My Polish Teacher's Tie - teaching resource

My Polish Teacher’s Tie – GCSE Unit of Work
(Six-lesson teaching resource with PowerPoint and 8 worksheets)

This GCSE English Literature teaching resource focuses on Helen Dunmore’s short story My Polish Teacher’s Tie, part of the AQA GCSE English Anthology: Telling Tales. Designed for KS4 learners, this six-lesson unit of work explores the plot, characters, themes, and language through a range of engaging, differentiated activities.

The resource includes a fully editable PowerPoint and 8 accompanying worksheets, supporting a variety of classroom tasks aimed at developing close reading, analytical, and writing skills.

Resource Features & Activities:

• Group discussion tasks – exploring plot, characterisation, and themes

• Comprehension and consolidation – speaking & listening and extended written responses

• Character archetypes – analysing the roles and functions of key figures

• Carla Carter character study – extended writing tasks focusing on Carla’s development

• Exploring character change – evaluating relationships and growth

• Symbolism analysis – examining Helen Dunmore’s use of imagery and motifs

• Hot-seating activities – understanding the perspectives and motivations of key characters

• Theme discussions – including identity, cultural conflict, and immigration

This resource provides structured lessons to help learners understand the story’s deeper meanings and prepare for GCSE-style analysis tasks.

Perfect for classroom teaching, intervention, revision, or exam preparation, this unit equips students with the skills needed to analyse Dunmore’s narrative effectively and confidently.

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