A PowerPoint of ‘To a Daughter Leaving Home’ by Linda Pastan including discussion questions, analysis and homework activities.

A guided reading course on ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R. Tolkien, including full PowerPoint presentations, discussion questions and homework assignments.

A detailed lesson exploring the contextual factors surrounding ‘Of Mice and Men’. Group work, revision slides, and improving paragraphs exercise all included.

**Banned Books Scheme of Work: Engaging and Thought-Provoking Lessons for KS3/KS4 English ** This comprehensive scheme of work explores the theme of censorship through the lens of banned books, offering a series of interactive and engaging lessons for KS3 and KS4 students. The resource covers a variety of controversial and thought-provoking texts, including Fahrenheit 451, I Am Malala, Alice in Wonderland, The Hate U Give, Harry Potter, and many more. Each lesson is designed to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of societal issues. What’s Included: 10 Complete Lessons: PowerPoint presentations that guide students through each text with a blend of discussion prompts, extracts, historical context, and multimedia resources. Diverse Themes: Lessons cover a wide range of topics such as freedom of speech, race, gender, mental health, and the impact of literature on society. Engaging Activities: Each lesson incorporates activities like group discussions, debates, creative writing, and presentations, helping students develop their analytical and expressive skills. Presentation Project: The final lesson encourages students to create their own presentations on a banned book, fostering independent research and public speaking skills. **Why This Resource? ** Perfect for English teachers looking to inspire curiosity and promote critical engagement, this scheme of work not only aligns with curriculum objectives but also brings real-world relevance into the classroom. It offers structured lessons with all the necessary resources, including videos, extracts, and comprehension questions, to make implementation easy and effective. Keywords: KS3, KS4, banned books, censorship, literature, English lessons, critical thinking, debate, social issues, freedom of speech, book challenges, interactive learning. This engaging and thought-provoking scheme of work ensures students connect literature with the world around them, making for a powerful addition to any English curriculum.

This lesson introduces students to the concept and forms of transactional writing, emphasising its relevance in real-life contexts such as running or promoting a business (e.g., a hotel). Through interactive activities, students explore different types of transactional texts, including brochures, speeches, reviews, newspaper articles, and reports. Lesson Objectives: Understand the concept and importance of transactional writing. Identify the form, conventions, purpose, audience, and tone in various transactional writing tasks. Practise creating appropriate content based on these elements. Activities: Students work in groups to design their own “dream hotel” and brainstorm the types of transactional writing necessary for its operation and marketing. Groups are assigned specific writing tasks (e.g., brochures, reviews) and must determine the format, purpose, audience, and tone before presenting their ideas. Exercises include adapting the tone of a letter of complaint to demonstrate the impact of language choice. Skills Developed: Critical thinking in evaluating the form and tone suitable for different audiences. Collaboration through group work and brainstorming sessions. Practical application of writing conventions in structured formats. This lesson is ideal for engaging students in transactional writing and helping them connect classroom skills with real-world scenarios.

The Little Prince Scheme of Work: An Engaging Journey Through Literature for KS2/KS3 This comprehensive scheme of work takes students on an immersive journey through Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless classic, The Little Prince. Designed for KS2 and KS3 learners, the lessons explore essential themes such as friendship, imagination, loss, and the human experience. Each lesson integrates reading comprehension, interactive discussions, and creative tasks, ensuring students connect deeply with the text while enhancing their critical literacy and expressive skills. What’s Included: 12 Complete Lessons: Each PowerPoint presentation covers different chapters of the book, guiding students through the narrative with activities such as group discussions, debates, writing exercises, and multimedia elements. Key Vocabulary and Literary Analysis: Every lesson introduces important vocabulary and literary techniques, supporting students in expanding their language skills and understanding the author’s style. Diverse Activities: Lessons include creative tasks like drawing illustrations, debating themes (e.g., leadership and friendship), and connecting the story’s lessons to real-life experiences, all of which promote critical thinking and empathy. Final Projects and Creative Assignments: The concluding lessons allow students to engage with the text through personalised projects, such as imagining a new planet, writing diary entries from a character’s perspective, or creating artwork based on their favourite quotations. These tasks foster independent thinking, creativity, and comprehension. Why This Resource? Ideal for teachers who wish to inspire and engage students with a literary classic, this scheme of work meets curriculum goals while providing an enriching and interactive learning experience. It offers all necessary resources for effective lesson delivery, including videos, discussion prompts, comprehension exercises, and creative project ideas. Perfect for English and literature classes, it helps students develop an appreciation for storytelling and a deeper understanding of universal themes. Keywords: KS2, KS3, The Little Prince, literature scheme, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, creative writing, English lessons, critical thinking, interactive activities, discussion prompts, literary analysis. This engaging and versatile resource ensures students connect with the story on multiple levels, making The Little Prince a valuable addition to any classroom.

