A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

To convey means to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly.

Discrimination is treating a person or group of people differently and unfairly because of a certain characteristic.

Adversity can be described as challenges, prejudice, and hardships a person had to confront and overcome in their life.

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Coming To England’

English

In 'Coming to England’ pupils read from the perspective of a young girl. In ’Poetry about migration’ pupils will study the Windrush and its impact and legacy through song lyrics, deepening their awareness and understanding of the historical context.

In ’Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story’ pupils read about a series of historical events through the fictionalised perspective of a real person. In ’Coming to England’ pupils read about the Windrush Generation and Britain post-Second-World-War through a memoir written by Floella Benjamin.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the autobiographical memoir, 'Coming To England'. They engage with the cultural and historical context of the text and explore the imagery used to depict the setting and characters. Finally, pupils engage with the key themes of migration and discrimination.

'Coming To England': reading

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

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

treating a person differently because of a certain characteristic

Match the following keywords to their definition.

challenges, prejudice and hardships a person has to overcome in their life

 a consideration and interpretation of a reading experience

the long-lasting impact of particular events that took place in someone's life

Which of the following is a suitable definition of **adversity**?

Floella was a competitive child. Which race did she win for her school house on Sports Day?

Floella was aware of lessons where she did not feel confident. What creature does Floella compare her art teacher to?

Floella is competitive. She used to try to get Junior's food from his plate

Floella came top of her form in many subjects, including French and history.

Floella captained many clubs. She encouraged others to do well.

Floella and her family experienced discrimination at church.

Floella performed at the Christmas concert solo. She received huge applause.

Order the following events from Chapter 15. Place in chronological order.

Which of the following could be considered themes of 'Coming to England'?

An inspiring true story celebrating the Windrush Generation

Match the following details from the front cover of the text.

True or False? Floella Benjamin's experience of England in 1960 was entirely positive.

to overstate something for dramatic effect

a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with

a character's thoughts not spoken out loud

What is a suitable definition of a **theme** within a text?

True or False? 'Coming to England' is an autobiographical memoir.

delicate, nuanced expression or behaviour; not obvious or explicit

remaining food from a meal; what is uneaten

the throat; the passage through which food passes into the stomach

a cruel and oppressive ruler who abuses power

someone pretending to have virtues or beliefs they do not possess

expressed joy or happiness; celebrated with delight

 respect and approval; regarding someone or something with esteem

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Coming To England’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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