Understanding the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson
I can explain how Carson conveys the chaos of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Understanding the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson
I can explain how Carson conveys the chaos of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Carson lived in Belfast during the height of The Troubles.
- The Troubles was a 30-year conflict between Nationalists and Unionists.
- Belfast Confetti was the slang name given to homemade bombs.
- The poem discusses the impact of the The Troubles on people living in Belfast.
- Carson uses different punctuation symbols to explore the overwhelming emotions we associate with war.
Keywords
Exacerbated - made worse or more severe, intensifying existing problems or conflicts
Civil war - conflict within a country involving opposing groups, often leading to widespread violence and destruction
Paramilitary - armed group operating like military but not officially recognised by the government
The Troubles - period of conflict in Northern Ireland characterised by sectarian violence and political tensions
Sectarian - divisions or conflicts between religious or political groups, often marked by intolerance or hostility
Common misconception
The Troubles was a war that occurred between the armies of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The Troubles were fought in Northern Ireland between the unionists (who wanted NI to remain in the UK) and the nationalists (who wanted NI to join the ROI). Most of the fighting occurred between paramilitary groups.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson. This can be found in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
made worse or more severe, intensifying existing problems or conflicts
a conflict within a country involving opposing groups
divisions between religious/political groups, often hostile or violent
separates a list or examples
poses a question
joins words or parts of a sentence
shows excitement or fear
links to extra information
pauses at the end of a sentence