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Small Things Like These - Leaving Cert Bundle
This comprehensive resource bundle is designed specifically to support teachers and students preparing for the Leaving Certificate English exam. Focused on Claire Keeganâs Small Things Like These, this bundle is an essential tool for both Higher and Ordinary Level study, providing in-depth materials tailored to the comparative study and a range of other curriculum needs.
Whatâs Included:
Key Moments Document
Detailed analysis of significant events from the text to help students grasp pivotal moments and their relevance.
Higher Level Quotes Document
Key quotes from all seven chapters, with analysis aligned to:
General Vision and Viewpoint
Cultural Context
Eight quotes per chapter, tailored for Higher Level study.
Comprehensive Workbook
Chapter Summaries: Concise summaries of all seven chapters.
Comprehension Questions: Focused questions to test understanding.
Reflective Space: Students can write their own summaries or reflect on passages they found meaningful.
Notes on Comparative Modes: Detailed guidance on General Vision and Viewpoint and Cultural Context.
Film Reviews and Activities
Two engaging film reviews with comprehension questions.
Task encouraging students to write their own review.
Ordinary Level Notes
Comprehensive notes covering:
Relationships
Social Setting
Hero/Heroine and Villain
Theme
Exploration of three key themes: Freedom, Escape, and Isolation.
Includes two sample answers to recent LC questions.
Sample Questions with Answers
30-mark sample questions for:
Cultural Context
General Vision and Viewpoint
This resource has been crafted with both students and teachers in mind, focusing on accessibility, ease of use, and thorough exam preparation.
Who Is It For?
Teachers looking for comprehensive materials to support class teaching.
Students aiming to improve their understanding of Small Things Like These for the Leaving Certificate.
Whether for in-class teaching or independent student study, this resource bundle is a must-have for achieving success in the Leaving Certificate English exam.

Comparative Notes for The Shawshank Redemption and Small Things Like These (2025 Ordinary Level)
This comprehensive resource provides detailed comparative notes for the Ordinary Level Comparative Study focusing on The Shawshank Redemption (film) and Small Things Like These (novel). Designed for the 2025 curriculum, the resource covers the three prescribed modes:
Theme: Analysis of key themes, including hope, moral courage, institutional power, and freedom, with clear comparisons and references to key moments in both texts.
Social Setting: Exploration of the oppressive worlds shaped by powerful institutions in both texts, highlighting societal pressures and the impact on individual characters.
Relationships: Examination of central relationships, such as Andy and Redâs friendship in The Shawshank Redemption and Billâs family and community relationships in Small Things Like These, with focus on emotions like love and hope.
The notes are written in accessible language, making them suitable for Ordinary Level students. Each section includes clear comparisons, key examples, and insights into similarities and differences between the two texts.
This resource will help students develop strong comparative answers by providing detailed guidance and examples that address past exam questions. It is perfect for classroom use, revision, and essay preparation.

3rd Year English â Junior Cycle Exam Prep Booklet
This clear, student-friendly revision booklet is designed to help 3rd Year students prepare for the Junior Cycle English exam. It breaks down key question types and skills with helpful explanations, examples, and short practice tasks.
**Whatâs Included:
**
Language use: similes, metaphors, strong verbs, emotive and persuasive language
Personal response: structured templates and sentence starters
Functional writing: examples of speeches, letters, articles, interviews, and more
Unseen poetry: how to approach unseen poems, with strategies and sample answers
Studied texts: guidance and questions for poetry, novel, drama, Shakespeare, and film
Grammar and poetic technique reference pages with clear definitions and examples
Handy checklists and a long-answer planning template
Perfect for:
Junior Cycle English (Ireland)
Lower or mixed-ability groups
In-class revision, homework, or independent learning
Format:
A ready-to-use, printable PDF booklet. Suitable for printing or digital platforms (Google Classroom, Teams, etc.).

