Looking back at this post, I’m struck by how little my underlying philosophy has changed in eight years. I’ve always believed that demanding work and enjoyable work are not mutually exclusive. That belief led to setting a homework task so exciting, I decided to have a go at it myself.
Not that Richard III needs jazzing up – it’s a glorious play and a privilege to teach.
But there aren’t any rules that prevent homework being interesting, enjoyable even.
So I set my A-Level class an essay with a bonus challenge: include as many song-titles by The Smiths as they could, whilst still paying attention to the exam board Assessment Objectives.
Panic? No, excitement! And it wasn’t just them: you can see my attempt here.
The academic rigour remained.
The smiles? Also ‘evidenced throughout’.
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