Poetry from different cultures and traditions, can be met by resistance from some pupils. Teacher Kelly McGlinn demonstrates the strategies she uses to encourage KS4 pupils to engage with Tom Leonard's Glaswegian poem 'Unrelated Incidents' (aka 'The Six O'Clock News') and 'Half-Caste' by the Guyanan poet John Agard. The poems are brought to life through the use of video, which the pupils respond well to. Working in groups, the class feedback their thoughts on the subject, purpose, emotion and craft of the poem. The pupils then present the drawings, collages and poems that they have created for homework, in response to 'Half-Caste'.

Video Series: KS4 English
Release Date 2005