Set text resource: Glasgow Boys

In partnership with EmpathyLab(this link will open in a new window) we have created a set text resource for Margaret McDonald’s novel Glasgow Boys which allows you to explore the book as a set text with a focus on developing empathy skills and an understanding of other people’s feelings and life experiences.

Glasgow Boys follows two care-experienced boys: Banjo, who is attempting to navigate his last year at school, and Finlay, who has just started his nursing degree. Both are trying to make the best of their lives whilst also processing the trauma of their shared past.

Please note that Glasgow Boys follows two care-experienced boys and does explore both drug addiction and mental health. A full list of content warnings is included in the resource. As with all of our resources, we highly recommend that you read the book before using it with your class and use your best judgement about whether teaching about this topic is appropriate for the young people in your class.

Included in this resource is:

• English and Literacy activities that take you through reading the novel with your class
• Cross-curricular activities you can use to further pupils’ understanding through collaborating with other departments in your school
• EmpathyLab learning activities focused on developing pupils’ empathy skills

On our website you can find our other EmpathyLab set text resources, including:

• Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain
• You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne
• Northern Soul by Phil Earle