The role of Jamaica in 'Leave Taking'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how different characters' perceptions of Jamaica influence their identities and experiences in the UK.
Key learning points
- Jamaica influences characters' identities, even though it's not physically present on stage.
- Brod idealises Jamaica, seeing it as a symbol of resistance and beauty.
- Enid views Jamaica pragmatically, shaped by poverty and hardship.
- Viv is curious about Jamaica, influenced by others' conflicting views.
- Characters' perceptions of Jamaica shape their sense of belonging.
Keywords
Nostalgia - a sentimental longing or affection for the past, often idealising it
Imperialism - a policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonisation or military force
Belonging - a feeling of being connected to or accepted by a particular group, place or community
Pragmatic - dealing with situations in a practical and realistic way, based on practical considerations rather than ideals
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all characters view Jamaica as an idealised homeland.
Explain that while Brod and Mai idealise Jamaica, Enid's more cynical view highlights the hardships she faced there, creating tension between characters' perspectives.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to explore how personal experiences shape individual perspectives on cultural identity to deepen analysis during class discussions.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.
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 term for a feeling of sentimental longing for the past?
Q2.Which word describes a realistic and practical approach to challenges?
Q3.In 'Leave Taking', what does Brod keep up-to-date to signify his connection to Jamaica?
Q4.In 'Leave Taking', how does Brod primarily view Jamaica?
Q5.What is being described here 'a policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonisation or military force'?
Q6.In 'Leave Taking', which historical figure does Brod use to symbolise Jamaican resistance?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What off-stage setting do the characters in 'Leave Taking' often reference?
Q2.In 'Leave Taking', which character expresses a desire to visit Jamaica firsthand having never been there before?
Q3.In 'Leave Taking', what does Enid associate most with her memories of Jamaica?
Q4.In 'Leave Taking', how do Brod's perceptions of Jamaica affect his view of Britain?
Q5.What theme does Pinnock explore through the characters' views of Jamaica in 'Leave Taking'?
Q6.How does Pinnock contrast Brod and Enid's views of Jamaica in 'Leave Taking'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The role of Jamaica in 'Leave Taking', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The role of Jamaica in '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': setting, structure and stagecraft unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.