Macbeth!

Hi all,

Well, we have finally begun our study of one of the most exciting, complex and down-right unbelievably amazing works of all time, and we are agreed that this represents a privilege for us of the highest order! (We did agree this, right?)

So far, we have learnt a little of the social and historical context of Shakespeare's life and work, including the fact that he used to traipse up and down Old Road in front of our school on his way to and from Oxford, and that he is thought to have both watched and performed in plays at the Golden Cross in town (where Pizza Express is now). We also learnt about his love life (or was it) and some of the things that may have inspired and motivated him.

Following this, we've used the Polanski film version to appreciate, enjoy and understand the play, whilst although thinking about and discussing possible approaches when it comes to essay time.

So, on Friday we will bring the play to its bloody end, before agreeing on the aspects we think would be most interesting to study next, and focusing on the relevant parts of the script.

See you then,

Mr Boulter

Success Criteria

Hi - just in case you haven't completed the homework task from the post below (due in on Monday remember), here are the success criteria for the task, as discussed in the lesson. Click on the image to make it big enough to read.
Looking forward to starting Macbeth tomorrow - this will be our main unit for this term, and we'll learn about the ways that Shakespeare controls language to create an amazingly rich, complex play, well-worthy of its reputation as one of the major works of English Literature!
We'll also have an opportunity to write up our Frankenstein first drafts. I'm afraid I haven't had time to mark your first drafts yet but you will get your feedback early this term.
Mr Boulter

Writing to Explain

OK you lot, here we go. Homework is to develop the paragraphs you wrote today into one complete article. In total, you need to write for no more than 45 minutes to achieve this, so I would aim to produce a side and a half as a maximum, and it's probably best to handwrite this, in order to replicate the conditions for the exam.

Remember that the title is: "Choose something that annoys you and explain your choice."

Here's a link to the article we looked at today:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/jan/30/lucy-mangan-this-week
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/feb/01/ipad-therefore-iwant-why-idunno
Due to be handed in on Wednesday.
Have fun!
Mr Boulter