Insights into "Blood Brothers": Background, Assessment Criteria, and Prologue Analysis

English English Blood Brothers Miss Redmond Would like you to discuss the background and Assessment Criteria. To comment on the prologue. Like Comment 2 minutes ago Miss Redmond Think of four synonyms (words that mean the same thing) for the word(s) on the left. If you have the four words I have you think like a genius....er.... ME of course! My Words: Friend Companion Associate Family

Learning Outcomes Good Even Better (C-B grade skill) Excellent (A-A* grade skill) (E-D grade skill) Answers will be based on narrative, with some discussion based on characters Answers will be more focused, with solid knowledge of the text used to support judgments. For B, answers will be sustained and thoughtful. Answers will be astute, evaluative and assured, and for A*, perhaps, original.

1. If you make a pact as a blood brother, what does it mean? 2. Do you think it is okay to give up a baby for adoption? 3. Is it right to give a baby away for money? 4. Is it better to be born into a middle-class family or a working class family?

Background to the Author Willy Russell was from Liverpool. He was from a working class background. Russell left school at 15 with no qualifications. He did various difficult and low paid jobs he trained to be a hairdresser. Russell then decided to go back to school. He eventually got all his qualifications and became a teacher.

Background to the Play The play was written in the 1980s In the 80s there was high unemployment Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister She introduced free market policies which were good for companies and factories but not good for ordinary workers Liverpool, where the play is set, had particular problems with unemployment

Questions on the Prologue: So, did you ever hear the story of the Johnstone twins As like each other as two new pins Of one womb born on the self same day How one was kept, one given away 1. What do we learn about Mrs Johnstone s two sons on the first page? Include quotations. 2. How do we know that the musical will result in tragedy? Use two quotations. And did you never hear how the Johnstones died, never Knowing they shared one name Til' the day they died, When a mother cried My own dear sons lie slain 3. How would you describe the atmosphere at the beginning of the musical? Use quotations to explain your answer. And did you never hear of a mother so cruel That there's a stone in place of her heart Then bring her on, and judge for yourselves How she came to play this part http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Pre- reading-activities-on-Blood-Brothers-6148979/

Again you will have an extract question and a longer question about the play.

Blood Brothers Lord of the Flies

Higher Tier Question styles: For which of the characters in the play do you have the most sympathy? Show how the presentation of your chosen character creates sympathy for him or her. What do you think of....and the way he/she is presented in the play? Show how.....presents the relationship between.......and.......... Give advice to the actor playing.....on how he/she should present the character to the audience. Imagine you are....At the end of the play, you think back over its events. Remember how....would speak when you write your answer. How does....present the theme of.... In the play? The play....has been described as .... what features of the play may make it have this sort of effect on the audience? To what extent do you find the title of the play effective?

English English Blood Brothers Miss Redmond Would like you to discuss the background and Assessment Criteria. To comment on the prologue. Like Comment 55 minutes ago Miss Redmond Great student Today I............................. Like Comment Willy Russell likes this Great student