Creative Writing from Stimulus: Engaging Lessons for KS3 and KS4 This Creative Writing from Stimulus lesson is designed to inspire KS3 and KS4 students to think creatively and express themselves through written language. Perfect for English classes looking to develop students’ narrative skills, this resource provides a variety of prompts and exercises that encourage students to write with imagination, depth, and originality. By working from carefully chosen stimuli, students will hone their descriptive skills and learn how to create compelling stories and scenes. What’s Included: Writing Prompts and Visual Stimuli: A range of images, phrases, and scenarios to spark students’ creativity, helping them develop engaging storylines and vivid descriptions. Guided Exercises: Structured activities that lead students through the creative process, from brainstorming ideas to crafting opening lines, building suspense, and creating memorable characters. Focus on Literary Techniques: Lessons that cover key creative writing elements such as imagery, metaphor, simile, and personification, as well as narrative techniques like dialogue and point of view. Peer Review and Self-Reflection: Opportunities for students to share their work with peers, receive feedback, and reflect on their writing to improve clarity and emotional impact. Creative Writing Assessment Prep: Exercises and guidance tailored to support students in preparing for creative writing assessments, helping them gain confidence in their abilities. Why This Resource? This resource is ideal for KS3 and KS4 English teachers who want to develop their students’ creative writing skills. Through engaging activities, students will build confidence in expressing their ideas, and the lessons provide a foundation for success in creative writing assessments. Keywords: KS3 English, KS4 English, creative writing, writing prompts, narrative techniques, descriptive writing, imagery, character development, English lesson plans. This creative writing lesson offers an inspiring way to build storytelling skills, perfect for encouraging young writers to develop their unique voice and creativity.

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.

The Diversity Reading Club: 12 Engaging Classes for KS3 English The Diversity Reading Club is a carefully curated 12-lesson course designed for Year 7 or 8 students (depending on maturity), aimed at broadening their literary horizons with a wide range of voices and perspectives. This course features extracts from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry by underrepresented authors, including Black, Indigenous, queer, disabled authors, immigrant stories, and authors living with chronic illnesses. The mission of this reading club is to expose students to diverse narratives and experiences, helping them develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. While not discouraging the reading of literary “classics,” this course focuses on expanding the traditional curriculum to include stories that are often overlooked. What’s Included: 12 Fully Structured Lessons: Each lesson introduces students to a new text, fostering discussions around themes such as identity, resilience, and belonging. The texts include: Refugees by Brian Bilston The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen Wonder by R. J. Palacio Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake Running Through It by Lorie Scarfarotti Diverse Themes and Perspectives: Each class explores a different perspective on themes such as migration, disability, identity, and equality, challenging students to think critically about the world around them. Creative and Analytical Activities: Students will engage with the texts through group discussions, reflective writing, and creative projects, helping them to build key skills in empathy, critical thinking, and literary analysis. Contextual Discussions: The course includes discussions on the historical and cultural context of each text, helping students to understand the societal issues the authors address. Why This Resource? This reading club is perfect for KS3 English teachers who want to inspire a love for reading while exposing students to a more diverse range of literature. It encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal reflection, making it an essential addition to any classroom that values inclusivity and representation. Keywords: KS3 English, diversity in literature, Black authors, Indigenous authors, queer literature, disability narratives, immigrant stories, multicultural education, literary analysis, creative writing.

Analysis of the Opening Extract from Rebecca: Perfect for GCSE English Preparation This comprehensive lesson provides students with a detailed analysis of the opening extract from Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Ideal for GCSE English, this resource is designed to support students in developing their unseen text analysis skills, focusing on the use of language, structure, and tone in the novel’s evocative introduction. What’s Included: Close Reading and Textual Analysis: A line-by-line breakdown of the opening extract, focusing on how du Maurier creates atmosphere, setting, and introduces themes of mystery and memory. Focus on Literary Devices: Detailed exploration of literary techniques such as imagery, personification, symbolism, and narrative voice, showing how they contribute to the overall mood and tension. GCSE Exam Preparation: Structured questions and activities modelled on GCSE unseen text questions, giving students the opportunity to practise analytical writing and respond to exam-style prompts. Discussion and Comprehension Questions: Engaging questions to prompt class discussions on the extract’s themes and the protagonist’s emotions, helping students to think critically about the text. Creative and Analytical Tasks: Tasks that encourage students to explore du Maurier’s writing style through creative writing exercises and compare their own responses to the atmosphere of the opening scene. Why This Resource? This resource is perfect for teachers preparing GCSE English students for unseen text analysis. The detailed focus on du Maurier’s language and techniques will help students build confidence in approaching unfamiliar texts in an exam setting, while providing them with the tools to craft insightful, analytical responses. Keywords: GCSE English, Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier, unseen text analysis, literary devices, extract analysis, GCSE exam preparation, close reading. This resource provides the ideal preparation for students working towards their GCSE English exams, offering all the support they need to analyse unseen extracts with confidence.

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.

