The Charge of the Light Brigade - teaching resource

The Charge of the Light Brigade – AQA GCSE Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology

This two-lesson mini-unit offers a detailed study of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, a key poem from the AQA GCSE Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology. Ideal for classroom teaching, revision, and exam preparation, this comprehensive resource helps students develop close analytical skills and compare the poem with others from the anthology.

The resource includes a 55-slide fully editable PowerPoint and five accompanying worksheets, designed to engage learners and deepen understanding of the poem’s context, language, themes, and structure.

Lesson One

• Context – An introduction to the Battle of Balaclava, the Light Brigade’s ill-fated charge, and the Crimean War as the first “media war”

• First Reading – A guided reading of The Charge of the Light Brigade with glossary, comprehension questions, and model answers

• Language & Imagery – In-depth analysis of Tennyson’s poetic techniques and key quotations

• Essay Writing – An exam-style essay question with an example model response

Lesson Two

• Imagery & Poetic Devices – Exploring Tennyson’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism

• Themes – Analysing heroism, patriotism, loyalty, and sacrifice

• Structure & Form – Understanding rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and Tennyson’s narrative techniques

• Exam Focus – Comparing The Charge of the Light Brigade with Bayonet Charge and practising comparison essay skills

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

To preview the full resource, select “View All Slides” and click on the images.

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