This lesson plan is suitable for upper KS2/lower KS3 students. It explores the narrative poem ‘The Hero’ by Siegfried Sassoon, an angry, ironic, poem that uses the fear of one young soldier to illustrate the futility of war. 

Students explore the rhythm of the poem, the concept of what it means to be a hero, the language of the poem, its characters and story and – most importantly – the strong contrasts it presents. 

Students will experience speaking aloud, mime, freezes, thought-tracking, improvisation, tableau and, finally, they will give a mini performance of the poem. It’s a powerful and inspirational session. 

The lesson can be completed in 75 minutes and the resulting performance given on topic days or in assembly.