to look at before using their planning to write their own response. The lessons are based on the requirements for AQA, but can be easily adapted to suit other exam boards. I hope you find it useful, please leave a review if possible. Thank you!

A complete lesson for Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth which is loosely based on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. The lesson is guided by ‘the big questions’ which students will answer by the end of the class. There is plenty of material here which is probably more than a lesson’s worth, so you can include/omit or reuse where appropriate to your class. Activities include thinking about how and why Macbeth could be considered a tragic hero, a media clip of the witches’ prophecies, followed by an activity which redacts the scene and look specifically at the language the witches use. As we know, the exam asks students to write not only about language but structure too, and through this activity we see the witches’ motivations for using the language and structure they do! There is also an opportunity to answer the big questions through following structured headings, and an emotion wheel for considering how Macbeth and Banquo feel towards their prophecies. There is also a copy of the scene included, as well as an annotated version for teacher reference. A great lesson - I’d love a review if you download! Thank you!

This is a step by step guide to constructing and writing an essay answer to an extract from Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth. The question focuses around how Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s fears and doubts (about killing King Duncan). The lesson breaks down the task of constructing an answer into a series of steps. Together with examples, students can construct their answer in a safe environment, guided through the process explicitly. Once ideas are formulated, students are then guided on how to write up their ideas with clarity, ensuring that the assessment objectives are met. I’ve used this with equal success with both HA and LA classes, and it’s surprising just how much students are able to write once the process is modelled to them in this way. I’d love a review if you download, I hope it saves you some time :)

A bright and visually appealing double sided descriptive writing placemat which can be printed and laminated. It can be used equally well for KS3 or KS4. One side gives definitions and examples of figurative language, ambitious vocabulary and sentence starters, as well as reminders of using varied punctuation, the five senses and the zooming technique. The other side gives an example of what outstanding progress looks like, as well as a suggested structure for descriptive writing responses. If you’ve downloaded and found this helpful, a review would be fantastic! Thank you :)

A complete lesson covering Act 1 Scene 4 of Macbeth. The lesson is based loosely on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. As with all my Macbeth lessons, students are guided by a ‘big question’ which they will answer by the end of the class. Firstly, students will engage in a retrieval task which asks them to work in small groups to recall everything they can remember about the play so far. This helps you as a teacher see if there are vital knowledge gaps which need addressing. Students will then consider the relationship between Macbeth and Duncan. This is done through watching a media clip of the scene which guides selection of key quotes, analysis of quotes, as well as considering the importance of contextual details of the play. Students are also prompted to think about the methods Shakespeare uses, what these reveal about the character’s relationship with the other, and any wider connections they can make to other scenes and characters in the play. A copy of the scene is included, as well as an annotated version for teacher reference. If you download I’d really appreciate a review :) Thanks so much :)

A full lesson covering Act 1 Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The lesson is based loosely on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. Similar to my other Macbeth lessons, students are guided by a conceptual ‘big question’ which allows them to track their progress throughout studying the play. Activities include a retrieval task of A1 S1, before considering how we are initially introduced to Macbeth by a find it, highlight it, annotate it task - crucial in helping students to form their first impressions of Macbeth’s character. A scaffolded version of the task is included. There is also an opportunity for students to engage in a performance of the Captain’s speech if time permits. The end of lesson task - answering the big question - these are a what, how, why series of questions which directs students’ thoughts and helps them to draw out deeper knowledge. A Word version of the scene is also included plus an annotated version of the scene for teacher reference. If you download this resource I’d love a review :) Thank you!

A PowerPoint containing 10 + activities that can be used for either Do Now/Learning Start activities when students are entering the classroom or for use during form time. There are a range of activities included from ‘What’s the link?’ to riddles and dingbats. I’ve used all of these with my classes and they go down a treat!

A great behaviour management strategy - praise postcards! A selection of 8 different praise postcards for English teachers. Postcards have a book/library/English theme and are perfect for use across key stages 3 and 4 to develop and reward behaviour that you want to see! Postcards are made on PowerPoint and will need printing on card (2 slides per page and double sided). On the reverse of the postcard is an editable format which allows you to add a personalised message before either sending home or giving out in class. My students love receiving these and parents appreciate them too :) I’d love a review if you download - thank you!

A full lesson covering Act 1 Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The lesson is loosely based on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, although adapted with activities/information which I have found to work well over the years. It is guided by a conceptual ‘big question’ which students will answer by the end of the class. The structure of the lesson is well paced and involves activities including considering the etymology of the word ‘weird’ which deepens students’ understanding of the witches, modelling of annotation strategies for the scene, plus scene analysis. This is followed by consolidation through questioning and responding to the big question guided by a what, how, why approach. A homework activity is also included involving watching three different versions of the opening scene then considering which is the most effective. Complete with an etymology handout sheet (embedded into the PowerPoint), as well as a Do Now activity for the start of the lesson. Also included is a Word copy of Act 1 Scene 1, as well as an annotated version of the scene for teacher reference. I love teaching this, hope you have as much fun as I do with it! If you download, I’d really appreciate a review :) Thank you!