The Shawshank Redemption Bundle
Explore the depths of âThe Shawshank Redemptionâ with this comprehensive study bundle, tailored for students and educators preparing for the Leaving Certificate exams. Packed with essential resources, analyses, and quizzes, this bundle offers an in-depth understanding of the filmâs themes, characters, key moments, and more.
Included in this Bundle:
Comparative Notes: Detailed notes covering both Ordinary and Higher Level Leaving Certificate course modes, providing comprehensive insights into various aspects of the film.
Character Charts: Comprehensive charts dissecting the main charactersâ traits, motivations, and development throughout the film.
Quiz: A comprehensive quiz featuring 55 multiple-choice questions, accompanied by an answer key to test understanding and knowledge retention.
Character Notes: In-depth notes focusing on the individual characters, their significance, and relationships within the storyline.
Plot Summary and Comprehension Questions: A concise summary of the plot accompanied by thought-provoking comprehension questions to reinforce understanding.
Key Themes Analysis: Detailed exploration of the filmâs central themes, providing critical insights into the underlying messages and motifs.
Key Quotes Compilation: Analysis of 10 pivotal quotes from the film, exploring their relevance, thematic connections, and application in answering exam questions.
Key Moments Analysis: Examination of crucial moments in the film, offering guidance on using these moments effectively to answer exam questions.
Why Choose This Bundle?
This comprehensive bundle equips students and educators with an extensive array of resources meticulously designed to aid in a thorough understanding of âThe Shawshank Redemption.â Ideal for exam preparation, essay writing, and deepening appreciation of the filmâs nuances, this bundle serves as an indispensable study companion.
Perfect for Leaving Certificate Students and Teachers:
Whether youâre a student aiming for exam success or a teacher seeking comprehensive teaching materials, this bundle offers a wealth of resources designed to enhance understanding, analysis, and critical thinking skills around this iconic film.
Unlock the secrets of âThe Shawshank Redemptionâ and prepare for success with this all-inclusive study bundle!

Leaving Cert Higher Level Poetry â One Page âStudy Buddyâ Revision Pack (2025)
This comprehensive and student-friendly resource pack contains one-page revision guides for each prescribed poet on the 2025 Leaving Certificate Higher Level English course. Designed with clarity and accessibility in mind, each page offers a concise breakdown of key poems under the following headings:
Summary â a clear overview of the poem
Key Lines â essential quotes for revision and essays
Themes â core ideas explored in the poem
Tone â the mood and attitude of the speaker
Personal Response â thoughtful commentary to support critical engagement
Language â stylistic features, imagery, and form
Each poetâs selection includes multiple annotated poems, with space for students to make their own notes. These sheets are ideal for classwork, homework, revision, or as handouts during poetry study and exam preparation.
Included Poets:
T.S. Eliot
Sylvia Plath
Emily Dickinson
Tracy K. Smith
Patrick Kavanagh
Eavan Boland
Derek Mahon
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Perfect for:
Individual study and reflection
Supporting essay planning and quote learning
Junior teacher guidance or student-led learning
Simple, structured, and visually consistent, these printable A4 resources help demystify complex poems while encouraging deeper student engagement with each poetâs work.

Barbie - Leaving Certificate Comparative Study - Higher Level
Whatâs Included in the Resource:
Overview: The resource begins with an overview of Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. It provides a plot summary, discusses the themes and messages of the film, looks at the cast, how the movie was received, and its target audience.
Detailed Plot Synopsis: A detailed synopsis of the film is included, which is perfect for students to review or as a recap for those who may not have watched it carefully.
Comprehension Questions: There are 20 questions that can be assigned to students while watching the film to check for learning and ensure they are engaged. Iâve also included a teacher answer key in a separate document to make correcting easier.
Group Discussion Questions: There are 12 critical thinking questions designed to promote higher-level thinking. Students can work in small groups and choose one question to answer, and this could take the form of a group project, class presentation, or discussion. Each question comes with a prompt to help guide the students.
Key Quotes: Iâve included a page of 15 key quotes from the film, which are useful for students to reflect on important moments and themes in the text.
Gloriaâs Monologue: A full page of Gloriaâs famous monologue, which is a pivotal moment in the film. This gives students a chance to highlight or annotate its significance.
Directorâs Use of Satire and Gender Dynamics: A note on Greta Gerwigâs use of satire and how gender dynamics are portrayed in Barbie.
Cultural Context Section:
Setting: This discusses how the time and place in both Barbie Land and the Real World influence gender roles.
Social Class: A comparison between Barbie Land and the Real World, highlighting how class shapes the charactersâ lives.
Role of Men and Women: Iâve explored how the roles of men and women differ between these worlds, looking at how patriarchy is critiqued and how modern womanhood is depicted.
General Vision and Viewpoint Section:
Optimism and Pessimism: This section analyses the overall outlook of the film, focusing on themes like light and dark, hope and despair.
Key Moments: Iâve explored the relationships, character development, and key scenes that contribute to the general vision and viewpoint of the film.
Sample Answers: Iâve included four sample answers for 30-mark Leaving Certificate questions, followed by three questions for students to complete themselves.
Additional Features:
Student Note Pages: There are colourful, interactive pages where students can write their own notes on Barbieâs cultural context and general vision and viewpoint.
Comparison Table: A simple table for students to compare all three of their texts under both modes of general vision and viewpoint and cultural context.

