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

A richly atmospheric lesson exploring how Philip Pullman uses sensory detail to build an immersive and unsettling Victorian world. Students examine the narrative role of fog and obscurity, compare the contrasting environments of the East and West End, and link the physical setting to Sally’s shifting psychological state.

Perfect for developing analytical precision and deepening students’ understanding of how setting shapes character and mood.

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

Students will:

• Analyse how Pullman uses sensory detail to build an immersive world.
• Evaluate the role of fog and obscurity as narrative tools.
• Compare the contrasting environments of the East and West End.
• Link the physical setting to Sally’s psychological state.

• Strengthens students’ ability to interpret sensory language and atmospheric detail
• Encourages collaborative exploration through structured peer and group tasks
• Builds understanding of how contrasting settings shape tone and character experience
• Helps learners connect physical environment with emotional and psychological nuance
• Ideal for Year 9 and a strong bridge to GCSE‑style analysis of setting and mood

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