a term describing how certain social categories (for example ethnicity, class, gender) can combine to create unique combinations of disadvantage or advantage

a text which explores and critiques particular problems in society

the unjust treatment of people based on the colour of their skin

unjust treatment of people based on their social class

a way of grouping people who share certain attributes for example ancestry or language

In what ways is ‘Leave Taking’ a social commentary on 1980s Britain?

English

Understanding intersectionality in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

The presentation of the matriarchy in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

The presentation of the male characters in Winsome Pinnock's in 'Leave Taking'

The presentation of Black British experiences in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

Using context in a 'Leave Taking' essay about intergenerational conflict

Planning an essay about coming of age in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

In 'Leave Taking: The Power of Education', pupils explored how a lack of Black representation in education and literature impacts sense of identity. In 'Leave Taking: An Intersectional Analysis', pupils focus on the specific experiences of Black Women in the play.

In this unit, pupls complete an intersectional analysis of 'Leave Taking'. They first learn about intersectionality, and then apply it to 'Leave Taking'. They look at 1980s Britian, matriarchy, male characters and Black British experiences before writing an essay about coming of age in the play.

Modern text: second deep dive

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

you can't refer to him because he isn't actually in the play

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', we hear out about a character called Gullyman. How could you refer to him in an analytical essay?

In Scene Six of Leave Taking, what one-word quotation does Mai use to describe how her son never felt?

A text which ignores particular problems in society

A text which critiques particular problems in society

A text which decreases particular problems in society

A text which celebrates particular problems in society

A text which explores particular problems in society

Some people argue 'Leave Taking' serves as a social commentary. What does it mean to be a social commentary?

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', how does Pinnock describe the Britain that her parents migrated to in 1959?

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Pinnock tells us that her mother and father divorced at a time when a "stigma" still surrounded such things. What does the word stigma mean?

She wanted to join her sister who already lived in London

Viv wanted the family to relocate so she could go to university

She and her husband dreamed of a better life in Britain

She wanted to join Mai who had already migrated

Migration served as one way out of rural poverty

Why did Enid, the heroine of 'Leave Taking', migrate to England?

Del was sick and Enid had to clear it up and then leave

Enid's boss wouldn't allow her to attend the Christmas party

Enid's husband faced racial discrimination at the party

One of Enid's colleagues was sick and Enid was told to clear it up

Brod turned up to the party drunk and embarrassed Enid

In Scene Two, Del reminds Enid about a work Christmas party Enid attended. What happened at this party?

He is angry at the "police vans hunting" him down because he is Black

Like Brod, he is angry at having to pay to become a British citizen

He is moving back to Jamaica because Brod encouraged him to

He migrated to England with nothing, and slowly secured economic stability

In Scene Two, Brod and Enid discuss one of their mutual friends, Gullyman. What does Brod say about this character?

friend of Brod and Enid's; the subject of a racist attack

Enid invites him over; Brod criticises him for lack of fervour

a Pastor who lives in Jamaica that Enid and Brod recall fondly

Enid's mother, with whom she had a difficult relationship

a young man who is not comfortable with his British identity

Pinnock includes a number of minor, off stage characters in 'Leave Taking'. Match each character to what we know about them.

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

In what ways is ‘Leave Taking’ a social commentary on 1980s Britain?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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