A fun activity for new secondary pupils. I get them to complete this first and then use it as a stimulus for a group discussion activity.

Pages of important quotations for each character, essay plan , group discussion questions, setting and symbolism notes.

A simple but useful presentation of information for pupils to copy down, then an exercise on using similes.

Several pages of important quotations listed for Vic and Ingrid, and the theme of love. A template for pupils to write on as they analyse the quotations.

A detailed write on template to scaffold pupils in writing a reflective essay. Supports pupils in considering all aspects of the process of sitting their first set of exams and leads to a very mature, reflective piece of writing.

Help sheet to support pupils writing a story. Particular focus on protagonist and antagonist. A helpful resource for all those who say 'I don't know what to write about'.

Developed for the new Higher English exam in Scotland, modelled on SQA specimens

This has been an invaluable resource and already downloaded over a thousand times. Pupils enjoy spotting and correcting these common writing mistakes.

Two compelling poems which explore the topic of abortion. My pupils enjoyed studying these texts and had lots to say about them. They went on to write an essay exploring both poems. The resource is a worksheet with 3 essay plans.

A booklet with a guided plan for choosing a topic and producing a persuasive essay. Detailed notes about persuasive writing techniques that pupils can use to enhance their writing in this genre. Model opening paragraphs.

Detailed essay plan to support pupils writing a critical essay on this poem

Questions on the whole play, a drama activity and a writing task

A great helpsheet to ensure a worthwhile group discussion with first year (secondary school) pupils

Questions on the whole poem, with a specific focus on writing techniques used to create atmosphere. Essay plan

This is a close reading activity that forms part of a larger unit of work based on the film ‘Lion’ starring Dev Patel. (See my other resources which have been developed to help pupils write ‘Lion’ film essays for the Scottish National 5 and Higher English exam) This extract allows discussion about the book which inspired the film.

A good introduction to ‘The Winter’s Tale’, offering historical context, characters, themes, plot synopsis and some youtube link to give pupils a taster of what’s to come.

A powerpoint for senior pupils to support a comparative study of ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and ‘The Tempest’. It focuses on the spectrum of power: the gulf between tyranny and impotence, with Leontes and Prospero initially characterising these polarised traits. Concludes with some reflection on the theme of redemption as explored in Shakespeare’s later plays. An excellent resource for studying the theme of power, kingship and authority. It also draws connections to King James 1 treaty: Basilikon Doron and his reflections on ideal kingship.

I know this is just a single page sheet, but it’s been really useful in supporting pupils with the development of effective opening paragraphs for critical essays on a film. To be used with my other resources on ‘Lion’

This is a powerpoint which contains all the information pupils need to help them write an essay about two Shakespeare plays that are thematically linked. My Advanced Higher pupils had a lot of success with this and found the topic really interesting.

A really interesting activity I made up for my Advanced Higher class who are studying both plays. Great for revision purposes and a bit of end of term fun. Sets of questions for three teams with an answer sheet. general questions; multiple choice; who said…?; anagrams etc. My class really enjoyed it.