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Specialist schemes of work for ESL/EAL, English first language, and English literature.
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Specialist schemes of work for ESL/EAL, English first language, and English literature.
English
Bundle
Descriptive and Narrative Writing Bundle for CIE 0500 (Language Paper 2 / Coursework)
Equip your students with the essential skills for success in CIE 0500 Language Paper 2 or coursework with this comprehensive Descriptive and Narrative Writing Bundle. Designed for First Language English students, this tried-and-tested bundle combines two in-depth schemes of work, providing everything needed to master both descriptive and narrative writing. With engaging model texts, expert guidance, and practical exercises, this bundle offers a complete approach to developing powerful, engaging writing.
What’s Included:
Descriptive Writing Scheme of Work
Original Model Text for a high-quality example of descriptive writing.
Stand Back - Zoom In - Zoom In - Zoom Out Method to structure and enhance descriptions.
Descriptive Techniques and Structure: lessons on sensory details, figurative language, and points of focus.
Real-World Application: An out-of-classroom lesson where students practise describing a real location to add authenticity to their work.
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Narrative Writing Scheme of Work**
Key Narrative Features: lessons on character, setting, plot, and perspective.
Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Writing, using Example Short Stories as models.
Expert Advice from Stephen King on storytelling, with a focus on suspense, dialogue, and plot flow.
Narrative and Descriptive Techniques Practice based on a model extract, enhancing students’ stylistic range.
Coursework Task Breakdown for easy coursework adaptation and exam preparation.
Bundle Highlights:
Comprehensive Coverage: This bundle covers both descriptive and narrative writing in detail, supporting students to excel in both styles required for CIE 0500 Language Paper 2 or coursework.
Proven Results: Tried and tested with a range of GCSE students over several years, this bundle is effective across different abilities, building confidence and elevating performance.
Adaptable for Exam and Coursework Routes: While ideal for coursework, the structured approaches and techniques are also easily adaptable for timed exam practice.
With this bundle, you’ll have a complete, high-quality toolkit to guide students through descriptive and narrative writing. By mastering these styles, students can approach the CIE 0500 tasks with confidence and skill, resulting in more impactful, polished writing. Perfect for teachers looking to provide a robust, proven foundation for their students’ writing journey.
SOW: Narrative Writing for CIE 0500 (Language Paper 2 / Coursework)
Develop your students’ narrative skills with this Narrative Writing Scheme of Work for CIE 0500, crafted for Language Paper 2 or coursework. Ideal for First Language English students, this scheme blends practical techniques with creative exercises, using engaging model texts and expert advice to build confidence in storytelling. Tried and tested with GCSE students over several years, this resource supports a wide range of abilities and prepares students for both coursework and exam success.
Key Features:
Key Narrative Features – Comprehensive lessons on essential narrative elements such as characterisation, setting, plot development, and narrative perspective, giving students the tools to create compelling stories.
Distinguishing Descriptive vs. Narrative Writing – Clear guidance on the differences between descriptive and narrative writing, helping students understand and apply the unique features of each style.
Example Short Stories as Models – A curated selection of original model short stories provides concrete examples, demonstrating effective storytelling techniques and structure.
Advice from Stephen King
Free Writing Practice – Engaging free-writing exercises encourage creativity, helping students unlock their narrative voice and experiment with ideas before shaping them into polished stories.
Focus on Narrative and Descriptive Techniques – A model extract serves as a foundation for practising narrative and descriptive techniques, from sensory details to figurative language, allowing students to enrich their writing.
Coursework Task Breakdown – For coursework students, this scheme includes a detailed breakdown of the narrative coursework task, with clear steps for planning and structuring the assignment. This breakdown can be easily adapted for exam preparation, offering guidance on narrative structure and pacing for timed writing.
Tried and Tested – This scheme has proven effective in preparing students across abilities for the CIE 0500 narrative writing task, with consistently strong results. With practical tools, creativity, and expert guidance, this scheme provides a solid foundation for student success in narrative writing.
This resource is the perfect companion to the Descriptive Writing SOW, offering a complete toolkit for building narrative writing skills in the CIE curriculum. Ideal for coursework routes and adaptable for exams, this scheme of work empowers students to become confident, engaging storytellers.
