U

A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM

Unit Aims/Summary

[Yr 10 English]

Students will read through sections of William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream (Act 1, scene 1 & 2), unpacking the language of the time and examining the linguistic features of the play (blank verse, prose, rhyme). The film version of the play will then be watched, and the students will discuss how the play was translated on film [how the filmic elements enhanced the play/characters]. Students will then translate and perform one of the scenes read from the play.

Curriculum Links
Literacy: students will examine how meaning is conveyed and engage in creative response, considering the context and purpose of the text Numeracy: students will interpret the language of the play, and solve the problem of making it understandable and relatable to a modern audience Critical/Creative Thinking: students will experiment with the texts language features and structure to transform/adapt the text for a different context and audience. They will investigate how language is used to position individuals and social/cultural groups within the play. Personal/Social Capability: students will enhance their communications skills and work in groups to develop these skills. Ethical Understanding: students will consider the reasons for actions and the implications of decisions within the text, as well as exploring and questioning the values and attitudes displayed.

Student Outcomes/Knowledge
Students understand plot of play, and able to keep track of characters and action Ability to create their own text from the example of Shakespeares play, and to successfully place it in a modern context Confidence in oral presentation/performing

Learning Sequence
MONDAY L5-6 (1:45-3:20) 95mins WEEK 1 WEEK 2 Rehash plot so far Begin watching A Midsummer Nights Dream Discuss film version of play (characters, settings, etc.) Introduce assessment task Choose a scene to Continue watching A Midsummer Nights Dream [short lesson - yr 12 assembly] Look at how context of play is important, and how to change it to suit the audience. (1999 film, other Finish watching A Midsummer Nights Dream [ lesson - work on previous assignment] Class time WEDNESDAY L2 (9:55-10:45) 50mins THURSDAY L4 (12:05-12:55) 50mins

WEEK 3

WEEK 4 WEEK 5

translate and perform for class Class time Finalise assignment

modern versions of Shakespeare) Class time Perform

Class time

Strategies
Film as resource - watch as a class, with interjections from teacher to set the scene and translate language Close reading - students given a copy of the first 2 scenes of the play and read through them as a class. They are then asked questions recapping the plot, characters, and technique Performance - students read through parts aloud; assessment of performance of play, in order to give students experience in oral presentation

Resources/Materials
A Midsummer Nights Dream, 1999, Michael Hoffman (film) Shakespeare, William, ed. Foakes, R.A., 2003, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Cambridge University Press

Assessment
Choose a scene from the play, and translate it into modern English language and setting. This scene will then be performed for the class. Students will be graded on: successful translation of both language and setting (hand up hard copy) and dramatic performance. Due: Monday wk 5

Reflection