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7: Preparing for battle

Night in Dunsinane Castle. Lady Macbeth's servant has summoned a doctor to witness her mistress sleep-walking. It is clear that Lady Macbeth is deeply troubled.

In England Malcolm and Macduff have raised an army that then marches north to battle with Macbeth. Lennox and Angus have also raised an army which they intend to unite with Malcolm and Macduff. In Dunsinane Castle Macbeth prepares to fight, confident that he is invincible. He is informed by the doctor that Lady Macbeth is 'troubled' but Macbeth dismisses the news.

The army of Malcolm and Macduff unites with that of Angus and Lennox. They swear vengeance on Macbeth for his crimes. A young noble called Siward identifies a nearby forest as Birnam Wood and Malcolm commands the soldiers to disguise themselves with branches so that Macbeth will not see the strength of their force.

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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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5. A trap for Banquo. video

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

5. A trap for Banquo

6. Something wicked this way comes. video

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

6. Something wicked this way comes

8. Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. video

Malcolm's army attacks Dunsinane and Macbeth is confronted by Macduff.

8. Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane

Supporting Links

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