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Year 10 - English

Exploring the presentation of 1980s Britain in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

Leave Taking: a sense of belonging

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of Winsome Pinnock's play, 'Leave Taking'. They first learn about the play's context of 1980s Britain and the Windrush generation before then reading and exploring the full play. They finally explore themes and characters before working on essay writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', with a focus on how Pinnock presents 1980s Britain.

Key Notes

  • Scene Two of 'Leave Taking' explores examples of racism present in 1980s Britain.
  • Some examples of racism explored are presented as systemic (for example the Eurocentric education system).
  • Other examples of racial discrimination are explored on an individual basis.
  • Brod, Enid and Del react to the discrimination they face differently.
  • Despite their conflict, Enid and Del share some common characteristics.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • discrimination: Unjust treatment of people based on certain characteristics. For example, race, gender, age.
  • racism: Discrimination against people based on their race or ethnicity.
  • Eurocentric: When there is a focus on European culture or history, ignoring or excluding cultures and history from the wider world.
  • Nanny of the Maroons: 18th century leader of the Jamaican Maroons; led formerly enslaved Africans against British colonialists.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Enid doesn't think England is racist.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Scene Two of 'Leave Taking' explores examples of racism present in 1980s Britain. Some examples of racism explored are presented as systemic (for example the Eurocentric education system).

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'discrimination'

Unjust treatment of people based on certain characteristics. For example, race, gender, age.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Enid doesn't think England is racist. Correction: Enid is very private about her views: we see only her reaction to the discrimination she faces. Consider if her dialogue reveals more.

More Lessons In This Unit

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