Winsome Pinnock introduces ‘Leave Taking’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Winsome Pinnock’s insights to explore and develop my understanding of the context, setting and themes of 'Leave Taking'.
Key learning points
- Pinnock explains that many Caribbean immigrants believed Britain was their “mother country.”
- Pinnock suggests that Enid’s daughters feel torn between being British and being Caribbean.
- Pinnock says Enid is strict because she fears how Black youth were treated in Britain.
- Pinnock says we should look underneath the characters’ words and notice the subtext, what they really want or feel.
- Pinnock says the play invites us to think about the world today and make connections with the characters’ experiences.
Keywords
Hybrid - a mix of two different things; for example, combining Caribbean and British culture
Criminalised - when an action, group, or behaviour is made illegal, or when someone is portrayed as criminal
Liberated - giving freedom; allowing people to do what they want or express themselves
Stereotype - a fixed, simple idea about a group of people that is often untrue or unfair
Subtext - what a character really feels or means, even if they don’t say it directly
Common misconception
The play is only about the past or historical events.
Pinnock emphasises that the play connects past and present. It explores immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and family relationships, showing issues that are still relevant today.
Teacher tip
You may wish to share images from Michael McMillan’s exhibition The West Indian Front Room, which Pinnock mentions, to give pupils extra context and deepen their understanding.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is obeah?
Q2.In 'Leave Taking', which characters are part of the generation that immigrated from Jamaica to Britain?
Q3.Which word can be described as: when a country establishes control over another country, exploiting it for economic gain.
Q4.In 'Leave Taking', why does Enid visit Mai?
Q5.Which definition best fits the term ‘generation’?
Q6.Which of the following from 'Leave Taking' is an example of a second-generation person balancing two cultures?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which words did Pinnock use to describe Mai's flat in 'Leave Taking'?
Q2.Which word can be described as: what is implied or felt by a character but not directly expressed?
Q3.Pinnock says the time in which 'Leave Taking' was written was hopeful because:
Q4.Which of the following from 'Leave Taking', shows the daughters’ hybrid identity?
Q5.According to Pinnock, Enid from 'Leave Taking' saw herself as:
Q6.Why does Pinnock suggest that Enid is strict with her daughters in 'Leave Taking'?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Winsome Pinnock introduces ‘Leave Taking’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Winsome Pinnock introduces ‘Leave Taking’, 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 4 English lessons from the Leave Taking: a sense of belonging unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.