SOW: Descriptive Writing for CIE 0500 (Language Paper 2 / Coursework)
Equip your students for success in CIE 0500 Language Paper 2 or coursework with this comprehensive Descriptive Writing Scheme of Work, tailored to help them craft vivid and engaging descriptions. Designed specifically for First Language English students, this scheme includes effective techniques, real-world practice, and structured guidance, ideal for building confidence and excellence in descriptive writing.
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Key Features:**
Original Model Text – A carefully crafted descriptive text provides students with a clear, engaging model of high-quality descriptive writing. This serves as a foundation for analysing techniques and setting standards.
Stand Back - Zoom In - Zoom In - Zoom Out Method – This proven method guides students in organising descriptions and creating a dynamic flow in their writing, teaching them how to structure their observations to build atmosphere and focus.
Focus on Descriptive Techniques – Lessons cover key techniques like sensory detail, figurative language, and precise word choice, helping students elevate their descriptions and develop their unique voices.
Clear Structure and Points of Focus – Students learn how to structure their writing effectively, using focal points to add depth and coherence to their descriptions.
Out-of-Classroom Lesson – Includes a real-world descriptive activity where students visit a specific location to practise observational skills and bring fresh, authentic detail into their writing. This experiential approach enhances engagement and hones students’ ability to capture real-life scenes with precision.
Tried and Tested – This scheme has been successfully used with GCSE First Language English students for several years, proving effective across a range of abilities and helping students consistently achieve higher grades in descriptive writing tasks.
This scheme of work provides everything needed to guide students in crafting sophisticated, detailed descriptions, ideal for both exams and coursework. Whether aiming to improve structure, build descriptive skills, or practise real-life application, this resource is a complete toolkit for CIE 0500 descriptive writing success.
Bundle
Ghost Story SOWs- EAL/ESL Classes: The Mirror & A Pencil Drawing
Bring suspense and language skills to life in your classroom with this Ghost Story Bundle, featuring two excellent schemes of work for mixed-ability EAL/ESL students: The Mirror and A Pencil Drawing. Perfect for secondary students ranging from A1 to B1 on the CEFR, this discounted bundle offers you a complete toolkit to engage and support learners at every level.
What’s Included:
Two fully-developed schemes of work that adapt the ghost story genre for EAL learners, each with A1-A2 and B1 versions of the text.
Captivating visuals to accompany each story, making the reading experience more immersive and accessible.
Targeted vocabulary focus for each story, with tasks to build students’ understanding and use of language.
Prediction and comprehension activities tailored for mixed abilities, ensuring all students can actively engage with the stories’ suspenseful plots.
Unique creative tasks:
In The Mirror, students turn the story into a comic and have an option for a drama activity.
In A Pencil Drawing, they’ll complete a podcast review, helping students develop their speaking and critical thinking skills.
With this bundle, you’ll get two high-quality, versatile resources that keep students motivated and progressing in their language journey.
This bundle pairs well with my free Whisper In My Ear SOW!
SOW: Family Traditions - Short Story for Mixed-Ability EAL/ESL Classes
Family Traditions, a story that touches on growing up, facing fears, and dealing with loss within the context of family customs. Perfect for secondary EAL/ESL learners from A1 to B1 on the CEFR, this scheme of work offers a rich exploration of language and storytelling through relatable, real-life themes.
What’s Included:
Differentiated versions of the story tailored to both beginner (A1-A2) and more advanced (B1) levels, with language support and images to aid comprehension.
Discussion tasks on traditions: students share and discuss their own family traditions, connecting personally with the story’s themes and practising speaking skills.
Prediction stage: students are invited to predict what might happen, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity about the narrative.
Differentiated choice board: a range of activities for students to select based on their interests and abilities, allowing personalised responses to the story.
Introduction to imagery: a focused activity guiding students to recognise and understand imagery, enhancing comprehension and descriptive skills.
Character interview task: students role-play interviewing a character, practising dialogue and empathetic understanding of the story’s themes.
