Join “Half Caste” by John Agarde
A self-paced one-week pre-recorded class for IGCSE/GCSE students
Printable resources
Worksheets and activity sheets to print for every lesson.
6 video lessons
Pre-recorded lessons to watch whenever suits — as many times as you like.
Watch any time
Instant access on any device — pause, rewind and rewatch at your own pace.
The book we’re reading
John Agard's "Half-Caste" confronts the offensive term used to describe people of mixed heritage. Written in Caribbean Creole and addressed directly to the reader, the poem uses sharp wit and irony to expose how absurd the label is — if mixing makes something "half," Agard asks, then is Picasso's blend of colours a "half-caste canvas," or English weather, made of sun and cloud, "half-caste"? Building from playful mockery to real challenge, he ends by demanding the listener return with their whole attention — eyes, ears and mind — so he can tell "de other half" of his story. It's a bold, funny and pointed poem about identity, language and prejudice.
Class contents
Discussion of the poem
Comparison of "Half-Caste" and "Search for My Tongue"
