Elizabeth Parker

I want to create a mix of interactive learning and essay writing skills, making sure that both GCSE and A Level students are fully engaged while also learning skills needed for exams. At the start of the lesson, I would do an interactive activity to capture interest and introduce the key theme.

Following this, I would move into structured teaching of exactly they want to know and the develop their questions, making sure to adapt the depth depending on whether the group is GCSE or A Level. At GCSE, this might mean focusing on clear cause-and-effect , while at A Level, I would place more emphasis on dates and what each event means. To keep the session interactive, I would incorporate group tasks such as ranking key factors on a timeline or debating the significance of different events, as many exams find that these improve the final product. These activities encourage critical thinking and collaboration, while also helping students to remember the material more effectively.

The second half of the lesson would focus on essay writing skills, which are essential at both levels. Students would be guided through how to structure an argument, use evidence effectively, and reach balanced judgements. GCSE students might practise with shorter paragraph writing , while A Level students could be set a more challenging essay plan or an extract-based question, as essay writing becomes more technical at A level, and some students need to learn techniques to aid them. This combination of interactivity and writing ensures that lessons are engaging, rigorous, and exam-focused.