Courageous Voices Introduction

Overview

This is the first lesson in a 5-lesson unit titled Courageous Voices: Shakespearean Speeches. It introduces Year 6 pupils to the themes of courage, resilience, and determination through the lens of Shakespeare’s works, specifically focusing on Henry V and his famous speech “Once More Unto the Breach.” This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s English programme of study, aiming to build spoken language confidence and analytical skills in understanding classic texts.

Curriculum Links

National Curriculum for England – English Key Stage 2 (Year 6)

Spoken Language:
- Listen and respond appropriately to adults and peers
- Ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
- Use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas.
Reading (Comprehension):
- Retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction
- Identify and discuss themes and conventions in a wide range of texts
Writing (Composition):
- Plan their writing by identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own
- Draft and write by selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such choices can change and enhance meaning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

Discuss and reflect on personal experiences related to courage, resilience and determination.
Understand the significance of these themes in Shakespeare’s works, particularly in Henry V.
Listen attentively and begin to analyse the tone and purpose of Henry V’s speech, “Once More Unto the Breach.”
Express their initial thoughts about Shakespeare’s heroes verbally in small groups.

Resources

Copies of an age-appropriate excerpt from Henry V’s “Once More Unto the Breach” speech (modernised version alongside original)
Large paper/poster boards, markers
Whiteboard and pens
Projector or smartboard for displaying images and text
Courage, resilience and determination quotes for discussion
Video clip (optional) portraying a staged reading or animated version of the speech

Lesson Structure (60 minutes)

1. Starter Activity: Courage in Our Lives (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge, make the theme relevant.
In pairs, pupils discuss moments when they, or someone they know, have shown courage, resilience or determination with examples from school or everyday situations.
Invite several pairs to share their examples with the class. Record keywords on the board (e.g., bravery, failure, persistence).

2. Introduce Shakespeare’s Themes (10 minutes)

Explain that Shakespeare often wrote about these qualities in his plays and why they remain important today.
Show a timeline image or brief background about Shakespeare and Henry V to give context.
Present short quotes about courage and determination from Shakespeare’s plays for pupils to read aloud.
Discuss briefly: Why do these themes matter across hundreds of years?

3. Exploring Henry V and the Speech (15 minutes)

Introduce Henry V as a historical and fictional character – a young king needing courage to lead his people.
Provide pupils with the modernised and original excerpt of “Once More Unto the Breach.”
Teacher reads aloud the original text with expression; pupils follow along with the modern version.
Discuss initial reactions: How does this speech make us feel? What qualities does Henry V show?
Focus on vocabulary that suggests courage and determination; discuss what the words mean.

4. Group Discussion and Poster Creation (15 minutes)

In small groups of 3-4, pupils combined their ideas about courage and Henry V’s speech to create a quick poster illustrating the themes.
Each group uses their own words and drawings to show what the speech and themes mean to them.
Groups present their posters to the class briefly.

5. Plenary & Reflection (10 minutes)

Whole-class reflection: How might these themes help us in school and in life?
Ask pupils how they think this lesson links to the theme of “Courageous Voices” for the unit.
Set an engaging question as a home learning prompt: “If you were to give a speech about courage, what would you say?”

Assessment

Formative assessment through observation of group discussions, contributions during sharing sessions, and posters.
Teacher notes pupils’ use of vocabulary related to courage and understanding of the speech.
Oral questioning checks comprehension and engagement with themes.

Differentiation

Group	Adaptations
SEN / EAL students	Provide key vocabulary sheets with explanations and images; use simplified versions of the speech; allow use of drawing to express ideas.
More able / confident readers	Encourage deeper analysis of Shakespeare’s language and historical context; scaffold with questions probing the speech’s impact.
Whole Class	Use mixed-ability grouping to promote peer support and discussion.

Extension Ideas

Ask pupils to identify other characters in Shakespeare who show these themes.
Begin a class Courage Wall where pupils add acts or examples of courage throughout the unit.
Encourage learning lines from the speech to practise performance skills in later lessons.

Teacher’s Notes

Model reading Shakespeare with energy to engage pupils unfamiliar with the text.
Emphasise how the themes are timeless and relevant to every pupil’s life.
Use this lesson to foster a safe environment encouraging pupils to share personal stories related to resilience and courage.

This lesson lays a strong foundation for exploring Shakespearean speeches while developing pupils’ spoken language, comprehension, and critical thinking as specified in the National Curriculum for England.

Teaching Instructions