Comparative Essay Support Pack (2024 Question) â Sive, Small Things Like These, The Shawshank Redemp
This resource pack is designed to support students preparing for the 70-mark Comparative question on the 2024 Leaving Certificate English exam (Cultural Context mode). It explores the prescribed question:
âIn the case of at least two texts on your comparative course, compare the extent to which aspects of the cultural context, prevalent in these texts, nurture admirable values and attitudes.â
**The essay focuses on three texts:
**
Sive by John B. Keane
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
The Shawshank Redemption (dir. Frank Darabont)
**The pack includes three versions of a model answer:
**
Unhighlighted Version â ideal for students to annotate independently or use in class discussion.
Highlighted Version â highlights key comparative phrases, references to the question, and effective use of the mode.
Headers & Highlighted Version â includes clear section headings, topic sentence signposts, and full highlighting for structured analysis and essay planning.
**Each version helps students develop:
**
A deep understanding of how cultural context affects values like compassion, justice, and courage
A clear, comparative structure
Confidence in linking ideas across texts
Strong, focused writing under exam conditions
Perfect for revision, modelling, peer assessment, or teaching paragraph structure and comparative skills.

The Merchant of Venice â Higher Level Junior Cycle Sample Answers
This comprehensive resource is designed to support Higher Level Junior Cycle English students studying The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. It provides structured sample answers across a range of past exam-style questions, covering key themes, characters, and dramatic techniques.
Whatâs Included?
Exam-Style Questions & Answers â Full responses for past Junior Cycle Higher Level questions, organised by high, medium, and low-level responses to help students see what different grade levels look like.
Key Topics Covered â Themes of justice, revenge, mercy, prejudice, and love, as well as character analysis (e.g., Shylock, Antonio, Portia) and dramatic techniques like stagecraft and performance.
Detailed Teacher-Like Feedback â Constructive feedback on responses, guiding students on how to improve their answers for higher marks.
Film & Stage Adaptation Questions â Answers that explore costume design, poster creation, and performance choices, making the resource useful for both literary analysis and drama studies.
Clear Structure & Accessibility â Answers are well-organised, written in a student-friendly way, and focus on exam success while encouraging deeper engagement with the play.
How Can Teachers Use This?
As revision material to show students what different levels of answers look like.
To model exam responses and help students develop their own essay-writing skills.
As a peer or self-assessment tool, where students compare their work to the sample answers and apply feedback.
For class discussions, using the responses as a springboard for deeper exploration of themes, characters, and Shakespeareâs dramatic techniques.
This resource is ideal for teachers preparing students for the Junior Cycle Higher Level exam and for students aiming to refine their essay-writing skills in preparation for assessments.

The Outsiders - Bundle
Comprehensive 42-Page PDF: This document includes a wealth of resources for âThe Outsiders.â It encompasses author information, detailed chapter summaries and analysis, designated sections for analyzing quotes from the text, copybook questions (which are critical thinking questions tailored to each chapter), and comprehensive notes on the characters and settings within the novel.
Questionnaire with Answer Key: A six-page document featuring 26 thought-provoking questions designed to test studentsâ understanding of the book. This questionnaire comprises a mix of question types, including multiple-choice, true or false, short-answer questions, and even short essay-style questions. It also includes an answer key that provides solutions for all questions, including the essay questions.
Thematic Analysis PDF: A seven-page PDF dedicated to exploring ten significant themes present in the novel. Each theme is accompanied by specific examples from the text that serve to illustrate and support that particular theme.
Character Charts: A set of eight colourful character charts, each focusing on an individual character. These charts come equipped with five critical thinking questions directly related to the characterâs development and role in the story. They are ideal for assigning to different student groups for character-focused projects or for helping students gain a deeper understanding of character development.
Past Exam Questions and Sample Answers: This resource provides past Junior Cycle/Cert novel questions related to âThe Outsiders,â along with sample answers for reference. Itâs a valuable tool for students preparing for exams and seeking to understand how to construct effective responses.
Key Moments and Quotes Handout: This document highlights five pivotal moments from the novel, offering key quotes associated with each moment. It suggests the types of questions these key moments could be used to answer and provides space for students to write out the quotes themselves. It also includes ten significant quotes from the text, each accompanied by an analysis to help students grasp their significance.