The Hunger Games Scheme of Work: 13 Engaging Lessons for KS3 English with Creative Final Assessment This comprehensive 13-lesson scheme of work is designed to immerse KS3 students in Suzanne Collins’ thrilling novel The Hunger Games. Through detailed analysis of characters, themes, and literary techniques, students will explore the deeper meanings behind the text while participating in a variety of creative and analytical activities. The scheme culminates in a unique final assessment where students design their own version of the Hunger Games and participate in an interview-style reflection. It was designed during the pandemic for online learning but can easily be adapted for classroom use. What’s Included: 13 Complete Lessons: Each PowerPoint lesson covers specific chapters and themes from The Hunger Games, with structured activities such as reading comprehension, discussions, and group work. Character and Theme Analysis: Lessons focus on key themes like survival, inequality, and rebellion, alongside character studies of Katniss, Peeta, and other significant figures. Literary Devices and Techniques: Exploration of techniques such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and narrative structure, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how the novel is crafted. Creative and Analytical Activities: Varied tasks such as creative writing, role-playing, debates, and group presentations ensure that students engage actively with the text. Contextual Studies: Lessons connect the dystopian world of The Hunger Games with real-world issues, such as political oppression and media manipulation, making the content relevant to students’ lives. Final Creative Assessment: Students design their own Hunger Games as part of the culminating assessment. This task challenges them to create a new arena, rules, and tributes, followed by a reflective interview where they discuss their design decisions and the moral implications of the games. Exam and Assessment Preparation: Opportunities for students to practice analytical writing and respond to GCSE-style questions, preparing them for future exams. Why This Resource? This scheme of work is perfect for KS3 teachers who want to engage their students with a modern literary classic while fostering key skills in critical thinking, creative expression, and literary analysis. The creative final assessment provides an opportunity for students to apply their understanding of the novel in an imaginative and reflective way, making it both an enjoyable and educational experience. Keywords: KS3 English, The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, literature analysis, dystopian fiction, creative writing, final assessment, design your own Hunger Games, critical thinking, exam preparation. This engaging and versatile resource ensures students not only explore the novel in depth but also express their creativity through a unique final assessment, helping them connect with the story on a personal level.