A complete lesson focusing on Macbeth’s inner turmoil as he struggles with the idea of killing Duncan. The lesson is loosely based on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. The lesson begins with a retrieval task considering how Lady Macbeth might act in public, then thinks about why Macbeth would not want to kill the king. The lesson moves on to focus on Macbeth’s soliloquy where students are guided by structured questions. The lesson ends with students answering the ‘big question’. There is also a homework task included (which could be used as an additional in-class activity if time permits) which considers the etymology of the important term ‘regicide’. There is also a copy of Act 1 scenes 6 & 7 included, as well as an annotated copy of the scenes for teacher reference. I’d love a review if you found it useful :) Thank you!

A full lesson to revise the plot of Act 1. The main focus of the lesson is to produce a dual coding map of Act 1 which demonstrates whether students can break down the plot to the main narrative. Students can either produce their own map or use the one I have already created (embedded into the PowerPoint). This lesson could be used as a stand alone revision lesson or as part of a scheme once Act 1 has been studied. There’s no point in moving on to Act 2 unless students have a solid understanding of what happens in Act 1! I’d love a review if you find it useful, thank you!

Everything you need to teach Act 1 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a handy bundle which needs minimal adaptation. The lessons are loosely based on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book, adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. This bundle contains 7 lessons, and is fully resourced. A copy of each scene is also included, plus an annotated version of each scene for teacher reference. Each lesson is guided by a ‘big question’ which students will answer by the end of the class. Every lesson begins with a retrieval task and contains a variety of activities across the scheme. Most lessons end with students answering the big question guided by a what, how, why framework, unless they are guided to answer in an alternative format which includes a choice activity or question grid etc. Lesson 1 - Who are the three weird sisters? (Act 1, Scene 1) Lesson 1 also includes an optional homework task. Lesson 2 - How are we initially introduced to Macbeth’s character (Act 1, Scene 2) Lesson 3 - What do the witches tell Macbeth and Banquo? What do we learn about the characters of Macbeth and Banquo from their reactions to the witches? (Act 1 Scene 3) Lesson 4 - What is the relationship like between Macbeth and King Duncan? (Act 1, Scene 4) Lesson 5 and 6 - Who is Lady Macbeth? What is the relationship like between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? (one PowerPoint but both lessons included) (Act 1, Scene 5). Lesson 6 also includes an optional homework task. Lesson 7 - What reasons does Macbeth give for not wanting to go ahead with Duncan’s murder? (Act 1, Scenes 6 & 7). Lesson 7 contains an optional homework task. I’d love a review if you download, thanks so much and hope you enjoy :)

Two complete lessons focusing on Lady Macbeth and the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1 Scene 5. The lessons are loosely based on the ‘Ready to Teach’ Macbeth book adapted with activities/information I have found to work well over the years. The first lesson is guided by a ‘big question’ - who is Lady Macbeth? It begins with a rapid recap retrieval task before considering the stereotypical role of women. Following this a short clip allows students to identify the personality traits of Lady Macbeth, and how she subverts the idea of the stereotypical woman. A guided annotation of select quotes allows students to consolidate their knowledge before they finish by answering the big question guided by ‘what, how, why’ questions. The second lesson looks more closely at Act 1 Scene 5 and the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. A ‘taboo’ starter activity is fun for the students yet provides ample opportunity to check for understanding or gaps in knowledge. Act 1 scene 5 will then be read in full, before students work individually or in pairs to analyse quotes from the scene guided by a ‘quote analysis template’. This serves to encourage students to also consider links to other characters or scenes in the play, as well as identifying contextual details and what has just happened in the scene. Whole class feedback allows students to share their ideas in a safe and supported way, before the lesson is brought to an end by the answering of the ‘big question’. There is also a challenge task, which could also be set as homework. This looks at whether LM is the key driving force in the relationship and is a ‘to what extent do you agree’ question. A copy of the scene is included, as well an annotated version for teacher reference. I hope it saves you some time. I’d love a review if you found it useful, thank you :)

A set of 20 A4 book covers which can be printed and laminated to display in your English classroom. Covers include Harry Potter, Frankenstein, The Book of Dust, Wide Sargasso Sea and The Great Gatsby. A mixture of titles suitable for KS3 and KS4. Hope they save you some time! :)

A series of 10 A4 book covers which can be printed and laminated for your classroom display. All of the book covers are especially chosen with teenage and young adult readers in mind, with a range of titles from genres including crime, romance and non-fiction. Great for encouraging reading for pleasure, as well as brightening up your classroom space!

This is a handy resource which outlines past exam questions (2017-2022) for AQA English Literature (8702). It focuses on the texts Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and Power & Conflict Poetry. Also included are the 2019 grade boundaries for Literature and Language. I’d love a quick review if you found it useful :)

A whole class marking sheet I use for my own tracking purposes which can be used for any class and any subject. I like to print these and keep them in a folder to regularly review. Useful for a snapshot of the quality of students’ work, including identifying students who may need extra support or extra challenge, and for identifying recurrent patterns. It covers: -Praise -Even better if… -Misconceptions & Actions -Missing/Incomplete Work -Missing From Lesson -Presentation -Cause for Concern -SPaG -Challenge Further -Extra Support -Lesson Reflection If you have any feedback I’d be grateful to hear :)