A comprehensive 20 lesson KS3 unit of work exploring Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with resources that can also be adapted for KS4. The unit introduces students to the play and its historical context before progressing through each act. Students encounter a range of activities, recall questions, close analysis and creative tasks designed to help them understand both the events of the play and Shakespeare’s presentation of key ideas and characters.

Students develop their ability to:
Read and understand a challenging Shakespearean play
Develop their understanding of Shakespeare’s language
Explore characterisation and relationships
Analyse how Shakespeare presents key characters
Explore themes and ideas throughout the play
Analyse Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic techniques
Select and analyse relevant quotations
Explore the significance of key scenes and moments
Consider historical and contextual influences
Develop analytical and evaluative responses
Use evidence effectively to support interpretations
Respond creatively to characters, events and situations in the play
Develop planning and writing skills
Reflect on and assess their own work

What’s Included?
20 detailed, ready to teach lessons
Lessons covering each act of the play
Questions and activities for each act
Recall questions for every lesson
A range of analytical and discussion activities
Close analysis of key scenes and extracts
Character and relationship activities
Contextual information and activities
Shakespeare’s language and terminology activities
A variety of creative writing tasks
Model paragraphs and writing support
Planning activities and scaffolded writing tasks
2 assessments: 1 reading assessment on Caliban and 1 creative writing assessment on a Shipwreck
Assessment preparation lessons
Self assessment activities
Reflection and plenary activities
A homework sheet of 24 homework tasks of varying difficulties. Pupils are to choose one task each week to complete that matches their confidence and ability.