An assembly challenging pupils to reflect upon their own study responsibilities and their own journey towards success. The key message being “I make no excuses, the only person responsible for my success is me.”. Focus on independent learning/home learning and how we will equip pupils with the knowledge/resources/skills/tools to support them in their success, but the message is at the end of the day - they are the only ones who can make excellence real. Links well to growth mindsets and attitudes to learning.

This thorough policy on effective Marking & Feedback was mentioned by Ofsted as being “…rigorous, detailed and clearly supporting rapid progress of pupils by upholding whole school expectations for quality feedback.” In this policy expectations from all parties, justification for depth and quality, and relevance to pupil progress are made clear.

This six week (18+ lessons) English Scheme of Learning uses a wide range of exercises to support pupils in understanding context, themes, characters, dramatisation, playwright’s intentions, form, structure and language, ideally at KS3. The scheme is pinned to AQA’s English Lit Paper 2 Modern Texts criteria, however the broad range of approaches would suit a number of exam boards. Written for English specialists by a Drama specialist and English SLE, this scheme will engage all abilities and make the text accessible to the most able or even the most challenging groups. Plenty of options and activities mean that you can edit/pick/choose how best to access the text with your particular class - There’s too much material here for 20 lessons so that you can shape the scheme to best suit the needs of your pupils.

Aspirations assembly exploring the ways in which we let our fears prevent us from striving for our goals in life. Contains discussion, anecdotal and reflective activities for pupils - encouraging them to consider why they fear challenges and how they might approach them differently by thinking “what’s the worst that could happen?”. Relevant to growth mindset and attitude to learning.

This assembly encourages students to consider HOW they show care and the impact it can have on others. It asks them questions about how being shown that someone cares makes them feel, safe, secure, resilient, confident. It discusses the ways that care can be shown and how sometimes you have to be brave instead of just playing it cool, in order to show that you care. Optional challenge at end to Pay It Forward with a kind gesture - the outcome of this activity would make a lovely end of term assembly, where you share success stories where your students showed others that they cared.

A lesson suitable for KS3 or KS4 studying conflict. It introduces key terminology (perspective, compare, contrast, conflict) through exploration of War Photographer and Remains. Useful discussion prompts and links to SMSC.

KS3 English high ability lesson could easily be adapted for KS4 English or even Drama. Objective to* analyse the impact of language and structure*. Judged Outstanding by Ofsted using this plan and the included resources. Feedback from inspectors included praise for: detailed differentiation active engagement through drama techniques stretch and challenge for high abilities independent learning rooted firmly in GCSE grading criteria. If you could do with any lesson planning ideas or a second opinion when preparing for observation do give me a shout - that’s my day job.

An assembly which focuses on the Henry Ford quote. Contains questions for discussion and encourages pupils to link real mistakes to eventual success. Great for supporting growth mindset and attitude to learning in your setting.

This KS3 English lesson focuses on Faulks graphic description of the horrors of war, and his ability to shock the reader and transport them to the front line through his careful description. It is the second of two lessons. (In the first ((1/2 The Soldier)) pupils will contrast this viewpoint with the romantic viewpoint presented in the Brooke poem, leading to writing poetry of their own.) Pupils will explore new vocabulary, identify the devices and techniques used, develop their own ideas and correct misconceptions, as well as contextualise. Opportunities for creativity as well as challenging higher abilities with questions linked to context. Resources included support understanding of perspectives and facilitate discussion comparing/contrasting them, as well as a sheet including the extract from the text. I have a tonne of other English and Drama resources, CPD presentations and policies so please do let me know if you’re searching for something in particular - I probably have it!

This KS3 English lesson focuses on Brooke’s idealistic viewpoint and his ability to romanticize war. It is the first of two lessons. (In the second (Birdsong) pupils will contrast this viewpoint with the horrors presented in the Faulks novel, leading to writing poetry of their own.) Pupils will explore new vocabulary, identify the poetic devices used, develop their own ideas and correct misconceptions, as well as be the detectives. Opportunities for creativity using the opening line “If I should die…” as well as challenging higher abilities with questions linked to context at the end of the lesson (or as starter for the next). Resources included support understanding of poetic devices and the ways in which they make the poets viewpoint clear, as well as a sheet including four copies of the text on a page for ease of printing. I have a tonne of other English and Drama resources, CPD presentations and policies so please do let me know if you’re searching for something in particular - I probably have it!

A policy outlining expectations for day to day planning. Complete as it is or ready to edit for your own setting. Clarifies expectations for staff: in line with Teacher Standards highlighting expectations for best practice encouraging reflection I have other policies and handbooks waiting to upload - do give me a shout I may have what you need!

This Home Learning or Homework Policy: is closely linked to growth mindset and independent learning values outlines expectations of pupils, staff and parents alike clarifies the overall value of Home Learning identifies what makes best practice is currently in place in a large secondary school. Please give me a shout if you need similar for other areas - I have several waiting to upload and can adapt them for you.