Introduction to The Comparative - Leaving Certificate 2025
Comparative Essay Introduction for 2026 Higher Level Cohort
This comprehensive resource is designed to introduce the 2026 Higher Level students to the comparative section of the Leaving Certificate English course. It includes a detailed PowerPoint presentation and an accompanying PDF, both focusing on the critical components of comparative essay writing.
The PowerPoint provides a clear and engaging overview of how to approach comparative essays, explaining the importance of General Vision and Viewpoint as well as Cultural Context in relation to the two texts being studied. Students will gain a solid understanding of how these elements shape the texts and their comparisons. The presentation also introduces the CARE acronym (Compare, Argument, Reference, Explain), offering a practical guide for structuring essays effectively.
The PDF expands on this by offering a more detailed breakdown of how to approach comparative writing, step-by-step, with tips on how to analyse and structure their arguments. It explains in-depth the role of cultural context in the comparison and provides students with the tools to integrate general vision and viewpoint in their writing.
This resource is ideal for students looking to build confidence in comparative essay writing, focusing on the importance of answering the question and staying focused on the cultural and thematic elements that drive a strong analysis

Eavan Boland - Higher Level Leaving Certificate Poetry Resource
A Comprehensive Study Guide for Students & Teachers
This detailed poetry resource provides an in-depth study of Eavan Bolandâs work for Higher Level Leaving Certificate English. Designed to support students and teachers, it includes comprehensive poem analyses, thematic discussions, and exam-focused guidance.
Poems Included:
*** The War Horse â A reflection on violence and its lingering psychological effects.
Child of Our Time â A poignant elegy responding to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The Famine Road â A powerful critique of historical oppression during the Irish Famine.
The Shadow Doll â A meditation on marriage, confinement, and female identity.
The Black Lace Fan My Mother Gave Me â An exploration of love, memory, and uncertainty.
This Moment â A beautifully simple reflection on fleeting everyday experiences.
The Pomegranate â A deeply personal interpretation of motherhood and change through myth.
Outside History â A critique of historical exclusion and forgotten voices.
Love â A reflective piece on the transformation of love over time.
Whatâs Included?
Detailed Analysis of Each Poem â Line-by-line breakdowns with key quotes, themes, and poetic techniques.
Exam-Focused Discussion â Insights into comparative study links, essay writing tips, and marking scheme guidance.
Symbolism & Themes â Exploration of history, memory, female experience, violence, love, and social commentary in Bolandâs poetry.
Student-Friendly Language â Explanations are clear, concise, and accessible, making complex themes easier to understand.
Essay Writing Guide â Step-by-step advice on structuring poetry responses with sample exam questions and answers.
Who Is This Resource For?
Teachers â A ready-to-use classroom resource for engaging students with Bolandâs poetry.
Students â A perfect revision aid to improve understanding and essay-writing skills.
Exam Candidates â Focused on Higher Level Paper 2, with practical guidance for approaching poetry questions.
This comprehensive study guide ensures that students develop confidence in analysing Bolandâs poetry, making exam preparation more structured, accessible, and effective.
Download now to enhance your teaching and revision of Eavan Bolandâs poetry!

Sylvia Plath Poetry Pack â LC English
A complete Sylvia Plath poetry resource for Leaving Cert English: includes student-friendly notes, key themes, style analysis, sample essays, and guides.
This comprehensive Sylvia Plath poetry resource is designed for Leaving Certificate Higher Level English students and teachers. It includes:
Clear, student-friendly summaries for all prescribed poems
Detailed analysis of themes, imagery, tone, structure, and stylistic features
Key quotes with accessible explanations
Sample full-length essay responses, annotated with marking scheme codes
Step-by-step essay scaffolds to support structured writing
Visually organised and easy-to-navigate notes
Supports mixed-ability classes, with content suited to students who find poetry challenging
Fully aligned with SEC assessment guidelines
Also included:
A contextual biography of Plath
Guidance on key poetic techniques and their effects
Comparative links with other poets on the course
Editable and printable formats for classroom or independent use
This resource is ideal for teaching, revision, homework, or exam preparation. It supports a thoughtful and structured approach to Sylvia Plathâs powerful and thought-provoking poetry.