Creative comic-making project: as a culminating activity, students transform the story into a comic, visualising and summarising a key moment and dialogue.
Family Traditions provides a comprehensive and flexible approach to teaching English through meaningful stories that students can relate to. With tasks that support vocabulary, imagery, and creative expression, this scheme is an ideal addition to any EAL/ESL classroom, helping students build language skills through a story about family, growth, and resilience.
Bundle
Original Short Stories for Mixed Ability EAL/ESL: A Pencil Drawing, The Mirror, Whisper in My Ear, The Seven Sisters, and Family Traditions
Enrich your classroom with this Original Short Story Bundle, featuring five unique, carefully crafted schemes of work perfect for mixed-ability EAL/ESL students. This collection includes a diverse range of stories that explore themes of family, growing up, mystery, and suspense, providing students with engaging narratives to enhance language skills, cultural understanding, and critical thinking. Suitable for secondary students from A1 to B1 on the CEFR, each scheme is designed to support all learners through a variety of differentiated resources and activities.
What’s Included in Each Story:
A Pencil Drawing – An eerie ghost story featuring a podcast review project, with differentiated texts and comprehension questions, vocabulary focus, and a comic strip prediction task.
The Mirror – Another suspenseful tale, complete with a prediction task, differentiated comprehension questions, a comic-making task, and an optional drama activity for engaging, expressive learning.
Whisper in My Ear – A ghost story that includes vocabulary focus, prediction, and comprehension questions, culminating in a creative ghost story-writing project. Also includes a diary writing task, building empathy and reflective skills.
Seven Sisters – A touching narrative about family and growing up, with a vocabulary focus, differentiated comprehension, and a creative choice board, culminating in a diary entry task and practice with dialogue writing.
Family Traditions – A story exploring themes of family customs, fear, and loss, featuring discussion tasks, prediction activities, an introduction to imagery, and a character interview task, ending with a comic-making project.
Each story scheme offers:
Differentiated text versions to cater to varying levels, with simplified and more advanced versions for A1-B1 students.
Vocabulary and comprehension activities designed to build understanding, expand language use, and support reading skills.
Creative culminating tasks like podcasts, diary entries, and comic creation to foster imagination and application of language skills.
Illustrations and images to scaffold comprehension and create an immersive reading experience.
This bundle provides excellent value, offering five complete, adaptable resources that introduce students to original, relatable stories while building essential language skills. With a mix of mystery, emotion, and real-life connections, this collection is perfect for EAL/ESL teachers looking to bring quality, engaging materials into their classrooms.
SOW: Seven Sisters - A Emotional Story for Mixed-Ability EAL/ESL Classes
Introduce your students to short stories with Seven Sisters, a narrative that explores themes of family, growing up, and death. Designed for secondary EAL/ESL classes, this scheme of work is ideal for mixed-ability groups from A1 to B1 on the CEFR, providing thoughtful language practice through storytelling and emotional connection.
What’s Included:
Differentiated versions of the text to cater to all levels, with an A1-A2 version and a more advanced B1 text. The narrative is enriched with scaffolding images to support comprehension for all students.
Prediction task: before reading, students are invited to anticipate what might unfold, engaging their imaginations and critical thinking.
Vocabulary focus: a structured activity to familiarise students with key vocabulary, supporting understanding of the story’s themes and emotions.
Post-reading choice board: a variety of engaging follow-up activities to let students choose how they wish to respond to the story, from reflective tasks to creative responses.
Writing task: students are guided to write a heartfelt thank-you note, practising formal expressions of gratitude and empathy.
Dialogue writing focus: students practise crafting dialogue, learning how to express characters’ voices and emotions in English, perfect for building fluency in conversational language.
Seven Sisters is a unique story that will add to any EAL/ESL curriculum, offering students a simple yet thought-provoking narrative that resonates with real-life themes. This scheme of work combines essential vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills with a story that will encourage students to think about family and relationships in a meaningful way.
