A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems
I can explain similarities and differences between poets' viewpoints.
A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems
I can explain similarities and differences between poets' viewpoints.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Poppies' can be compared to many of the other war poems in the anthology.
- Unlike other war poems, 'Poppies' focuses on the relatives of soldiers who go off to war.
- 'Poppies' could be compared with poems that explore inner conflict and themes of loss.
- It's important to choose poems that complement each other and avoid tenuous links.
- Comparative language enables us to signpost the similarities and differences between two poems.
Keywords
Futility - uselessness, pointlessness or ineffectiveness
Periphery - the outer edges or boundary of something
Tenuous - lacking a strong basis, support, or clarity; weak or easily challenged
Complement - when something supports something else or makes it more effective
In media res - a story begins in the middle of the action without any exposition or introduction
Common misconception
Poppies is a poem about a mother whose son died during WWI.
Although Poppies are a symbol of remembrance for those who died in WWI, Weir uses her poem to draw attention to the many conflicts that have occurred throughout history. It isn't clear which conflict the son is heading off to fight in.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems, 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 4 english lessons from the Conflict poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel GCSE Conflict Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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