The overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.

The process of creating and developing characters. This can be through dialogue and physical description.

In essays, this means your points will be well sequenced.

Using theatrical techniques to write and produce plays. This includes things like setting and lighting. 

Refers to the specific techniques used in plays to create theatrical effects e.g direct address.

Planning and writing a 'Small Island' essay

English

In 'Small Island', pupils explore the ways in which transferring Levy's novel onto the stage enables both the playwright and the director to powerfully evoke its ideas about race, identity and belonging. In 'Leave Taking', pupils build on their learning about the Windrush Generation to explore the cultural and generational conflicts, that can arise as a result of migration. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils examine the roles of Caliban and Ariel and how they are treated as outsiders, questioning who has a rightful claim to the island. In 'Small Island', pupils look at the play in the context of the Windrush generation and through the lens of key themes, including identity and belonging.  

'Small Island'

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

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

What are the key words in the following question: How does Edmundson explore the theme of identity in ‘Small Island’? 

Overarching argument, supported by the whole text.

The first sentence of a paragraph; the paragraph's main idea.

References to the text which support your topic sentence.

The final sentence of a paragraph; concludes the paragraph’s ideas. 

Match each section of the planning grid to its purpose.

What does a successful topic sentence include? 

they should be written in full sentences 

you can include main and supporting quotations

What is not true of supporting details when planning your response? 

How many parts are there to an effective introduction? 

{{}} is the skill in using theatrical techniques to write and produce plays. This includes things like setting and lighting. 

The first sentence of a paragraph. It states the paragraph’s main idea.

The final sentence of a paragraph. It concludes the paragraph’s main idea.

At the end of 'Small Island' Queenie's baby becomes a symbol of...

Which character from 'Small Island' is most hopeful about the promise the 'Mother Country' will hold? 

Refers to the specific techniques used in plays to create theatrical effects.

The skill in using theatrical techniques to write and produce plays.

 The process of creating and developing a fictional identity in a text.

What is the meaning of the word 'characterisation'? 

"In England I will have a big house with a bell on the front door"

"I will be a teacher, greeted with manners and respect"

Match the characters from 'Small Island' to the quotes they say. 

Complete the following quotation from the the final scene of 'Small Island': "The lights fade down until there is only a {{}} on this baby"

Content guidance

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.

Planning and writing a 'Small Island' essay

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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