Creating learning goals that align with the objectives of the Power and Conflict poetry section of the GCSE English Literature exam is essential for ensuring students are well-prepared and confident. These goals focus on analytical skills, comprehension, and the ability to appreciate and critically evaluate poetry. Given your extensive background in education, drama, and ESL, these goals are designed to leverage interactive, engaging teaching methods that cater to a diverse student body. Here are the learning goals tailored for success in this part of the exam:

1. Understand and Interpret Poetic Themes and Devices
Students will be able to identify and explain the themes of power and conflict within the poems, understanding their significance and impact on the reader.
Students will recognize and analyze the use of poetic devices (such as metaphor, simile, personification, and symbolism) and structure (including stanza arrangement, rhyme scheme, and meter) in conveying themes and emotions.

2. Contextual Analysis
Students will understand the historical, social, and cultural contexts of each poem, including the poet’s background and the period in which it was written, to enrich their interpretation of the texts.
Students will relate the themes and issues presented in the poetry to contemporary events and personal experiences, demonstrating the relevance of poetry to human experiences across time.

3. Critical Evaluation and Comparative Skills
Students will critically evaluate the effectiveness of the poets’ use of language and stylistic choices in expressing their themes and messages.
Students will develop the ability to compare and contrast themes, perspectives, and techniques across different poems within the Power and Conflict cluster, constructing coherent arguments supported by textual evidence.

4. Personal Response and Creativity
Students will express personal responses to the poems, articulating how the texts engage with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Leveraging the dramatic arts, students will creatively interpret and perform selected poems, enhancing their understanding of the text through embodiment and expression.

5. Communication and Presentation Skills
Students will refine their ability to articulate insights and analyses both in writing, adhering to academic standards, and verbally, through classroom discussions and presentations.
Students will engage in peer reviews and collaborative discussions, fostering a supportive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued and debated.

6. Exam Strategy and Technique
Students will familiarize themselves with the GCSE exam format, practicing past paper questions and receiving feedback to improve their exam technique.
Students will develop effective revision strategies and stress management techniques, ensuring they approach their exams with confidence and resilience.

These goals are designed not only to prepare students for the Power and Conflict section of their GCSE English Literature exam but also to foster a deep appreciation for poetry and its power to reflect and influence the world. Through achieving these goals, students will become adept at navigating the complexities of literature and expressing their understanding in a clear, confident manner.

I've taught poetry for High Schools in both China and America.

Sources come from the official list of poems on the GCSE Exam. Ozymandias, The Charge of the Light Brigade, Kamikaze, War Photographer, Storm on the Island, London, The Prelude, My Last Duchess, Exposure, Bayonet Charge, Remains, and more.