KS2 English: Macbeth. 8: Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane

8: Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane

Macbeth is about to go to battle when he is informed that Lady Macbeth has died.

Then the two armies clash. It seems Macbeth is invincible and his victims include the young noble, Siward. Then Macbeth is challenged by Macduff and the two of them fight. Macbeth tells Macduff that he cannot be beaten because Macduff 'was born of a woman'. Macduff informs him that in fact he was cut from his mother 'before her time' (that is, was delivered by Caesarean section). Macbeth, realising another part of the prophecy is coming true, tells Macduff to 'lay on' and the fight continues.

As the battle draws to an end Malcolm waits for news in the great hall of Dunsinane. Macduff enters with Macbeth's head on the end of a lance. The battle is won, Malcolm will be king, and Scotland is free of the Macbeths' tyranny. But was it the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth that caused these things to happen…or something else…?

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Teacher Notes

This series provides various opportunities to meet Key Stage 2 National Curriculum requirements, including study of a significant author, reading techniques such as prediction, drawing inferences, clarification and summary; and drama and writing opportunities - including poetry performance, descriptive writing, persuasive writing, letter writing, newspaper article writing, poetry and play scripts.

It could be used as an introduction to the play, consolidation of key aspects or for revision of the plot and characters.

More detail on how to use this series, including detailed lesson plans, can be found in the Teacher's Notes PDF.

Information and guidance on using the content

Teacher's Notes (pdf)

This series is relevant for teaching English at KS2, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and at Second Level in Scotland.

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Macbeth sends assassins to kill Banquo and Fleance. Later he sees Banquo's ghost.

5. A trap for Banquo

Macbeth returns to the Weird Sisters. They tell him to beware of Macduff.

6. Something wicked this way comes

Malcolm and Macduff have raised an army and march north to confront Macbeth at Dunsinane.

7. Preparing for battle

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