reflecting on past experiences with fondness

recollections of the past that shape our history and identity

something that is open to interpretation because it could have multiple meanings

offering comfort, support or confidence to alleviate concerns

Understanding the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse

English

In 'AQA Love and Relationships Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of love and relationships. In 'AQA Love and Relationships Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explore how Angelou uses her poetry to present strong relationships to people and place. In 'AQA Love and Relationships Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different relationships have been presented across time.

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Love and Relationships' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in four groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Poetry anthology: first study

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

The poet of 'Climbing My Grandfather', Andrew Waterhouse, was a passionate...

Someone who climbs a mountain named after their grandfather.

Someone reminiscing about climbing up their grandfather's body as a child.

Someone who climbs a mountain to sprinkle their grandfather's ashes.

Someone climbing the stairs to say goodnight to their grandfather.

Someone who is climbing a ladder that used to belong to their grandfather.

What is the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' about?

Reflecting on past experiences with fondness

Recollections of the past that shape our history & identity

Something that is unclear or open to interpretation

Offering comfort or support to alleviate concerns

Match up each of these words to the correct definition.

The speaker's climb becomes more difficult and dangerous.

The speaker reaches the summit (top) feeling exhausted yet triumphant.

Starting with the first, put the journey of 'Climbing My Grandfather' in chronological order.

In 'Climbing My Grandfather', which of these quotations presents the grandfather as a mysterious figure?

In 'Climbing My Grandfather', which of these quotations presents the grandfather as a reassuring figure?

when someone writes about the life of a fictional character

when someone writes about someone else's life

the background information that we need to understand a text

comparing things by finding similarities in their qualities

comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'

a poem that doesn't rhyme or have a regular rhythm

using language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind

Match each of the poetry terms to the correct definition.

Read through the poem and form an initial idea of what you think it is about.

Highlight key words or language techniques you spot.

Re-read the analysis question and select some relevant key quotes from the poem.

Make a brief plan to ensure your response has a clear and logical strructure.

Write an overview, summing up your answer to the analysis question.

Write your analysis paragraphs, exploring how the writer uses language.

Read your response carefully after writing, checking for any inaccuracies.

Below are the steps you should take when analysing a poem for the first time. Starting with the first, put them in chronological order.

it helps you to understand the poet's message

it helps you to decide whether or not you like the poem

it helps you to decide which poem(s) you could compare it to in your exam

Select the **two** missing answers below to complete this sentence: It's important to consider the mood and emotive tone of a poem because {{ }} and {{ }}.

Which of these words means 'fond memories of the past'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Understanding the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.