Inspired by: Farther - Week 5

The curriculum includes a poignant exploration of the renowned poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, where students are encouraged to delve into the art of memorising and interpreting poetry. The activity involves examining the poem's use of symbols, such as poppies and larks, and discussing their possible representations and the poem's overarching themes, including the notion of passing the torch and the bravery required to persevere. Pupils then collaborate to perform the poem, deepening their connection to the text and its historical context. In a creative extension of this learning, students are tasked with writing their own war poetry, drawing inspiration from both historical and modern experiences of conflict, and incorporating powerful themes like hope, despair, fear, and comradeship.

Further activities focus on refining students' understanding of grammar and punctuation to enhance writing. One such activity involves analysing the use of dashes in a sentence from the book "FArTHER" by Grahame Baker-Smith, to emphasise, interrupt, or signify a change in thought. By comparing sentences with and without dashes, students observe the impact of punctuation on tone and meaning. Another learning opportunity presents itself in "Old Wings Made New," where students infer characters' feelings, thoughts, and motives from their actions within the illustrations, justifying their inferences with evidence. This activity prompts students to compare the father and son's approach to constructing their wings, drawing conclusions about the characters' traits and the outcomes of their endeavours.