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Year 6 - English

Exploring characterisation in 'Coming To England'

'Coming To England': reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore the autobiographical memoir, 'Coming To England'. They engage with the cultural and historical context of the text and explore the imagery used to depict the setting and characters. Finally, pupils engage with the key themes of migration and discrimination.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to compare characterisation across a series of events.

Key Notes

  • Both of Floella's parents leave for England. Floella and three siblings are split and live with guardians.
  • Migration to England during the Windrush period (1948-1971) was driven by a combination of factors.
  • Floella's characterisation changes as a result of the circumstances she now finds herself in.
  • Characterisation is the way an author & illustrator describe and develop the personalities and traits of the characters.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pull factor: Pull factors refer to the attractive aspects or opportunities that draw individuals to a new destination.
  • compare: Comparing involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes, or texts.
  • characterisation: Characterisation is the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
  • character traits: Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Both of Floella's parents leave for England. Floella and three siblings are split and live with guardians. Migration to England during the Windrush period (1948-1971) was driven by a combination of factors.

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

Pull factors refer to the attractive aspects or opportunities that draw individuals to a new destination.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative. Correction: Character traits do not usually stay static. Adults could display a 'roll on the wall' to note changes in characterisation of Floella as pupils progress through the narrative.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.