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.

The lesson objective is to understand why many young men like Tommo were so eager to go off to war. Pupils will identify the ways that men were persuaded to enlist in the army, and produce a piece of work which persuades people to join up for something. The lesson encourages analysis of War posters the Sergeant Major's speech and Jessie Pope's poem Who's for the Game?

Year 7 lesson - Pupils read the myth Persephone and the pomegranate seeds and then answer comprehension questions. The PPT invites them to consider what a monologue is - Taylor Swift recorded a ‘Monologue song’ I play this to pupils to give them the idea. The main task is to write a monologue for one of the characters in Persephone and the Pomegranate Seeds Pupils need to imagine that they are that character and write an imagined extract from their autobiography explaining how their character felt about the situation. Volunteers read their responses to the class.

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

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.

Assembly what Summer Solstice is and what we spend all of our time doing. Sleeping: 24 years (approximately one third of our lives!) Eating: 6 yearsWatching TV: 9 yearsWaiting in a queue (including at traffic lights): 5 yearsHousework: 4 yearsToilet: 18 monthsKissing: 2.5 weeks Purpose is to encourage pupils to make the most of every day. Hands up revealed some of my pupils spend more time on the xbox than sleeping.

Year 7 - Class of 2022 assembly on success. The purpose is to show pupils there are many forms of success and they have all achieved success in something throughout the year.

Year 12 lesson on setting in Wide Sargasso Sea. The PPT provides detailed information on the three settings and provides pupils with prompts to discuss and write about place and structure. Pupils are guided to consider place and character, looking specifically at Daniel Cosway’s room. After group writing, pupils annotated texts and completed an independent analysis of one extract relating to setting.

May break my bones... PPT focussing on differences and the harm in words. Features an explicit picture of a slashed arm and some nasty words - edit according to audience.

A Year 7 lesson considering the perspective of a character. Main task to write a diary entry written from the perspective of Michael. The PPT introduces aspects of diary writing and examples. Pupils read chapter 5, discuss Michaels emotions and what they would include in a diary entry. Pupils write an independent response and peer assess.

Assembly giving pupils practical advice on studying and revision. Used with Year 9 but could also be used for GCSE groups.

An assembly all about sleep. What happens if we don't have enough - how much a teenager needs. A show of hands at the beginning normally reveals they have far less that they should!

A Year 7 lesson looking at quotes from Chapter 10. Pupils are guided through the PEE structure. Tasks include groups producing PEE cards to be swapped and put the end of the lesson pupils should have the ability to select appropriate quotes from the book, and give personal opinions about what they mean.

Year 7 or 8 media scheme of work. In groups pupils consider the various aspects of advertising; logos, slogans, language. Their task is to design and present a campaign on animal welfare and reflect on their choices at the end. This can be delivered over 1/2 lessons or given time/resources used to aid a more developed campaign. My last group made tote bags, business cards, recorded role plays...

Assembly looking at optical illusion photographs - some discussion about things not always being what they first appear. Introducing a competition for Year 8 to see who can take the best optical illusion photograph.

Lesson showing Blue Peter's iconic 'Tracey Island' demonstration. Pupils note key aspects of writing instructions before brainstorming ideas as a group. After deciding, they all write instructions (homework to write/present in neat) and consider logistics of presenting. This year we had waffles made from scratch, cake decorating - with lots of 'here's one I made earlier' Yoga, paninis, smoothies, origami and lots of other fun demonstrations.

Assembly on Remembrance Day. How it came about, where and why poppies are made. Delivered to Year 8 accompanied by a reading of In Flanders Fields and a display of poppies over the years.

All about July. Some bizarre 'celebration days' from around the world - including bring your plant to work day! A fun look at the final weeks leading to the summer break.

Assembly based on bullying within friendships and the workplace. The purpose is to encourage pupils to know their own mind but more importantly, for those who bully to recognise this in their behaviour towards 'friends'.