Sing Street - Student Workbook/Revision Notes
Dive into the captivating world of John Carneyâs âSing Streetâ with this comprehensive resource designed for students exploring the film. Whether youâre a fan of music, cinema, or simply looking for an engaging study guide, this resource has something for everyone.
Pre-reading Activities:
Get ready to delve into the film with thought-provoking pre-reading activities that set the stage for deeper exploration.
Camera Angles - Study Guide:
Unlock the secrets of cinematography with a detailed study guide focusing on camera angles used throughout âSing Street,â enhancing your understanding of visual storytelling.
Notes on Setting:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Dublin with detailed notes on the filmâs setting, including key locations and their significance to the story.
Key Characters:
Meet the memorable characters of âSing Streetâ and learn more about their roles in shaping the narrative, from Conorâs journey of self-discovery to the influential figures he encounters along the way.
Comprehension Questions:
Test your understanding of the film with thought-provoking comprehension questions that encourage critical thinking and reflection.
Detailed Summary:
Recap the plot of âSing Streetâ with a detailed summary highlighting key events and character developments, perfect for revisiting key moments or preparing for exams.
Notes on the Use of Music in the Film:
Explore the pivotal role of music in âSing Streetâ with insightful notes on how the filmâs soundtrack enhances the storytelling and emotional impact of each scene.
KEY MOMENTS:
Delve into the most memorable moments of the film with detailed analysis and discussion questions that invite deeper exploration of key themes and character dynamics.
Key Quotes:
Discover the most impactful quotes from âSing Streetâ and explore their significance in the context of the story and its themes.
Key Themes:
Explore the rich thematic layers of âSing Street,â including themes of dreams and escapism, self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
Notes on cinematography and directorial decisions in âSing Streetâ:
Gain insight into the creative vision behind âSing Streetâ with notes on cinematography and directorial decisions, exploring how visual storytelling techniques contribute to the filmâs overall impact.
Sample Junior Cycle Questions and Answers:
Prepare for exams with sample questions and model answers designed to help you demonstrate your understanding of âSing Streetâ and its themes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the music-filled streets of 1980s Dublin with this comprehensive resource on âSing Street,â perfect for students and fans alike.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople - Junior Cycle English
Dive into the enchanting world of Taika Waititiâs Hunt for the Wilderpeople with this meticulously crafted study guide. Tailored for both students and educators, this resource provides a comprehensive exploration of the filmâs narrative, themes, characters, and cinematic techniques. Designed to enhance understanding and engagement, this guide includes pre-viewing activities, critical analysis questions, and more.
Contents:
Plot Overview
A concise summary of the filmâs storyline to provide essential context.
Pre-viewing Activities
Engaging exercises to prepare students for the themes and concepts explored in the film.
Camera Techniques Guide
Analysis of the cinematic techniques and camera angles used by Taika Waititi to tell the story effectively.
Notes on Setting
Detailed insights into the significance of the New Zealand wilderness setting and its impact on the narrative.
Key Characters
Profiles of the main characters, including Ricky Baker, Hec, and Bella, with a focus on their motivations and development throughout the film.
Comprehension Questions
Watch and Write questions for students to answer upon a second viewing of the film.
Critical Thinking Questions
Prompts to encourage deeper analysis and interpretation of the filmâs themes, characters, and plot developments.
Detailed Summary
A comprehensive breakdown of key plot points and major developments in the story.
Key Moments
Highlighting pivotal scenes and their significance in advancing the filmâs narrative and themes.
Key Quotes
Extracts from the film accompanied by analysis of their thematic relevance and impact.
Themes
Exploration of the major themes in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, such as identity, self-acceptance, and the influence of circumstances.
Sample Exam Questions
Higher and Ordinary level questions for the Junior Cycle exams, complete with model answers to guide students in their preparation.

