Considering perspective in 'Sweet Jamaica'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the meaning of a song.
Key learning points
- 'Sweet Jamaica' was written by Lord Kitchener in London, 1952, four years after his arrival on HMT Empire Windrush.
- ‘Sweet Jamaica’ shows a change in perspective from Lord Kitchener, after he had spent time in London.
- The song creates negative imagery in its lyrics, portraying themes of regret, nostalgia and homesickness.
- By exploring the context, themes and perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of the song.
Keywords
Imagery - the use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader's senses, creating vivid mental pictures and enhancing the emotional impact of the poem
Perspective - the point of view or position from which the artist writes, influencing the way events or ideas are portrayed and understood
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
Context - the setting or background that helps us to understand something better
Common misconception
Pupils may feel that the Windrush experience was overly negative. Many people from the Caribbean experienced racial discrimination and found themselves in very challenging circumstances.
There were some positives that occurred as a result, including the setting up of the Notting Hill Carnival. Pupils may wish to explore this further.
Teacher tip
You may wish to allow for time to play the song several times throughout the session. Additional songs by Lord Kitchener could be played at other times during the school day.
Equipment
You need a copy of the lyrics & recording of ‘Sweet Jamaica’ by Lord Kitchener which is featured on the 2013 Honest Jon’s Records album ‘London Is The Place For Me’ for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the most suitable definition of an impression?
Q2.According to the song 'London is the Place for Me', where is Lord Kitchener's residence?
Q3.True or false? According to the song 'London is the Place for Me', Lord Kitchener was looking forward to staying in London.
Q4.What best describes the atmosphere of the song 'London is the Place for Me'?
Q5.Which of the following strategies are useful when finding the definition of an unknown or unfamiliar word?
Q6.Which of the following are suitable definitions of the adjective sweet?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the following events in chronological order.
Q2.Match these nouns from the song to the correct definitions.
a booklet issued during times when it was hard to get hold of items
traditional Jamaican dish made from the fruit ackee and salted cod
a well-known tourist destination in Jamaica
Q3.Match each keyword to the correct definition.
use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader's senses
the point of view or position from which the artist writes
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
the setting or background that helps us to understand something better
Q4.Which of the following statements are true?
Q5.What themes do you think are shown within the song?
Q6.True or false? Many people from the Caribbean experienced racial discrimination and struggled to find suitable housing.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Considering perspective in 'Sweet Jamaica', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Considering perspective in 'Sweet Jamaica', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Poetry about migration unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.