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Year 6 - English

Considering perspective in 'Sweet Jamaica'

Poetry about migration

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and respond to two songs by Lord Kitchener, written about his migration to the UK aboard the Empire Windrush. Pupils will explore, compare and contrast the two songs and make connections to their own lives and experiences.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore the meaning of a song.

Key Notes

  • 'Sweet Jamaica' was written by Lord Kitchener in London, 1952, four years after his arrival on HMT Empire Windrush.
  • 'Sweet Jamaica' shows a change in perspective from Lord Kitchener, after he had spent time in London.
  • The song creates negative imagery in its lyrics, portraying themes of regret, nostalgia and homesickness.
  • By exploring the context, themes and perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of the song.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • imagery: the use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader's senses, creating vivid mental pictures and enhancing the emotional impact of the poem
  • perspective: the point of view or position from which the artist writes, influencing the way events or ideas are portrayed and understood
  • theme: a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
  • context: the setting or background that helps us to understand something better

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may feel that the Windrush experience was overly negative. Many people from the Caribbean experienced racial discrimination and found themselves in very challenging circumstances.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'Sweet Jamaica' was written by Lord Kitchener in London, 1952, four years after his arrival on HMT Empire Windrush. 'Sweet Jamaica' shows a change in perspective from Lord Kitchener, after he had spent time in London.

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

the use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader's senses, creating vivid mental pictures and enhancing the emotional impact of the poem.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may feel that the Windrush experience was overly negative. Many people from the Caribbean experienced racial discrimination and found themselves in very challenging circumstances. Correction: There were some positives that occurred as a result, including the setting up of the Notting Hill Carnival. Pupils may wish to explore this further.

More Lessons In This Unit

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