The Composition - Leaving Certificate
This document is a comprehensive guide for Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate students on how to approach the Composition section of Paper 1 in English. It provides clear, structured advice on writing different types of compositions, including:
Personal Essays â Encouraging self-reflection and storytelling with a focus on clear structure and personal voice.
Short Stories â Guidance on crafting engaging narratives with strong openings, character development, and resolutions.
Talks & Speeches â Emphasizing audience awareness, rhetorical devices, and persuasive techniques.
Articles â Teaching students how to structure an informative or opinion-based piece for publication.
Debate Speeches â Explaining how to construct logical, well-supported arguments for a debate setting.
Each section contains step-by-step guidance on understanding the question, planning responses, writing effectively, and editing work. The document also includes marking schemes and sample answers to help students understand how their work is graded and improve their writing skills.
Additionally, the guide is tailored for students working at an Ordinary Level in English, providing clear explanations and structured support to help them develop their writing skills. It uses accessible language and highlighted techniques to reinforce essay structure, making it easier for students to understand and apply effective writing strategies.

Junior Cycle - Film Studies - Revision Bundle
This comprehensive 17-page resource is designed to support Junior Cycle students in tackling exam questions related to both film and drama, with a particular focus on staging and the visual aspects of storytelling.
It provides model answers, sample responses, and marking schemes for past paper questions, helping students to develop their understanding and confidence in answering questions about key moments, visual imagery, camera angles, costume design, lighting, and other dramatic techniques.
**Key features include:
**
Staging in Drama: Clear explanations and sample answers focusing on themes, characterisation, and dramatic techniques such as gesture, lighting, and set design.
Film Analysis: Insightful examples on the use of camera shots, striking visuals, and emotional connections to enhance storytelling.
Creative Directing: Guidance on how students can imagine themselves as directors, exploring the use of costumes, lighting, and visual techniques to highlight key themes and moments.
Past Paper Questions: A wide range of questions and answers modelled on real exam papers, including structured responses that demonstrate clarity, focus, and development.
Junior Cycle Focus: Tailored content that addresses the specific needs of Junior Cycle students, with accessible and engaging examples from texts like The Merchant of Venice, Sing Street, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and more.
This resource is ideal for both classroom teaching and individual study, equipping students with the tools they need to confidently approach film and drama questions on their exams.
ALSO INCLUDES:

Derek Mahon - Higher Level Leaving Certificate
This resource is designed for Higher Level Leaving Certificate English teachers who need clear, structured, and exam-focused materials to support the teaching of Derek Mahonâs poetry. It provides detailed poem analysis, sample exam responses, marking schemes, and structured essay plans, helping students develop a solid understanding of Mahonâs key themes, poetic techniques, and use of language.
Whatâs Included?
Detailed Poem Analysis â Covers all prescribed Mahon poems, including:
After the Titanic
Grandfather
Day Trip to Donegal
Ecclesiastes
The Hospital
As It Should Be
Kinsale
Antarctica
Each poem includes key themes, techniques, and analysis, making it easier for students to engage with Mahonâs poetry.
**Key Quotes & Explanations **â A selection of relevant quotations with explanations, allowing students to quickly find supporting evidence for their essays.
Sample Answers â Includes exam-standard responses with marking breakdowns based on official Leaving Cert grading. Responses are coded for clarity, showing how students can incorporate language and imagery, universal reflections, and Mahonâs exploration of people and places.
Step-by-Step Essay Plans â Prepares students for common exam questions, ensuring they know how to structure responses effectively. Covers:
Mahonâs use of language and imagery
Mahonâs approach to people and places
The universal and emotional impact of his poetry
Speech-style responses for public talk-style questions
Marking Schemes & Feedback Tools â Includes self-assessment and peer-review tools, helping students understand how answers are graded and where they can improve.
Classroom & Homework Tasks â A mix of class discussion prompts, structured writing exercises, and exam-style homework questions to reinforce learning.
Why Use This Resource?
Saves Time â Everything is structured and ready to use, reducing lesson planning.
Exam-Focused â Materials are designed with 2025 exam requirements in mind.
Accessible for Students â Clear explanations break down complex ideas without oversimplifying.
Flexible for Different Learners â Suitable for a range of abilities, with enough depth for strong students while remaining accessible for weaker ones.
This is a practical and exam-focused resource for teachers who want structured, ready-to-use materials to support their students in understanding and writing about Derek Mahonâs poetry.

