Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 9
Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris
I can use Rufus Norris’s comments to explore how contrast, character, and staging choices create meaning.
- Year 9
Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris
I can use Rufus Norris’s comments to explore how contrast, character, and staging choices create meaning.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Norris explains that the second half of Act 1 is where the characters’ stories start to intertwine.
- Norris highlights the theatrical transition from Arthur’s death to the war’s end as a striking use of juxtaposition.
- Norris suggests that Hortense is a flawed and complex character.
- Norris emphasises the effective use of staging in moving deftly between the different settings and situations.
- Rufus Norris ends Act 1 with the iconic Windrush image to create a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings.
Keywords
Juxtaposition - putting two very different things side by side to highlight contrast or create meaning
Flawed - having weaknesses or faults, like making mistakes or bad choices
Deft - showing skill or being clever and quick in the way something is done
Iconic - very famous and easily recognised; representing something important or special
Explicitly - clearly and directly stated, with no confusion or doubt
Common misconception
A flawed character is someone who is always unlikeable or hard to relate to.
In reality, flawed characters often have human weaknesses that make them more believable or even sympathetic, much like the character of Hortense.
To help you plan your year 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Scene 4 begins with the chorus singing (1:10:45). Act 1 ends in a blackout (1:36:15).
Content guidance
- Contains strong language
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Language may offend
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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