Valentine - WJEC Eduqas - teaching resource

Valentine – WJEC Eduqas GCSE Poetry Anthology

This two-lesson mini-unit provides a detailed study of Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Valentine’, a key poem from the WJEC Eduqas GCSE Poetry Anthology. Perfect for classroom teaching, revision, and exam preparation, this comprehensive resource helps students develop analytical skills by exploring the poem’s language, imagery, themes, and structure, while preparing for comparative essay writing.

The resource includes a 42-slide fully editable PowerPoint and three accompanying worksheets, with engaging activities, model answers, and structured tasks suitable for learners of all abilities.

Lesson One

• Context – An introduction to Carol Ann Duffy and the background of Valentine

• First Reading – Guided reading and comprehension tasks with suggested answers

• Language & Imagery – Analysing Duffy’s language choices, symbolism, and poetic techniques

• Essay Writing – An exam-style essay question with a sample model response

Lesson Two

• Imagery & Symbolism – Exploring Duffy’s distinctive use of metaphor and unconventional imagery

• Themes – Analysing love, passion, honesty, rejection, and relationships

• Structure & Form – Understanding Duffy’s free verse form and structural techniques

• Exam Focus – Comparing Valentine with Sonnet 43 and developing comparison essay-writing skills

This resource is fully editable and can be adapted to suit different abilities, teaching styles, and classroom needs.

To preview Valentine in detail, select “View All Slides” and click on the images.

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