Afternoons - teaching resource

Afternoons by Philip Larkin – WJEC Eduqas GCSE Poetry Anthology Teaching Resource

This detailed two-lesson mini-unit focuses on Philip Larkin’s poem Afternoons, as featured in the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology. Designed to help students develop a deep understanding of the poem, this resource also explains how to compare it effectively with other anthology poems in the GCSE exam.

The teaching pack includes a 47-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and four accompanying worksheets with a variety of engaging and exam-focused activities.

Lesson One:

• Context: Introduction to Philip Larkin and the social background of 1950s Britain

• First Reading: Guided discussion of Afternoons with comprehension questions and example answers

• Imagery: Detailed analysis of imagery and meaning, supported by model responses

Lesson Two:

• Language: Exploring Larkin’s poetic techniques and vocabulary choices

• Structure & Form: Analysing how structure and form shape meaning

• Themes: Examining central ideas and interpretations

• Exam Focus: Comparing Afternoons with To Autumn and guidance on writing a strong comparison essay

Fully editable and easily adaptable, this resource is ideal for classroom teaching, homework, intervention, and revision, ensuring students are well-prepared for the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature exam.

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