The Darkness Out There - teaching resource

The Darkness Out There – GCSE Unit of Work

(Nine-lesson teaching resource with PowerPoint and 15 worksheets)

This GCSE English Literature teaching resource focuses on Penelope Lively’s short story The Darkness Out There, included in the AQA GCSE English Anthology: Telling Tales. Designed for KS4 learners, this nine-lesson unit of work explores the plot, characters, themes, and language of the story through a range of engaging, differentiated activities.

The resource includes a fully editable PowerPoint and 15 accompanying worksheets, helping students develop the close reading, analytical, and writing skills needed for GCSE success.

Resource Features & Activities:

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

• Comprehension & consolidation tasks – includes a Speaking & Listening activity (Sandra’s telephone call) and a written diary/blog task

• Character comparisons – using a Sandra vs. Kerry Venn diagram to explore differences and similarities

• Character analysis – focusing on Mrs Rutter’s first impressions and transformation through extended writing

• Exploring character development – examining how Sandra and Kerry change during the story

• Fairy tale influences – analysing Penelope Lively’s subtle use of the genre

• Symbolism and imagery – studying how light and darkness are used to create mood and meaning

• Theme discussions – stereotypes, appearance vs. reality, and morality

• Language analysis – exploring Lively’s use of formal and informal language, similes, and metaphors

This unit provides structured, interactive lessons to help students build a deeper understanding of the text and prepare for GCSE-style exam responses.

Perfect for classroom teaching, revision, intervention, or exam preparation, this resource equips learners with the analytical skills required for the GCSE English Literature exam

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