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Year 10 - English

Winsome Pinnock introduces '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 use Winsome Pinnock's insights to explore and develop your understanding of the context, setting and themes of 'Leave Taking'.

Key Notes

  • Pinnock explains that many Caribbean immigrants believed Britain was their "mother country."
  • Pinnock suggests that Enid's daughters feel torn between being British and being Caribbean.
  • Pinnock says Enid is strict because she fears how Black youth were treated in Britain.
  • Pinnock says we should look underneath the characters' words and notice the subtext, what they really want or feel.
  • Pinnock says the play invites us to think about the world today and make connections with the characters' experiences.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • hybrid: a mix of two different things; for example, combining Caribbean and British culture
  • criminalised: when an action, group, or behaviour is made illegal, or when someone is portrayed as criminal
  • liberated: giving freedom; allowing people to do what they want or express themselves
  • stereotype: a fixed, simple idea about a group of people that is often untrue or unfair
  • subtext: what a character really feels or means, even if they don't say it directly

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The play is only about the past or historical events.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Pinnock explains that many Caribbean immigrants believed Britain was their "mother country.". Pinnock suggests that Enid's daughters feel torn between being British and being Caribbean.

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

a mix of two different things; for example, combining Caribbean and British culture.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The play is only about the past or historical events. Correction: Pinnock emphasises that the play connects past and present. It explores immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and family relationships, showing issues that are still relevant today.

More Lessons In This Unit

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