11–14
Short (1-4 activities)
A four-unit lesson plan for English which uses the documentary Moving to Mars to explore the situation in Myanmar and the plight of a refugee family who leave the country to begin a new life in England. Throughout the unit, students complete a range of engaging reading, writing and speaking and listening activities.
Lesson One - Introduction to Key Terms, the Context and the Text Moving to Mars
Exploring the term ‘refugee,' learners will consider, with particular reference to Myanmar, the circumstances that lead to someone becoming a refugee. Through research, they will be able to show a greater understanding of the situation in Myanmar and deconstruct the film's title.
Learning objectives:
Lesson Two - Reading Responses Exploring How the Karen Families Might Have Felt Moving to England
In this lesson, students will explore the song Moving to Mars by Coldplay and consider how the song has been inspired by events in Myanmar, by completing a range of activities analysing the song's lyrics.
Learning objectives:
Lesson Three - Writing to Describe and Explain
Students explore the journey that the two families have been on and their feelings for both Myanmar / Thailand and England, by creating letters that develop their descriptive and explanatory writing skills.
Learning objectives:
Lesson Four - News Report
Students will bring their learning about the Burmese people together through the creation of an extended news report on the families' experience, focusing onthe skill of presenting.
Learning objectives:
The full four-lesson unit for Moving to Mars - English 11-14.
Size: 1.07 MB
Introduction to key terms, the context and the text.
Size: 686 KB
Exploring how the Karen families might have felt moving to England.
Size: 110 KB
Writing to describe and explain.
Size: 100 KB
News report.
Size: 100 KB
Karen people flee from their homeland in Burma to Mae La Camp in Thailand.
Duration: 3:06 mins
Jo Kae talks about his work in the camp.
Duration: 1:03 mins
The two families discuss their knowledge of England.
Duration: 2:26 mins
The families see England's landscape for the first time.
Duration: 2:13 mins
The young family members compare life in Sheffield with life in the camp.
Duration: 2:47 mins
We have developed a large catalogue of educational resources since launching in 2013, and some references and terminology will inevitably have dated as society and language evolves. We are aware of this and will be updating resources when our production schedule allows.
