Overview:
A deep dive into how language and structure convey themes of war and heroism in Charge of the Light Brigade (Tennyson) and Bayonet Charge (Hughes).
Key Learning Objectives:
Compare how both poets use structure and form to shape meaning.
Analyse language choices, including imagery, metaphor, and sound devices.
Practise writing analytical responses with clear textual support.
Activities & Resources:
• Extract-based comparison of structural choices.
• Exploration of poetic devices such as rhythm, enjambment, and caesura.
• Exam-style comparative question with step-by-step guidance.
• Writing task: Students analyse an unseen poem using learned techniques.
Overview:
This lesson teaches students how to critically evaluate a text, using A Vendetta by Guy de Maupassant as a model for exploring the effectiveness of the writer’s choices.
Key Learning Objectives:
Develop well-supported critical opinions on language, structure, and characterisation.
Explore how word choice, imagery, and narrative techniques shape meaning.
Learn to structure high-level critical evaluation responses for the GCSE exam.
Activities & Resources:
Extract Analysis – Close reading of A Vendetta, focusing on tone, description, and narrative voice.
Discussion Task – How does Maupassant create a sense of revenge and inevitability?
Breakdown of GCSE Critical Evaluation Questions – Step-by-step guide to answering effectively.
Timed Writing Practice – Students respond to a GCSE-style evaluation question with peer feedback.
Language and Structure Analysis of Storm on the Island and Exposure – GCSE Revision Class 2 - PowerPoint and Texts included.
• Objective- To deepen understanding of how Heaney and Owen employ language and structure to create atmosphere and convey meaning.
• Description- Focusing on detailed language and structural analysis, this GCSE English Revision Worksheet guides students through techniques such as enjambment, alliteration, and personification. Tasks include examining how each poet’s choices influence the tone, mood, and overall message of the poem, with questions that encourage deeper insights into literary craftsmanship.
• Key Techniques- Alliteration, enjambment, personification.
• Focus Points- Look at how these techniques create mood and reflect the poets’ messages about nature’s force and war’s impact.
• Exam Tip- Use specific examples to explain how language impacts the reader’s perception of nature/conflict.
Context and Exam Practice Questions- Storm on the Island and Exposure GCSE Revision Class 3 - PowerPoint and Texts included.
• Objective- To explore the historical and social context of both poems and practice answering exam-style questions.
• Description- This GCSE English Revision Worksheet provides background on the historical and biographical influences behind Storm on the Island and Exposure, helping students connect context with poetic themes. It includes sample questions and model answers to develop students’ skills in constructing well-supported, contextually aware exam responses.
• Key Context- The historical and biographical backgrounds of Heaney and Owen.
• Focus Points- Connect context to thematic elements (e.g., nature in Irish history, WWI realities).
• Exam Tip- Link context to interpretations, showing how historical context shapes the poem’s themes.
Exploring Themes in Storm on the Island and Exposure – GCSE Revision Class 1 - PowerPoint and Texts included.
• Objective- To analyse the main themes of nature and conflict in Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney and Exposure by Wilfred Owen.
• Description- This GCSE English Revision Worksheet encourages students to examine how Heaney and Owen use language, imagery, and tone to explore both the powerful force of nature and the human experience of conflict. It provides structured tasks for identifying themes, discussing contrasting perspectives on nature, and interpreting key lines with attention to literary devices.
• Key Themes- Nature, isolation, human vulnerability, conflict.
• Focus Points- Identify how Heaney and Owen use imagery and tone to depict nature’s power and conflict’s toll.
• Exam Tip- Use quotes that highlight contrasting views of nature; explore both literal and metaphorical interpretations.
Plot and Theme Analysis in A Christmas Carol –GCSE Revision Class 4 - PowerPoint and Text included.
• Objective- To analyse the plot structure and key themes in A Christmas Carol, emphasizing how Dickens develops his moral message.
• Description- This GCSE English Revision Worksheet provides an overview of Scrooge’s transformative journey, exploring themes such as redemption, social justice, and compassion. Students analyse pivotal moments in the plot and connect these to Dickens’s critique of Victorian society, using quotations and character reflections as supporting evidence.
• Key Themes- Redemption, generosity, social justice.
• Focus Points- Analyse Scrooge’s transformation and key turning points.
• Exam Tip- Use chronological order to track Scrooge’s character development, connecting his journey to Dickens’ moral messages.
This is a definitive guide to over 100 curated ESL/EFL resources, organised into 10 key categories, including language-learning podcasts, interactive websites, YouTube channels, and TED Talks. Designed for teachers and students, the list covers topics such as vocabulary building, grammar practice, cultural immersion, and academic skills. Each resource is carefully selected for its relevance, quality, and ease of use. A must-have for enhancing English learning in both traditional and digital classrooms.
