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Year 10 - English

Understanding the poem 'The Class Game' by Mary Casey

'Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons on each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative and thematic lessons at key points in the unit.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Casey presents the conflict between the ruling and the working classes.

Key Notes

  • Casey shows pride in her working class roots.
  • The poem was written when Margaret Thatcher came to power as UK Prime Minister.
  • Some people argue Thatcher waged a 'class war' against the working classes.
  • Casey's poem reflects the way some people looked down on the working class.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • trade unions: associations of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests
  • exacerbated: made worse or more severe
  • hierarchy: a system where groups of people are ranked above one another according to status, authority, or importance
  • sociolect: variations in language influenced by social factors like class, education or ethnicity within a community
  • privatisation: the transfer of ownership/control of public services from the government to private companies

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Casey was working class and wrote about her own life experiences in the poem.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Casey shows pride in her working class roots. The poem was written when Margaret Thatcher came to power as UK Prime Minister.

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

associations of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Casey was working class and wrote about her own life experiences in the poem. Correction: Not much is known about Mary Casey. She did come from a working class background but we cannot be certain if this poem reflects her own life experiences. This is why it is important to use tentative language when analysing a literary text.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.