'Havisham' - some thoughts...

Whether you're starting 'Havisham', or coming back to it, there are some interesting ideas here to think about. How shocking is 'Havisham'? What act is being described in the fourth stanza? Is the mirror in the second stanza? You need to decide...

'Kid' - comedy or tragedy?

Are we meant to laugh at Batman's downfall or cry? And what is a trochaic rhythm? This podcast raises some issues around the Simon Armitage poem 'Kid'. There is a real tension in the poem created by the humorous form and structure which contrast so strongly with the sad theme.

Notice for Year 11

Welcome, Year 11.

Welcome to the podcasting site. The sound file you need to listen to is 'Introduction to Poetry', but it would be a good idea to listen to 'The Hitcher', too - seeing as that's one of the poems we're currently working on. If you want to subscribe for podcasts you need to go to this website: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MrHopkinsKeyStage4

(note: on my computer, the download takes at least a minute to start; be patient)

Welcome to raising your grade...

The Hitcher

The Hitcher is probably one of the first Simon Armitage poems that you've looked at in class. Here's a few ideas about the poem, and a few things to get you thinking about. After all, who is 'The Hitcher'?

Introduction to Poetry

So we've started working on the poems that we need to know for the Literature paper: the poems of Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and work from before 1914. There may be some terms that you're unfamilair with, or that you need refreshing in your memory. This podcast should help.