A poem that helps students understand how to respond to an unseen poem. It provides a step-by-step method of annotating the poem, key language features to look for, links to the mark scheme, example answer and an acronym for use in the exam itself. The poem used is Long Distance II.

A double lesson pack to help students understand Hawk Roosting. The first lesson focusses on the theme of power and language analysis whilst the second lesson breaks the poem down into individual words that students use as a basis for a creative writing piece.

A poster that focusses on the differing skill levels based on Bloom's Taxonomy. Perfect for use in classrooms to help students ask a range of higher-level questions.

A slide-show with printable posters for classrooms; I usually use these at the start each year to remind students of important punctuation. I have used the slide-show as part of a whole-school assembly and then the challenge at the end is used as a reward scheme.

An 'Easter egg' hunt type game where students must guess the author based on a series of clues. I usually hide these around the school on World Book Day and students are allowed out of class to 'hunt' the clues. The first team to bring back all the correct answers win a prize.

An English / Drama lesson based on exploring poetry and the theme of bullying through dramatic techniques. The poem, Four o'clock Friday, contains a range of techniques that students must bring to life through freeze-frame, monologue and other technique. Perfect for lower to middle ability groups.

This lesson enables students to learn and understand persuasive techniques. It features an example article for them to annotate and an example GCSE style question with exemplar answer for them to use as a basis for their own writing. Engaging starter activity and peer-assessment plenary. This lesson could easily be stretched to two lessons: one based on the reading and understanding a further lesson based on writing.

A lesson that introduces students to concept of a literary 'theme' and allows them to explore through animal imagery in Skellig. Features an engaging starter activity, example question, interesting main based on imagery and peer-assessment plenary.

A lesson based on the character 'Skellig' that helps prepares students for the English Language AQA Paper 1 Q2. This lesson has been designed to help transition students from KS3 to KS4 and to familiarise them with the techniques needed to annotate fiction texts. Features a subject term based starter, annotation notes, extract and sample question with example answer.

A lesson that focusses on the imagery created and language used in Act 5, Scene 1, the infamous sleep-walking scene. The lesson features a literacy based starter, key quotation analysis, example GCSE exam question with exemplar answers and a return to the starter for the plenary activity to consolidate learning. Perfect for Ofsted inspections and lesson observations.

A lesson that focusses on language use in Act 3, Scene 4 (Banquo's Ghost scene). The lesson enables students to highlight and annotate the text in detail, focussing on key words and their associations. Students then direct their own version of the scene using their notes and explaining how certain props and key words should be spoken, using subject terminology. Example answers are included along with exemplar annotations.

A lesson that focusses on the relationship between George and Lennie and the use of punctuation. Contains a sample answer and activities for students to find the key words.

A worksheet that allows students to research the context behind Of Mice and Men. Perfect for us in the ICT room or as a homework.

A lesson that guides through the Unseen Poetry section of the GCSE exam. Provides an example, annotations, activity understand imagery, sample question and links to the new marking criteria. Perfect as in introduction to unseen poetry or as revision before the exam itself. Could be adapted for KS3 students and also features and an example answer for students to level with the mark scheme.

A lesson that helps students annotate and understand unseen poetry by providing a useful acronym and tips. Features an example poem, a past essay question, example student answer to level and grade and links to the new marking criteria.

A lesson that allows students to study Shakespeare's use of imagery in Act 2. Focuses on the innocent flower quotation and features an engaging starter, analytical main activity, example exam based question and an example high-level student answer. Features a plenary that links to the new AQA 1-9 marking criteria.

An engaging Ofsted style lesson that helps students write creatively using a range of persuasive techniques. Contains an engaging starter based on persuasive language, an exam style question, planning activity, example answer and a peer assessment plenary. Perfect for use before an exam and can be used for the new 1-9 spec GCSEs or the legacy spec retakes in summer 2017.

A lesson that helps prepare students for the AQA Spec English Language (Section B) exam. Originally prepared for the legacy spec GCSEs (perfect for retakes in 2017), this could easily be adapted for the new specification. Contains links to marking criteria, example student answers, planning activities and example questions.

An engaging lesson based on Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth. Features a contextual based starter (with links to the new English Language Paper Q1) where students must list four things they learn from an article about witchcraft. After reading the scene, students complete a worksheet where they find four key quotations and then explain the effect on the audience. Students must then write and script a YouTube style blog post where they detail Macbeth's thoughts and feelings after his encounter with the weird sisters. This engaging activity also encourages students to use key words from the text. The plenary involves students leaving 'comments' on their partner's blog posts. An up to date and engaging lesson.