SOW: There Will Come Soft Rains - for Mixed-Ability EAL / ESL
Engage your students with Ray Bradbury’s classic short story, There Will Come Soft Rains, a futuristic narrative that explores themes of technology, isolation, and the natural world. Ideal for mixed-ability EAL/ESL secondary classes from A1 to B1+ on the CEFR, this scheme of work combines accessible language practice with thought-provoking ideas about humanity’s future.
What’s Included:
Differentiated versions of the text: three versions adapted for both beginner (A1-A2) and more advanced (B1) readers, supported by carefully chosen images to aid understanding of the story’s sci-fi setting.
Prediction task: students are invited to predict the story’s events, sparking interest and encouraging critical thinking.
Comprehension questions tailored to each version, allowing students at all levels to confidently engage with the story’s main events and themes.
Graphic novel project: students creatively transform There Will Come Soft Rains into a graphic novel, helping them summarise and visually interpret key moments while reinforcing vocabulary and narrative skills.
Extension activity on Frances Gabe: students explore a real-world connection with reading about Frances Gabe, the inventor of the self-cleaning house, providing context for the themes of automation and technology in Bradbury’s story.
This scheme offers an engaging way for students to build language skills while exploring timeless ideas about technology and nature. With a focus on creativity and critical thinking, There Will Come Soft Rains is a great addition to any EAL/ESL curriculum for sparking meaningful discussions about the technology.
SOW: 'A Pencil Drawing' - Chilling Ghost Story for Mixed-Ability EAL/ESL
Introduce your students to the excitement of ghost stories with A Pencil Drawing, a structured scheme of work perfect for mixed-ability EAL/ESL secondary classes, from A1 to B1+ on the CEFR.
This complete resource includes:
A printable mini-book with captivating illustrations, provided in two versions: one tailored for B1-B2 readers and a simplified A1-A2 version.
A well-designed PowerPoint, with visually engaging slides, icons for clear instructions, and beautiful imagery to support comprehension.
An interactive comic strip prediction activity where students complete a comic strip to guess the story’s direction, building engagement and inferencing skills.
Differentiated comprehension questions tailored to suit all ability levels, so every student can succeed in understanding and discussing the story.
A role-play activity where students take on interview roles, enhancing speaking and listening skills.
Podcast review task, culminating in an exciting creative project. Includes a sample recording to inspire students and support vocabulary and structure.
This scheme of work has been designed for maximum flexibility and engagement, making it an ideal addition to any secondary EAL/ESL curriculum.
Perfect for teachers seeking a ready-to-go, comprehensive unit that fosters reading, speaking, and creative skills through an exciting ghostly narrative!
SOW: 'The Mirror' - Horror Story for Mixed-Ability EAL/ESL Students
Take your classes into the dark world of The Mirror, a gripping horror story designed for secondary EAL/ESL students, suitable for A1 to B1 on the CEFR. This resource is tailored to engage and challenge mixed-ability classes with a rich vocabulary focus and creative tasks.
Included in this scheme of work:
Two differentiated versions of the story: one for A1-A2 learners and another for B1 readers, both with vivid images to bring the chilling tale to life.
Vocabulary focus: targeted word lists with scaffolding to support understanding, ideal for expanding language use across levels.
Prediction activity: encourage students to anticipate what might happen next, sparking interest and activating critical thinking.
Comprehension questions that cater to all ability levels, ensuring accessible understanding and engagement with the story’s key themes.
Comic-making task, where students transform the story into a visual comic strip, helping them summarise and visually interpret key scenes.
An optional drama activity: students can act out parts of The Mirror for a lively extension, perfect for developing speaking and collaborative skills.
With a complete set of high-quality visuals, careful scaffolding for lower-level learners, and differentiated support, The Mirror is an exciting addition to any secondary EAL/ESL curriculum. This scheme combines language skills with creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal choice for engaging students in the horror genre.
Exploring Naturalism in Of Mice and Men: GCSE Literature
Engage your GCSE Literature students with a thought-provoking 2 to 3-hour mini-SOW on Naturalism in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. This lesson blends literature, philosophy, and cross-curricular connections to deepen students’ understanding of Steinbeck’s Naturalist approach.
