Literary Heritage: Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about two young lovers. You MUST include in the essay:

• analsyis of quotations
• comment the historical context
• comparison with your other text

A brief video of the plot/overview can be found here.
The Sparknotes page is very useful.  BBC bitesize is also useful. Universal teacher has extensive notes on the play (though should be noted that this is designed with the old GCSE in mind).

This is an example taken from a lesson. Its question is specific to the class group, but is helpful when considering what needs to be included in the essay; there is even a success criteria for each aspect of a paragraph.

Romeo and Juliet strong emotion question

View more presentations from MsCaldwell

Finally, if you are struggling to understand some of the play, look at No Fear Shakespeare; this will give you a modern translation of the play.

Frequently Asked Questions Y10

How is this GCSE arranged?
There are two courses that are offered for English GCSEs.
Course 1
Most pupils in KS4 will follow this course. There are two GCSEs available: English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE. To see the overview for these GCSEs please click here.
Course 2
Some pupils will complete a single GCSE course. The requirements of the National Curriculum mean that either English Language or English Literature cannot be completed individually so a single GCSE is offered. This course is allocated in Y11 and is not part of Y10 teaching. To see the overview for this course please click here.
What are Controlled Assessments?
Controlled Assessments replace the old coursework. They are written in exam conditions in the classroom.
Will pupils know the text that they need to write about in the Controlled Assessment?
Yes. Your child will have studied the text in class and have been given supporting homework.
What happens if a pupil misses a lesson towards the Controlled Assessment?
The pupil should ask their teacher for missed work and information.
What happens if a pupil misses the Controlled Assessment?
There will be catch-up sessions on offer. However, as not to interrupt important learning in other subjects or further work in English, these may need to be completed after school or in the holiday.
What texts will pupils study?
There are a range of texts that pupils will study. English teachers teach the texts that they both specialise in and that best meet the needs of the class. Pupils should ask their teacher individually about the texts they will study over the course. All pupils will study at least one Shakespeare play and another text from the Literary Heritage. As there is a crossover between Of Mice and Men for Language and Literature, pupils will study this text.
What is the Literary Heritage?
Literary Heritage are the selection of books/authors that the National Curriculum specifies that pupils should learn about. These authors are selected because 'pupils (should) understand the importance of texts over time' and the authors have 'an enduring appeal that transcends the period in which they were writing and (...) have played a significant role in the development of literature in English' (National Curriculum programme of study).

Literary Heritage: Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy. Pupils could look at the characterisation, strong emotion, conflict or other set tasks. All writing should be analytical and not tell the story (a frequent error). 

This slideshow will show you examples of PEE+:

Macbeth PEE+ example

View more presentations from MsCaldwell

Useful Links

Context (AO4) is often neglected, but is essential ensure a complete understanding of the text. These links will help you with context for Macbeth (and other Shakespeare plays):

• the divine right of Kings and James I (this is a radio show)
• witches in 16oo
• the rights of women site.

Here is a 10 minute film overview of the play.

Look at the sparknotes study guide.

Struggling to understand what is being said? Have a look at No Fear Shakespeare.This translates the text for you so you can have a better understanding.