An Inspector Calls – Big Idea 3: Growing Up and Changing

As an AQA examiner, I know how often students lose marks because they focus only on individual quotations rather than engaging with the Big Ideas Priestley builds into An Inspector Calls. One of the most important of these is Growing Up and Changing.

This theme explores how some characters learn from their mistakes and grow in maturity, while others refuse to change. Sheila and Eric develop responsibility and self-awareness, while Mr and Mrs Birling remain stubborn and arrogant. Understanding this contrast is central to writing high-level exam responses.

This resource links directly to the 2023 AQA exam question: “How successfully does Priestley present the different attitudes between the older and younger generations in An Inspector Calls?” It also includes an additional exam-style question for further practice.

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What’s inside:

• A student-friendly overview of Growing Up and Changing, with clear definitions and examples.
• The 2023 AQA exam question, plus a second exam-style question on characters who refuse to change.
• A Level 6 example response (~500 words) showing how to secure the top band by tracking development across characters.
• Engaging starter activities such as “Your Story of Change” to link the theme to students’ own lives.
• A debate lesson: Who really learns from their mistakes?
• Activities with turning points and character tables to analyse who changes and who doesn’t.
• A Language Paper 2 crossover task (Q5 letter): “Write a letter to a local newspaper arguing whether young people today are given enough opportunities to grow, change, and make their voices heard.”
• Designed for 4–5 full lessons, or as focused revision support.

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Why it matters:

The contrast between young and old is one of Priestley’s clearest methods of communicating his socialist message. By showing Sheila and Eric’s growth against their parents’ refusal to change, Priestley suggests hope lies with the younger generation. This is a theme that examiners reward because it engages with Priestley’s purpose and context.

At the same time, this resource strengthens students’ Language Paper 2 writing skills, helping them practise persuasive writing in the form of a letter — making clear links between Literature and Language exam success.

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