New Year's Resolutions - writing task
This resource is a creative writing task designed for students aged 12-14, encouraging them to reflect on and write about their New Yearâs resolutions. It aims to develop their self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and written communication in a fun and meaningful way.
Key Features:
Engaging Theme:
The task uses the familiar and relatable concept of New Yearâs resolutions, making it accessible and interesting for students.
Structure and Support:
Clear instructions guide students on how to structure their writing.
Prompts (e.g., âWhy are these goals important to you?â) help them organise their thoughts.
Skill Development:
Focuses on paragraph writing, descriptive language, and explaining ideas clearly.
Encourages critical thinking by asking students to consider the reasons behind their goals and how to achieve them.
Creative Extension:
An optional vision board activity adds a visual and artistic element, appealing to different learning styles.
This resource is suitable for classroom use, homework assignments, or reflective activities around the New Year period. It supports personal development and engagement with writing tasks in a positive and constructive way.

The Comparative - Out of the Shadows, PHIC, Shawshank Redemption
Comparative Analysis of âOut of Shadows,â âPhiladelphia, Here I Come,â and âThe Shawshank Redemptionâ - Leaving Certificate Resource
Description:
This comprehensive resource is designed for Leaving Certificate students and English teachers seeking an in-depth understanding of three literary works: âOut of Shadowsâ by Jason Wallace, âPhiladelphia, Here I Comeâ by Brian Friel, and âThe Shawshank Redemptionâ by Stephen King (adapted into a film by Frank Darabont). The resource offers revision notes, a comparative overview, and sample answers, providing a valuable aid in preparing for the Leaving Certificate English exams.
Key Features:
Revision Notes for Each Text:
Detailed notes for âOut of Shadows,â âPhiladelphia, Here I Come,â and âThe Shawshank Redemption,â including character analysis, plot summaries, and thematic exploration.
Comparative Overview:
An in-depth comparative analysis of the three texts, highlighting similarities and differences in themes, characters, and literary techniques.
Comparative Notes on Themes:
Comprehensive notes discussing common themes across the texts, such as identity, freedom, and redemption, providing a deeper understanding of how these themes are presented in each work.
Comparative Notes on Cultural Context:
Exploring the cultural and historical contexts in which the texts are set, allowing students to appreciate how the societal backdrop influences the narratives.
Sample Answers:
Sample answers to Leaving Certificate-style questions, giving students insights into structuring their responses and scoring well in their exams.
Preparation for Comparative Study:
This resource equips students to excel in the comparative study section of the Leaving Certificate English exam, enabling them to draw connections between different texts effectively.
Whether you are a Leaving Certificate student preparing for your English exams or a teacher guiding your students through these literary works, this resource is a valuable tool for enhancing your understanding of the chosen texts and achieving success in your exams. It provides a comprehensive and comparative approach to three engaging and thought-provoking pieces of literature.

Literary techniques Quiz
This resource is a valuable toolkit for English teachers, designed to enhance their teaching of literary devices and language elements to students of various levels. It includes two meticulously crafted tests, each catering to different levels of proficiency. Additionally, answer keys are provided for easy grading. The PowerPoint presentation, which complements the tests, is available for separate purchase or can be bundled with this resource.
Features of the Resource:
Differentiated Tests: The package consists of two tests, carefully tailored to meet the needs of students at different levels of proficiency. This allows teachers to choose the most suitable test for their class, whether they are teaching beginners or advanced students.
Comprehensive Coverage: The tests cover a wide range of essential literary devices and language elements, ensuring that students are exposed to key concepts fundamental to English language and literature. These include hyperbole, imagery, alliteration, metaphor, personification, rhyme, rhetorical questions, and theme.
Answer Keys: For each test, detailed answer keys are provided, making grading efficient and straightforward.
Flexible PowerPoint Option: The PowerPoint presentation, which complements the tests, can be purchased separately or as part of a convenient bundle. It features visual aids, examples, and explanations to support teachers in delivering engaging lessons on each topic covered in the tests.
Versatile Usage: Whether used as pre-assessment tools to gauge studentsâ prior knowledge, as formative assessments to track their progress, or as summative evaluations to measure their mastery of literary devices, these tests offer versatility to teachers.
Time-Saving and Convenient: As a ready-made resource, this package saves teachers valuable time that would otherwise be spent creating assessments from scratch.
Engaging Learning Experience: The combination of tests and a visually appealing PowerPoint presentation ensures that students remain engaged while learning about these important literary concepts.