For New Teachers and TEFL/CELTA Students
This dynamic and interactive lesson plan flips the classroom dynamic by putting students in the teacher’s seat! Designed for all proficiency levels, this activity boosts students’ confidence, public speaking, and presentation skills. Students prepare and deliver a 5-minute mini-lesson on a topic they’re passionate about, sharing a skill or interest with their peers. The plan includes preparation guidelines, a reflection worksheet, and a feedback checklist for teachers. It’s a fun, engaging way to foster creativity and collaboration in the ESL classroom.
This worksheet delves into themes of guilt and trauma, following a soldier haunted by war. Activities explore Armitage’s use of colloquial language and enjambment, helping students understand the psychological impact of conflict.
This GCSE revision workbook includes
Summary of poem
Exercise 1
Vocabulary list
Thematic Connections
Language and Structure
Poetic Techniques:
Structure and Form:
Context
Memorable Quotes
Questions (x3)
Exercise 2:
The Poem
This workbook emphasises key themes, language analysis, and contextual understanding to support students’ comprehension and exam preparation. It is designed to encourage critical thinking and engagement with the language techniques and poetic forms used across GCSE Poetry examinations.
It can be printed or used digitally, allowing students to build their skills and confidence with unseen poetry through structured, guided practice.
A reflection on motherhood and changing roles, this worksheet includes activities on Duffy’s use of flashbacks, vivid imagery, and tone, helping students understand the connection between mother and daughter across time.
This GCSE revision workbook includes
Summary of poem
Exercise 1
Vocabulary list
Thematic Connections
Language and Structure
Poetic Techniques:
Structure and Form:
Context
Memorable Quotes
Questions (x3)
Exercise 2:
The Poem
This workbook emphasises key themes, language analysis, and contextual understanding to support students’ comprehension and exam preparation. It is designed to encourage critical thinking and engagement with the language techniques and poetic forms used across GCSE Poetry examinations.
It can be printed or used digitally, allowing students to build their skills and confidence with unseen poetry through structured, guided practice.
CELTA Assignment 4 - Lessons from the Classroom
Reflect on your teaching experiences with CELTA Assignment 4 - Lessons from the Classroom. This guide focuses on the critical process of lesson observation, reflection, and professional development. You’ll learn how to evaluate your own teaching, identify areas for improvement, and apply insights from classroom observations to enhance your practice. Full of examples and reflective exercises, this guide supports you in developing a growth mindset and becoming a more effective, reflective teacher.
CELTA Assignment 1 - Focus on the Learner
Build a strong foundation in learner-centered teaching with CELTA Assignment 1 - Focus on the Learner. This guide emphasizes the importance of understanding your learners’ needs, motivations, and learning styles. With detailed activities, case studies, and tips on tailoring lessons to different learner profiles, this resource helps you build a deep understanding of your students and create personalized, engaging lessons that meet their specific learning goals.
Unlock the essential resources you need to succeed in your CELTA course with our comprehensive CELTA Info Pack. This guide provides a detailed overview of the course structure, assessment criteria, and best practices. Perfect for both beginners and experienced teachers, it includes practical tips, timelines, and advice to help you navigate through the CELTA process with confidence. Whether you’re looking for insight into lesson planning, classroom management, or CELTA-specific terminology, this pack is your go-to reference throughout your training journey.
CELTA training the CELTA Complete Bundle. This comprehensive package includes all the essential guides and worksheets you need to excel in your CELTA course. From mastering Teaching Practice and analysing language tasks to reflecting on your classroom experiences, this bundle covers it all. With in-depth resources for each CELTA assignment, expert tips for lesson planning, and practical exercises to support your professional development, the CELTA Complete Bundle provides everything you need to succeed, giving you confidence and clarity throughout your CELTA journey. Perfect for new teachers and those looking to refresh their skills, this bundle is your one-stop resource for CELTA success.
Includes:
CELTA Info Pack
CELTA - Teaching Practice (TP) Essentials
CELTA Assignment 1 - Focus on the learner
CELTA Assignment 2 - Language-Related Tasks
CELTA Assignment 3 - Focus on Receptive or Productive Skills
CELTA Assignment 4 - Lessons from the Classroom
Enhance your understanding of language instruction with CELTA Assignment 2 - Language-Related Tasks.
This guide breaks down the process of analyzing and teaching language tasks, with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Full of practical exercises, step-by-step instructions, and example responses, it helps you build the skills needed to complete this essential assignment with ease. Perfect for deepening your language awareness, this resource is a must-have for anyone looking to excel in their CELTA assignments.
Dive deep into the specifics of language skills teaching with CELTA Assignment 3 - Focus on Receptive or Productive Skills. This guide provides a structured approach to teaching reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You’ll explore how to plan and execute engaging lessons that enhance learners’ receptive (listening and reading) or productive (speaking and writing) skills. With practical examples, classroom activities, and clear explanations, this resource equips you to craft lessons that cater to all aspects of language acquisition.