Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy - Edexcel - teaching resource

Valentine – Edexcel GCSE Poetry Relationships Anthology

This two-lesson mini-unit provides an in-depth study of Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Valentine’, a key poem from the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Relationships Anthology. Designed for classroom teaching, revision, and exam preparation, this comprehensive resource helps students develop close reading and analytical skills while preparing for comparative essay writing.

The resource includes a 42-slide fully editable PowerPoint and three accompanying worksheets, featuring 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 – A video reading of the poem with comprehension and consolidation tasks, plus 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 unconventional imagery and extended metaphors

• Themes – Analysing love, honesty, passion, heartbreak, and marriage

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

• Exam Preparation – Comparing Valentine with Sonnet 43 and developing comparative 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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