Key Features:
Foundations of Naturalism: Introduces the key philosophical ideas of Naturalism, including its emphasis on determinism, survival, and the impact of environment on human behaviour.
Darwinian Connections: Links Steinbeck’s Naturalism to Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, encouraging students to draw parallels between their Biology learning and Steinbeck’s portrayal of humanity as part of the natural continuum.
Close Textual Analysis: Includes in-depth analysis of quotes and extracts to help students explore how Steinbeck uses language to convey Naturalist themes.
Model Analysis: A model paragraph provides an exemplar for writing about Naturalism, supporting students in crafting responses.
Independent Writing Task: Students will write their own analysis of how Naturalism is presented through a character (e.g., Curley, Lennie, Crooks) or a theme.
Biblical Connections: A final task draws on the fall from Eden in Genesis and links it to Steinbeck’s depiction of the natural world in the novella’s opening scene, promoting intertextual thinking.
This resource is a well-present powerpoint presentation, along with a file of quotes, extracts, and a model paragraph to print out
Tried and tested with GCSE Literature students.
Directed Writing Revision: Cambridge iGCSE First Language 0500 (Paper 2)
Prepare your students for the Directed Writing question on the Cambridge iGCSE First Language 0500 Paper 2 with this targeted and engaging revision resource. Designed to break down the process step-by-step, this resource focuses on core strategies, practical application, and exam success, using an engaging, original question based on Elon Musk and SpaceX to captivate students’ interest and develop their skills.
Key Features:
Original Exam-Style Question – A thoughtfully created Directed Writing task centred on Elon Musk and SpaceX provides students with an engaging and realistic question, offering a valuable opportunity to practise exam techniques with high-interest material.
Step-by-Step Guidance – This resource systematically guides students through the stages of answering a Directed Writing question, from analysing the task and texts to planning and structuring a coherent, well-supported response.
Active Reading and Annotation Practice – Students are coached to actively engage with the two provided texts, learning to annotate effectively, identify key ideas, and evaluate relevant content to build strong arguments.
Tried and Tested – This resource has been successfully implemented in classroom settings, helping students across a range of abilities to approach Directed Writing tasks with confidence and achieve strong results.
Light and Darkness in Of Mice and Men (short unit)
Develop your students’ understanding of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men with this focused 2–3 hour unit exploring the symbolic use of light and darkness in the novella. Perfect for GCSE and iGCSE students, this resource analyses key extracts from Chapter 3, while also analysing light as a symbol and motif throughout the text. Originally designed as a revision tool to extend knowledge for Edexcel iGCSE English Literature, this resource is equally suitable for all specifications and can be used for core teaching or revision sessions.
Key Features:
Close Analysis of Key Extracts – Students will explore Steinbeck’s use of light and darkness as contrasting symbols, particularly in scenes involving George and Slim, and Lennie and Curley. These moments are scaffolded to help students to unpack them in detail to deepen literary understanding and support high-quality responses.
***Focus on Symbolism and Motif **– The resource emphasises the nuanced use of light and darkness throughout the novella, helping students trace its recurring significance as a motif and link it to character relationships, themes, and the mood of the narrative.
Scaffolded Writing Task – A pair activity guides students in constructing an analytical paragraph with clear sentence starters and prompts, making it accessible for all abilities while developing essential exam skills.
Independent Writing Task – A more open-ended individual task challenges students to apply their learning independently, consolidating their ability to write sustained and insightful analysis.
Flexible Application – Designed with Edexcel iGCSE in mind, this resource works across all exam boards, making it an adaptable addition to any scheme of work. It has been successfully used with GCSE groups as both a revision tool and a stand-alone lesson sequence.
This unit is an engaging way to develop students’ confidence in literary analysis while fostering a deeper appreciation of Steinbeck’s style. Whether for revision or core teaching, it offers a structured yet flexible approach to understanding Of Mice and Men.
Contrasts in Context: Exploring Of Mice and Men Through Historical Documents
Enhance your students’ understanding of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men with this 2-3 hour mini-unit focusing on historical context and contrasts. Perfect for GCSE and iGCSE students, this resource explores the diverse experiences of different groups and places in 1930s America, providing a rich, interdisciplinary approach that supports both literature and history studies.
