'Poppies', by Jane Weir

Poppies by Jane Weir is one of 15 poems in AQA's 'Power and Conflict' cluster in the latest GCSE English literature specification. Our lesson plan helps students become intimately familiar with the poem, its meaning and context.

The poppy is one of the most potent symbols of remembrance in Britain and the Commonwealth. In this poem, Jane Weir imagines a mother saying goodbye to a son as the first poppies appear on war graves.

Our lesson plan establishes the meaning and significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, then looks at Weir's ability to show and not tell. The lesson ends with a creative writing task.