**Homes and Migration: Exploring Identity and Movement for KS2/KS3 ** This engaging lesson explores the themes of homes and migration, helping students understand the diverse ways people live around the world and why humans and animals migrate. Designed for KS2 and KS3, the lesson encourages critical thinking, cultural understanding, and creativity through a variety of multimedia resources and discussion activities. What’s Included: Introduction to the Concept of Home: The lesson begins by exploring the concept of ‘home’ across cultures, with examples of extraordinary homes, such as the Hanging Monasteries in Greece and the Floating Villages of Cambodia. Migration of People and Animals: The lesson dives into why both humans and animals migrate, examining key concepts like “push and pull factors” and the migration patterns of animals such as zebras and salmon. Key Terminology and Definitions: Students will learn and discuss important terms related to migration, including “migrant,” “refugee,” and “displaced,” helping to foster empathy and understanding of global issues. Multimedia Content: The lesson includes links to videos and articles that bring the subject matter to life, such as the migration journeys of animals and real-world examples of how migration shapes cultures. Creative Writing Task: To wrap up, students are tasked with writing an article for National Geographic based on the lesson’s content. They can choose to focus on extraordinary homes, the migration of people, or the migration of ideas. Why This Resource? This lesson is ideal for teachers looking to engage students with real-world issues while promoting critical thinking and cultural awareness. It can be adapted for classroom discussions or independent projects and provides all the multimedia and content needed for an impactful, thought-provoking lesson. Keywords: KS2, KS3, migration, homes, cultural understanding, push-pull factors, refugees, global awareness, multimedia lesson, creative writing.

Book Report Challenge: Engaging Independent Learning for KS2/KS3 This comprehensive Book Report Challenge resource is designed to foster independent learning and critical thinking in KS2 and KS3 students. Ideal for term-long projects, this resource guides students through the process of reading a book and completing a variety of fun, creative tasks based on their chosen text. Whether you’re working on developing students’ love for reading or encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, this resource has everything you need to inspire and challenge your class. What’s Included: Step-by-Step Guidance: The resource provides a structured pathway, starting with students selecting a book and offering reading tips to help them manage their time effectively. 10 Creative Challenges: Students are tasked with completing three out of 10 engaging challenges, such as writing a sequel, redesigning a book cover, creating a social media profile for a character, or even designing a board game based on the book. These activities encourage creativity and critical engagement with the text. Reading Recommendations: Suggested reading lists are provided, featuring popular titles like The Wrath and the Dawn, The Red Queen, Holes, The Book Thief, and more, while also giving students the freedom to choose their own books. Final Project Ideas: Students can wrap up the project by delivering a book review, a presentation, or even creating an alternative ending to the story. Why This Resource? This Book Report Challenge is perfect for encouraging students to read independently while developing key literacy skills. It’s versatile and adaptable, allowing teachers to integrate it into the classroom as a long-term assignment or a summer reading project. The creative tasks ensure students remain engaged, and the wide range of book choices helps cater to different reading levels and interests. Keywords: KS2, KS3, independent learning, book report, creative writing, reading comprehension, book projects, English lessons, literacy, book recommendations, critical thinking.

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.

**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.

Lesson Summary: Young and Dyslexic This lesson explores Benjamin Zephaniah’s article Young and Dyslexic? You’ve Got It Going On, where he reflects on his experiences growing up with dyslexia and how he transformed this challenge into a strength. The lesson guides students through an analysis of how Zephaniah uses language to connect with his audience and convey his message of resilience and empowerment for dyslexic individuals. Lesson Objectives: Understand Zephaniah’s perspective on dyslexia and how he uses his experience to inspire others. Analyse the use of language, tone, and anecdotes to connect with the reader and convey a positive message. Reflect on the broader implications of the education system and societal views on learning differences. Activities: Group discussions on personal challenges in learning and the perceptions of dyslexia. Guided reading to identify and interpret key literary techniques, such as metaphor, tone, and anecdote. A creative task where students design a poster summarising Zephaniah’s message, aiming to challenge the stigma around dyslexia. Skills Developed: Analytical reading and interpretation, focusing on non-fiction texts and the author’s use of language and structure. Empathy and understanding through the exploration of learning difficulties and the importance of resilience. Creative expression through visual and written tasks that engage students with the material.

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

Lesson Summary: A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat This lesson explores Emma Levine’s travelogue extract “A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat,” which describes a donkey race in Karachi, Pakistan. The lesson engages students in analysing how Levine uses language and structure to create excitement, build tension, and provide a humorous account of cultural experiences. Students will examine literary techniques such as metaphor, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia, and discuss their effects on the reader. Lesson Objectives: Analyse how language and structural choices create excitement and build tension. Understand and identify literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification. Explore the cultural and social context of the narrative to deepen comprehension. Activities: Group discussion on the extract’s themes, including cultural differences and the appeal of unusual sports. Identification of literary techniques and their impact through guided reading and annotation exercises. Creative writing task where students craft their own sports commentary using similar devices to those found in Levine’s writing. Skills Developed: Critical analysis of text and understanding of authorial choices. Empathy and cultural awareness through the exploration of diverse experiences. Creative writing skills by applying learned techniques to original stories.

A full guided reading course on ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’ including passages, discussion questions, videos and homework assignments.

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

A Greek Myth Collection: An Introduction Prometheus and Pandora Demeter and Persephone Theseus and the Minotaur The Golden Fleece Heracles Perseus Orpheus and Eurydice

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

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