Exposure by Wilfred Owen: A Comprehensive GCSE Poetry Lesson This detailed lesson resource is designed to guide GCSE students through a thorough analysis of Wilfred Owen’s Exposure. The lesson covers the poem’s themes, language, and structure while incorporating artwork to spark discussions on the emotional and physical toll of war. This resource is perfect for GCSE English Literature exam preparation, encouraging students to explore how Owen’s experiences in World War I influenced his powerful anti-war message. What’s Included: Comprehensive Poem Analysis: A stanza-by-stanza breakdown of Exposure, focusing on key themes such as the futility of war, the soldiers’ suffering, and nature’s dominance. Historical Context: An exploration of Owen’s experiences as a soldier in World War I, providing students with the historical background to better understand the poem’s context. Literary Devices: Detailed examination of Owen’s use of imagery, personification, alliteration, and repetition, showcasing how these techniques contribute to the poem’s emotional impact. Artwork for Discussion: Artwork related to the poem’s themes and imagery is used to engage students in visual interpretation and to spark discussions about the mood, emotions, and symbolism in Exposure. This helps deepen understanding of the poem’s atmosphere and the soldiers’ experiences. Discussion and Comprehension Questions: Carefully designed questions promote critical thinking and classroom discussion, encouraging students to analyse the poem’s deeper meanings. Creative and Analytical Activities: Close reading exercises, group discussions, and creative writing tasks ensure that students critically engage with the poem while developing key analytical skills needed for GCSE exams. Why This Resource? This lesson is ideal for GCSE English Literature teachers looking to provide students with an engaging and comprehensive study of Wilfred Owen’s Exposure. The use of artwork and visual prompts adds a unique dimension to the analysis, encouraging students to connect emotionally with the poem’s themes and Owen’s portrayal of the horrors of war. Keywords: GCSE, Wilfred Owen, Exposure, war poetry, English Literature, poem analysis, literary devices, World War I, GCSE poetry, artwork discussion, visual prompts.

Piano by D.H. Lawrence: A Comprehensive GCSE Poetry Lesson This detailed GCSE lesson on D.H. Lawrence’s Piano is designed to help students analyse the poem’s themes, language, and structure while building essential skills for their English Literature exams. Through a combination of close reading, literary analysis, and contextual exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional power of the poem and its reflection on memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. What’s Included: Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis: A detailed breakdown of Piano, examining how Lawrence uses memory and music to evoke the speaker’s emotions and reflections on childhood. Focus on Literary Techniques: Exploration of key literary devices, including imagery, symbolism, rhyme, and rhythm, highlighting how they contribute to the poem’s mood and deeper meaning. Historical and Biographical Context: Insight into D.H. Lawrence’s life and the societal context of the poem, helping students understand the personal and historical influences behind the text. GCSE Exam Preparation: Structured questions and tasks modelled on GCSE exam-style prompts, helping students practise analytical writing and engage with the poem on a critical level. Creative and Analytical Activities: Activities such as reflective writing, comparison tasks, and close reading exercises, encouraging students to connect the themes of the poem to their own experiences of memory and emotion. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for GCSE English Literature teachers looking to equip students with the analytical tools necessary for their exams. It provides structured lessons that promote both literary analysis and personal reflection, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of Piano and its emotional impact. Keywords: GCSE, Piano, D.H. Lawrence, poetry analysis, literary devices, memory, nostalgia, GCSE English Literature, exam preparation, stanza analysis. This resource offers all the tools needed to guide students through a detailed exploration of Piano while preparing them for their GCSE English Literature exams.

Diversity Reading Club for KS3 (Year 9): 12 Engaging Lessons Exploring Diverse Voices This Diversity Reading Club is a 12-lesson course designed for Year 9 students, offering a thought-provoking journey through a range of literary texts that focus on diverse voices and underrepresented stories. With extracts from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, the course introduces students to the works of Black, Indigenous, queer, and immigrant authors, as well as authors living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. By engaging with these narratives, students will build empathy, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills, while developing a deeper appreciation for literature. What’s Included: 12 Fully Structured Lessons: Each lesson focuses on a different text or author, presenting unique perspectives on identity, resilience, and social justice. The texts include: Butterfly by Yusra Mardini The Boat People by Sharon Bala Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman Still, I Rise by Maya Angelou The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok The Girl With The Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon The Fault in Our Stars by John Green The Kayak by Debbie Spring Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Diverse Themes and Perspectives: Lessons explore a wide range of themes, including immigration, race, disability, mental health, resilience, and survival, encouraging students to connect with the challenges faced by different communities. Creative and Analytical Tasks: Students will participate in group discussions, reflective writing, and creative activities, fostering deeper engagement with the texts while enhancing key literary analysis skills. Contextual and Thematic Exploration: Each lesson includes background on the historical and cultural context of the texts, helping students understand the broader significance of the narratives and their relevance to contemporary issues. Exam Preparation: Lessons are designed to build skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and essay writing, preparing students for GCSE-level work and beyond. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for Year 9 English teachers who want to introduce students to a wider range of literature that reflects diverse experiences and voices. The Diversity Reading Club encourages students to think critically about the world, develop empathy, and engage with literature in a meaningful and reflective way. Keywords: KS3 English, Year 9, diversity in literature, immigrant stories, Black authors, Indigenous authors, queer literature, disability narratives, social justice, literary analysis, creative writing.

