KS3 English • Year 9 • Fully Resourced Lesson (PowerPoint + Worksheet)

A highly engaging lesson in which students map the complex narrative web connecting Sally, Jim, Frederick and Trembler. Learners infer hidden links, examine shifting alliances, and evaluate Pullman’s intentions for the group’s dynamics as the threat from Mrs Holland intensifies. This lesson strengthens students’ ability to track character networks and interpret authorial craft within a developing mystery.

• Editable PowerPoint
• Printable worksheet
• Peer and group discussion tasks
• Retrieval starter + exit reflection
• Clear learning objectives and success criteria

Students will:

• Map the narrative web between Sally, Jim, Frederick and Trembler.
• Infer hidden connections within the central group.
• Evaluate Pullman’s intentions for their dynamics as Mrs Holland’s threat grows.

• Builds confident understanding of character networks and narrative structure
• Encourages collaborative inference‑making through structured peer and group tasks
• Strengthens students’ ability to interpret authorial intention in a developing mystery
• Helps learners visualise how tension escalates as relationships tighten and threats intensify
• Ideal for Year 9 and a strong bridge to GCSE‑style analysis of character interaction

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