1. Y10 AQA Literature Paper 2 Telling Tales
My Polish Teacher’s Tie

2. How does Dunmore present Carla in My Polish Teacher’s Tie
How does Dunmore present Carla in My Polish Teacher’s Tie? Exploring Skills AO1/2/3 ...SQI...Peppering....voice....
Dunmore begins the story’s exposition with Carla’s statement “I wear a uniform,” immediately establishing that Carla feels this defines her identity. The “blue overall and white cap” are all that Carla feels that the teachers in the school see – she assumes she has no worth beyond her role. The tone conveyed through the first person narrative:“that’s me, £3.89 per hour” is confiding and suggests her self esteem has been shattered and her pride in her identity lost, by her experiences within the school. This is emphasised by the short, blunt sentence “I like the kids” which implies it is the behaviour of the adults in the school that have damaged her sense of belonging. Some readers may empathise with Carla as her feelings are no doubt sadly reflective of the hierarchical ethos embedded in many workplaces that encourages prejudiced attitudes and behaviours.

3. Reading with focus... Themes Context (production/reception) Structure
Literary devices
Word level inference
Effect of reader (all of the above)
Writer’s intentions

4. Quick Discussion Task
How far do you think you can make judgments about people from what they wear? What are the ‘dangers’ of this type of judgement? Discuss on your table and be prepared to feedback in 5mins

5. Themes and Ideas Identity Status Stereotypes Society Immigration
Prejudice
Narrative voice
Belonging
Relationships

6. Characterisation - Carla
I wear a uniform, blue overall and white cap with the school logo on it. Part time catering staff, that’s me, £3.89 per hour. I dish out tea and buns to the teachers twice a day, and I shovel chips on to the kids’ trays at dinner time. It’s not a bad job. I like the kids. *a personal voice *suggestions of low self esteem *her attitude to her job

7. Characterisation The Head
The treatment of ‘names’ is important in this story. The Head is referred to only by his title, and not by name. What does this tell you?
How does the Head treat the teachers in the school? Find evidence.
How does he treat other people who work in the school? Find evidence.
How does he treat visitors? Find evidence.
In pairs – create a ‘word wall’ for the Head – characteristics/opinions of him/his opinions of others..
12 min writing task. How does Dunmore present the Head in PTT? (embed 3+ quotes of your choice)

8. Head – word wall Self centred Proud Xenophobic Pompous Arrogant
Nervous
Uncaring
Justify with evidence from the story

9. Whole text structure - discuss
What do the beginning and the ending of the story have in common?
How has Dunmore structured the story to engage the reader?