This scheme of work has been devised for the first half term [September to October] and covers six weeks of lessons. [Jenny's students were timetabled for four lessons each week and hence the layout of this project by week but there is plenty of flexibility in the schedule (including two weeks, 1 and 6, in which the fourth lesson is for contingency/catchup).

The resource is designed to prepare students for early GCSE entry in November and June but the resource can be used all year round and the lessons changed around to suit the needs of your own students. Indeed, you may wish to supplement your students' learning with your own resources, presentations and games etc.

Some forward planning is advised ... for sourcing the extracts and video clips suggested in the lesson plans, and for photocopying worksheets etc. And note, that if you follow Jenny's schedule, then lesson 1 in week 3 requires a Victoria sponge!

Jenny suggests that at least one lesson be spent on establishing SAP
[Purpose, Audience and Style] - for example, splitting the class into teams and giving them a wide range of paper based resources [magazines, newspapers etc] and asking them to establish SAP for each article, feature etc. This could possibly be completed as a team activity concluding in group presentations.

Teachers familiar with previous AQA schemes might find it useful to go through the paper which covered life in California during the Depression. This is possibly the most difficult paper that has been set in recent years but good for preparing current students for the worst case scenario!

Download the scheme of work and short term lesson plans