This short scheme of work draws on authentic historical documents, including:
A 1930 New Yorker magazine
Two news stories related to race in California
Two sociological studies from the 1930s
Students will explore how context around women, itinerant workers, and Jim Crow laws shaped Steinbeck’s narrative, culminating in a collaborative presentation task.
**Key Features:
Historical Context Through Primary Sources**
Students will examine real documents from the 1930s, gaining insights into the social, racial, and economic contrasts of the era. This hands-on exploration builds critical thinking and contextual understanding, helping students to connect Steinbeck’s characters and themes to their historical backdrop.
2. Focus on Contrasts
The resource emphasises the varied experiences of different groups. This structured exploration helps students understand the nuanced dynamics at play in Of Mice and Men.
3. Collaborative and Independent Tasks
Group Work: Students work in small groups to analyse specific documents, linking them to characters and themes in the novella.
Presentation Task: Pairs synthesise their findings into a short presentation, promoting speaking and listening skills while deepening understanding.
4. Cross-Curricular Application
While designed for GCSE English Literature, this resource is equally relevant for history classes exploring 1930s America. The interdisciplinary focus makes it an engaging addition to either subject area.
Why Use This Resource?
This short scheme of work is a thought-provoking way to enrich students’ understanding of Of Mice and Men by contextualizing the novella within its historical framework. Whether used as a stand-alone mini-unit or integrated into a larger scheme of work, it will build confidence in critical analysis, develop contextual awareness, and inspire meaningful connections between literature and history.
Ideal for classroom teaching, revision sessions, or cross-curricular projects. Suitable for all major exam boards.
Free: Model Descriptive Writing Text for CIE 0500 (Language Paper 2 / Coursework)
This free model text provides a high-quality example of descriptive writing, tailored specifically for students preparing for CIE 0500 Language Paper 2 or coursework. Designed to showcase effective descriptive techniques, this resource offers students a clear, engaging example of how to structure vivid, sensory-rich writing—a perfect starting point for mastering the art of description.
What’s Included:
High-Quality Model Text: An original, engaging descriptive passage that demonstrates techniques such as sensory detail, figurative language, and varied sentence structure.
Clear Examples of Descriptive Techniques: The model text includes specific techniques students can replicate in their own writing, including a stand back-zoom in - zoom in - zoom out structure
Ideal for Coursework and Exam Practice: Whether used for coursework inspiration or as an example for timed practice, this model text provides a strong foundation in descriptive writing for First Language English students.
This free model is a sample of what students can achieve with the Descriptive and Narrative Writing SOW Bundle. For a complete, step-by-step approach, check out the the full bundle, which includes schemes of work for both descriptive and narrative writing, with original model texts, techniques, structure breakdowns, and tried-and-tested activities. Download this free resource to inspire your students and explore how our full bundle can enhance their skills and confidence in descriptive and narrative writing.
Free SOW: 'Whisper in My Ear' - Ghost Story for Mixed-Ability EAL/ESL
Introduce students to ghost stories with Whisper in My Ear, a short story designed for mixed-ability EAL/ESL secondary classes, from A1 to B1 on the CEFR. Perfect as a free sample to try out, this resource hopefully showcases the quality of my other EAL schemes.
This free scheme of work includes:
Two versions of the story to cater for different levels, one for A1-A2 learners and a more challenging version for B1+ readers, each accompanied by high-quality images to immerse students in the story.
Vocabulary-building activities to ensure students expand their language skills while enjoying the suspense.
Prediction task to engage students in anticipating the plot and practising inferencing.
Differentiated comprehension questions to make sure all students, regardless of level, can confidently access and understand the story.
Diary writing activity where students step into the shoes of a character, practising empathy and expressive writing.
Creative writing task as a grand finale, where students create their own ghost stories, putting their newfound vocabulary and narrative skills into practice.
Whisper in My Ear is offered free of charge to introduce you to my resources for EAL learners. If you enjoy this scheme of work, be sure to check out my other story schemes, The Mirror, A Pencil Drawing, The Seven Sisters, and Family Traditions!