A Year 12 presentation on literary theory. An introduction to the main theories and detailed information on colonalism, post-colonialism and feminism. Lots of areas for discussion, pupils record key information. I provide pupils with a handout of Conventry Patmore’s poem ‘The Angel in the House’ - wikipedia, this is used for some ‘unseen’ poetry analysis and then to prompt class discussion on Victorian ideals. I also give pupils a copy of 'An extinct Angel’ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - as this is a ‘talk back’ to Patmore’s poem it goes well with the study of Rhys’s response to Jane Eyre.

Read/act Scene 1 then use this PPT to walk pupils through an annotation of the scene. Includes discussion questions and finishes with pupils writing about how Williams’ presents the contrast between Stanley and Blanche is Scene 1. There is a epigraph worksheet somewhere on Tes that works well with this lesson.

Lesson aimed at Year 8 or 9. Pupils consider Persuasive /propaganda techniques using Squealers speech. Groups/pairs create their own speech to deliver to the class.

Introduction to William Blake, specifically Songs of Innocence and Experience. The presentation provides biographical contextual information before asking pupils to consider what the title means. Focusing on the quote ‘Being the two contrary states of the human soul’ the PPT explores Blake’s influences: IndustrIal Age, Romanticism, Science, Religion and Revolution.

Year 12 lesson on narrative and structure in Wide Sargasso Sea. The lesson includes questions and answers and detailed information for note taking. Pupils complete a task selecting relevant quotes/information on doubles in the text. After a discussion on Point of view pupils are given statements to support with evidence from the text in preparation for a homework task.

A discussion of illusion versus reality in Scenes 7&8 of A Streetcar Named Desire. Starts with listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘It’s Only a Paper Moon’ and pupils annotating the song lyrics in relation to Blanche and illusion. Pupils go on to write a detailed paragraph comparing the song to Blanche and explaining how it illustrates her emotional state. Pupils read Scene 8 and answer True/False questions about race and class before discussing this in greater detail.

AS/A LEVEL revision quiz for A Streetcar Named Desire. Teacher copy with answers included.

Year 12 Lesson on Scenes 10&11. Pupils read both scenes and annotate selected quotations with guided questions. Class discuss a critical interpretation making notes before completing a ‘quote quest’ for animal imagery. Individuals write a detailed response to William’s use of animal imagery in the play. Finish with questions on Scene 11 and the whole play.

A PPT presentation detailing the story of Beowulf. Includes detailed contextual information, discussion of language variation and a fun task of creating Kennings.

Pupils discuss the painting ‘In the Night Cafe’ by Vincent Van Gogh, as mentioned in the opening stage directions to the scene. They then go on the look at the 1947, Thomas Hart Benton painting based on the scene from the film version of the play. Annotating both images to find links to the characters, themes and setting. The PPT details presents pupils with information about the characters and symbols in this scene, for discussion and text annotation. Pupils are given an extract to analyse the stage directions to prompt discussion of William’s unusual descriptive use of the technique. The lesson ends with pupils completing a written task.

PPT initially created to guide Year 8 pupils through making a good speech/presentation for their English Speaking Board examination (ESB), however could be used for any speech/presentation task. A series of images and tips to prepare and give pupils confidence in their own performance.

KS3 Assembly - although would also be relevant to older year groups. PPT details the connection between attendance and attainment - illustrating how 'odd days off' add to make a significant difference.

A Year 8 scheme of work for David Grant’s play Free The play tells the story of a Year class with no teacher and the adventure of their ‘free’ lesson. The PPT guides pupils through setting, characterisation, dramatic tension and themes. Various tasks encourage class discussion, independent writing and a final group task producing a programme for the schools own production. Pupils throughly enjoy this short play. It can easily be read and studied over a few weeks.

Assembly aimed at Year 8 or 9. Includes the YouTube short film 'Exposed'. This 10 minute drama has been designed for 14 to 18 year olds. 'Exposed' deals with the subjects of sexting and cyberbullying, issues that teenagers commonly face. PPT includes two real life examples of male victims who take their own lives - consider audience.

Read Scene 9. PPT an outline of the assessment requirements for Eduqas Component 2 AS English Literature. Critical perspectives of Stanley - used to encourage discussion of class/race in Streetcar. An introduction to introductions :-) pupils have a go at writing their own. Pupils annotate the scene in their copies and then use an outline to create possible exam questions.

An introduction to John Keats including: biographical context, common themes, famous works and a brief definition of negative capability.

Lesson aimed at Year 8 or 9. Pupils read Chapter 4 then write a newspaper article based on the main events. They should use what they have learnt about propaganda to show their support of either the animals or Mr Jones. Groups then analyse sections of Chapter 5 and feedback findings. Key words: totalitarian,rhetoric and propaganda

Year 7 lesson activity, guiding pupils through writing their own mythological story. I normally use this after studying Greek Myths or Myths and Legends. Pupils are asked to select a natural phenomenon and consider how this would have been explained in Ancient Greece. Pupils select four components from a list, their challenge is to include these in their story within a limited word count. Pupils create neat booklets, these look great on a display.