A PowerPoint on ‘Nettles’ by Vernon Scannell including analysis and homework activities

A poetry lesson on the speech ‘All the World’s a Stage’ from ‘As You Like It’. The PowerPoint includes a line by line analysis and homework activities. Can be adapted to suit various age groups.

A full scheme of work on ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio.

A full scheme of work on ‘The Breadwinner’ by Deborah Ellis.

The lesson on Wilfred Owen’s poem Disabled is designed to help students explore the poet’s depiction of the horrors of war and its aftermath, especially in the lives of disabled veterans. The key objectives of the lesson include: Understanding the Themes and Imagery: Students are guided to analyze how Owen contrasts the soldier’s life before and after war, using imagery to evoke sympathy and highlight the futility of war. Examining Structure and Tone: The lesson emphasizes the shift between past and present in the poem, as well as how the irregular rhyme scheme reflects the chaos of war. Historical Context and Empathy: Students are introduced to the historical background of Wilfred Owen and World War I. They also consider modern perspectives on disability, featuring real-life examples like Sapper Matthew Weston, a contemporary veteran. Critical Discussion and Reflection: Through discussions and activities such as responding to pictures, videos, and key questions, students reflect on the emotional impact of the poem, considering the reasons people enlist and the psychological toll of warfare. The lesson ends with an optional creative homework task, asking students to write a letter from the perspective of a hospitalised soldier, encouraging empathy and deeper engagement with the poem’s themes.

A full lesson on ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’ from the Edexcel iGCSE Language Anthology.

An analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech ‘Beyond Vietnam’.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok: An Engaging Lesson for KS3/KS4 English This comprehensive lesson is based on Jean Kwok’s novel Girl in Translation, offering KS3 and KS4 students the opportunity to explore themes of immigration, cultural identity, and resilience. The resource provides detailed analysis, discussion prompts, and creative tasks, helping students connect with the novel’s powerful themes while developing their critical reading and writing skills. What’s Included: Close Textual Analysis: A thorough examination of key passages from Girl in Translation, focusing on how Kwok uses language and structure to explore themes such as identity, cultural conflict, and family. Discussion and Comprehension Questions: Engaging prompts encourage students to critically reflect on the protagonist’s experiences, stimulating meaningful class discussions. Creative and Analytical Activities: A range of tasks, including creative writing and group work, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the novel and relate it to their own experiences. Contextual Background: Insight into the novel’s historical and social context, helping students understand the challenges faced by immigrants and the importance of cultural identity. Exam Preparation: Structured activities designed to develop skills in close reading, literary analysis, and essay writing, ideal for preparing students for their English exams. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for KS3 and KS4 English teachers looking to engage students with a contemporary novel that deals with relevant social issues. It promotes critical thinking, empathy, and analytical skills while providing a rich understanding of the text and its themes.

A lesson on a poem called ‘Lockdown’ by Brother Richard about the coronavirus pandemic. The critical terminology is quite advanced but could be adapted to suit younger year groups. I taught the lesson to a group of students in China and their responses to the poem were amazing! ADDITION TO LESSON: I’ve now included a PDF of a poem I wrote as a homework activity.

A lesson on Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’ including contextual discussion, in depth language analysis, a terminology quiz and a homework activity