In this lesson, pupils analyse how Educating Rita presents class, focusing on the divide between Rita’s working‑class background and the academic world she is trying to enter. Learners explore how Russell uses dialogue to highlight contrasting values, expectations, and assumptions. They then compare Rita and Frank’s perspectives on education, debating how each character views its purpose and worth. Finally, pupils evaluate how education acts as a tool for social mobility and personal identity, linking ideas to wider themes in the play.

• Lesson slides introducing class, dialogue, and contrasting perspectives
• Dialogue analysis task: Identify how Russell uses dialogue to show the divide between working‑class life and the academic world
• Comparison activity exploring different perspectives on the value of university education
• Evaluation writing task on education as a tool for social mobility and identity
• Worksheet: Evaluate arguments for and against education as a class barrier
• Discussion prompts to support paired and whole‑class debate

This lesson deepens pupils’ understanding of class and social mobility, offering structured opportunities for reading, debate, and analytical writing. The focus on dialogue helps learners recognise how Russell builds contrast and tension between worlds. Activities are clear, accessible, and inclusive, supporting mixed‑ability groups while encouraging thoughtful, evidence‑based discussion.

Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.