Introducing the context of 'No Country'
I can infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.
Introducing the context of 'No Country'
I can infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘No Country’ is a fictional graphic novel text written by Joe Brady and illustrated by Patrice Aggs.
- The text focuses on the lives of one family as they try to navigate the challenges of a civil war.
- Graphic novels tell a complete story with illustrations in panels; gutters are the spaces between panels.
- Graphic novels include many features (including callouts) to inform the reader of what is happening.
- Readers sometimes have to infer what has happened, rather than being told by the author or illustrator.
Keywords
Graphic novel - a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels
Panel - a distinct section or frame that contains a specific scene or moment in the story
Gutter - the space between panels
Inference - to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
Common misconception
The quote on page 3 refers to violence, war and persecution. Pupils may be unsure about some/all of these terms.
Depending on the context of the class, appropriate definitions can be provided to better contextualise the introduction to the text.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Introducing the context of 'No Country', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Introducing the context of 'No Country', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the 'No Country' and 'Frizzy': graphic novels exploring identity and belonging unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 David Fickling Books edition of ‘No Country’, written by Joe Brady and illustrated by Patrice Aggs, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a form of text combining words and images in long-form art panels
a frame that contains a specific scene in the story
the space between panels
to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
Patrice Aggs
Joe Brady
David Fickling Books
No Country
sections of the text that we enjoy
sections of the text that don’t reflect our values and preferences
sections of the text that we are curious to find out more about