Trying something new

Teacher notes

In this lesson, students will meet Arlo from London who is interested in cosplay and other hobbies. They'll use Arlo's experiences to inspire a piece of functional writing about trying new activities or hobbies. Students will produce an informative newspaper article, suitable for a school newspaper. **Arlo's film includes one section at the beginning where they jab the table with scissors when they feel overwhelmed; a kind of coping strategy. We explore this in more detail in the lesson plan 'Neurodiversity and self expression'.** **Please note:** since the film was made, Imogen is now a non-binary young person aged 15; uses the pronouns they/them and the name Arlo. You may want to explore these details with your learners before completing the lesson. This lesson supports the English Language GCSE Writing assessment objectives, as outlined by the Department for Education's GCSE English Language GCSE subject content and assessment objectives - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/254497/GCSE_English_language.pdf Some teachers may also want to use this with older KS3 students, as like all Lyfta lessons, it is adaptable and can have activities removed, added, amended or reordered by duplicating and amending your copy. **Lyfta core themes:** Community and identity, Health and wellbeing, Learning and growth. **Lyfta core skills and values:** Communication, Courage & self-confidence, Empathy & understanding others, Lifelong Learning. **SDGs:** 3, 4 and 5. **KS3+ KS4 English skills** - Planning - Organising information and ideas - Writing non-fiction - Audience, purpose and form - Using language effectively - Vocabulary