when there is a focus on European culture or history, ignoring or excluding cultures and history from the wider world

the learning that occurs outside formal settings; a lifelong education in which you learn about yourself and the world

teaching and learning that happens in institutions and follows a particular curriculum

an English poet (1887-1915) remembered particularly for his poetry about World War One

the way in which a character changes, transforms or develops over the course of a text

Viv's relationship with the education system in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

English

In 'Leave Taking: the power of education', pupils explored how a lack of Black representation in education and literature impacts sense of identity. In 'Leave Taking: an intersectional analysis', pupils focus on the specific experiences of Black Women in the play.

In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the themes of immigration and identity in the play. In 'Leave Taking: The Importance of Literature', pupils explore how a lack of representation in literature and other educational materials negatively impacts on sense of self.

In this unit, pupils do a deep dive into the role of education in 'Leave Taking'. They first look at how education is presented, and how Viv and Del experience it differently. They then think about what Pinnock might be communicating about education, before preparing and writing an essay about it.

Modern text: first deep dive

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', which two writers does Viv quote?

A {{ }} is the term used to define how a character changes, transforms or develops over the course of a text.

she is making a joke as Enid cleans the floor

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Viv quotes from 'Macbeth', a Shakespeare play. She says "Out, out damned spot." Why does she say this?

this poem also features in 'Macbeth', that Viv quoted from earlier

to draw attention to Viv's Eurocentric knowledge base

it is a poem about being a second generation migrant

its patriotism contrasts with Viv's feelings about England

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Enid quotes from Rupert Brooke's poem, 'The Soldier'. Why does Pinnock choose this poem in particular?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Viv quotes from Shakespeare. Enid repeats the quotation as she cleans the floor and Viv says, "It's not a {{ }} spell".

she asks her if she knows who Nanny of the Maroons is

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Viv quotes from a poem of Rupert Brooke. How does Enid respond to Viv's recitation of this poem?

In 'Leave Taking', which character suggests that Viv should question what she is being taught at school?

learning that occurs outside a formal setting

a focus on European culture, ignoring culture from the wider world

Match these key words to their definitions. Each word helps us understand Pinnock's exploration of education in 'Leave Taking'.

How does Scene Two of 'Leave Taking' begin?

is taken to an obeah reading; wants to ask about her exam results

expresses that she wants to take a gap year

Viv appears in five scenes of 'Leave Taking'. Match her scenes to their plot points.

Enid has agreed that she can take a gap year

she wants to become an obeah woman rather than go to university

she wants to rebel against the formal education system

Why does Viv skip one of her A Level exams in Scene Five of 'Leave Taking'?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Enid and Brod disagree about the value of of Del and Viv knowing about their Jamaican heritage. Brod says, "You {{ }} these girls all wrong."

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Viv's relationship with the education system in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.