a poem that describes or responds to an image or sculpture.

a group of words related by meaning, often within a specific context or topic.

studies human society, behavior, and institutions, analysing patterns, structures, and relationships.

judgements regarding right and wrong actions, often influencing behaviour and decision-making.

reduced sensitivity or emotional response, often due to repeated exposure to stimuli.

Understanding the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti

English

In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of power and conflict. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils explore how poets present the atrocities of World War One through their poetry. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different wars have been presented through poetry.

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons on each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative and thematic lessons at key points in the unit.

Poetry anthology: first study

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

a Japanese poem with 3 lines, 17 syllables, typically evoking nature and seasons

a narrative poem with alternating rhyme, telling stories of love and adventure

poetry without strict rhyme or meter, allowing for freedom of expression

a poem that describes or responds to an image or sculpture

how people deal with traumatic situations.

the moral implications of war and suffering.

the stories people tell about themselves.

As well as a poet, Carole Satyamurti was also a sociologist who was particularly interested in...

Which of these feelings might a war photographer experience when they think about their job?

Suffering is less shocking because they are exposed to it everyday as their job.

They will focus only on their deadlines and getting paid.

They won't often experience the suffering firsthand.

They will have been trained to distance themselves from their subjects.

Why might a war photographer become desensitised to the suffering people experience in warzones?

Complete the missing phrase in this sentence: 'The words "frame", "subject", "picture" and "caption" are all from the {{}} of photography in Satyamurti's 'War Photographer'.'

Which of these quotations from 'War Photographer' suggests that the "girl['s]" story (when she runs from the bomb) has been misunderstood when reported in the media?

'A struggle between opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions within oneself.' Which type of conflict is being described here?

repetition of words at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses

vivid descriptions appealing to senses, creating mental images

comparison using "like" or "as" to show similarity between two different things

a group of lines forming a unit in a poem, sharing common patterns

arrangement of elements within a poem, including stanzas and rhythm

overall pattern of a type of poem, including rhyme and poetic devices

Match each of these poetic terms to the correct definition.

Starting with the first, put these periods of conflict into chronological order.

strong desires that drive someone's actions, often related to achievements

personal judgements on matters, often subjective and influenced by experiences

standards or goals that are considered perfect or desirable, guiding ambitions

emotions triggered by perceived threats or dangers, causing anxiety

principles or beliefs about what is right or wrong, guiding behaviour

contrary to reason or logic; ridiculous or wildly unreasonable

feeling uneasy or apprehensive about something uncertain or imminent

easily seen through or understood; clear, honest, and straightforward

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

Understanding the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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