pull out the key information and ideas from the text

an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge

a central idea of a text that the author wants us to think deeply about

a formal discussion about a question or subject held in public

Beowulf and the dragon

English

Beowulf begins his quest

Beowulf among the Danes

Characterisation of Beowulf and Grendel

Beowulf faces a new foe

Beowulf completes his Danish mission

Beowulf's burial

In 'Beowulf’, pupils read and discussed the tale. In ’Beowulf Narrative Writing’, they will use the book as a stimulus for writing.

In 'Blackberry Blue’, pupils read and discussed the features of a traditional tale. In ’Beowulf’, pupils develop their understanding of traditional tales by discussing and reading a classic.

In this unit, pupils read and explore a translation and adaptation of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They explore the language and the context of the poem and then explore and discuss the chapters sequentially, gaining strong comprehension.

'Beowulf': reading

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Match the following words to their meanings.

Which character stole treasure from the dragon, provoking it to attack?

Which of the following are destroyed by the dragon's fiery breath?

because the other warriors have sworn to protect him

Why does Wiglaf not want Beowulf to fight the dragon alone?

Who lands the blow that kills the dragon?

ensure that a barrow is built to commemorate him

bring the warriors to him so he can tell them off

What two things does Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do as he lies dying?

Who currently rules Geatland at this point of the poem?

What has Beowulf achieved on his mission?

How does Hrothgar feel about Beowulf leaving Denmark?

he should return again to Grendel's mother's lair to bring back her head

What does Hrothgar suggest should happen to Beowulf?

Beowulf and the dragon

Lesson outcome

Content guidance