These materials are intended to supplement the work already being done in classes. Classes may also have access to Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom materials.
As well as the specific tasks listed below, the following general activities can be of immense value in building the skills relevant to English.
- READ. Think of reading in the way you would think of your diet. How much do you Read? What do you Read? Do you have a balanced approach to Reading? (Different genres, different sources/authors and so on). Be active in your reading. Make notes of unfamiliar words, interesting characters, life lessons, settings and so on. Read fiction and non-fiction. In the SQA exams, it is helpful to have a feel for broadsheet newspaper feature articles. These are the kinds of text used in exams.
- WRITE. Many people keep some kind of diary or journal on a daily, weekly or occasional basis. Some people blog online and a few even write letters (to loved ones, or to newspapers, MPs and other organisations. As you look at the world around you, what do you see, hear, feel, taste, touch and smell? What are your views on school, friendship, your community, our environment and so on?
- SPEAK. Having conversations is really good fun! Talk to your friends and families about…something! Share your points of view about things and explore your agreements and disagreements (peacefully). This art of conversation is really important for our wellbeing and is a valued skill in the world of study and work.
- LISTEN. Pay deep attention to your life. Listening does not just involved gathering information, but requires you to focus deeply on other people. What are they telling you about themselves? How are they feeling? Listen to your own self too. How are you?
Access our Library services (in person or online)
S1/2 – Reading Support
All pupils from S1 and S2 are in the habit of bringing a personal reading book to school, usually a novel.
The link below opens up a grid of activities which you can complete, based on your personal reading book. You can attempt the activities in any order. Please complete them in your homework jotter or at the back of your classroom jotter.
Feel free to move on to another reading book and to continue working on the activities.
S1/2 Writing Activities
The following link opens up a list of creative writing stimuli. Read the instructions carefully and put your best efforts into your work, including punctuation, spelling, handwriting and grammar.
Write Here; Write Now Study Materials 2020 part 1
S3
Where your class has been using Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom, make sure you have accessed those materials and kept your notes up to date.
Independent Novel Study – Use this document to explore and record various aspects of your personal reading text.
British Council – Learn English Teens – a resource for improving all aspects of English use.
S4
National 5 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
Here are some materials for N5 RUAE revision
SQA National 5 English Past Papers
Past Papers can be used in a variety of ways:
- to familiarise yourself with the format and wording of texts, questions and instructions.
- to attempt some/all RUAE questions and then self-mark.
- to create essay plans, critical paragraphs or attempt complete essays.
- to attempt some/all Scottish Set Text questions and then self mark.
- to read through Marking Schemes and revise the type/depth of answers required.
SQA Understanding Standards website for National 5 English
Use the above link and select National 5 and then the particular part of the course you are interested in.
You can now look at examples of:
- questions from previous exams
- pupils’ work in exams
- markers’ commentaries and marks.
This allows you to deepen your awareness of what the National 5 standards are and how you can improve your own work.
Where your class has been using Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom, make sure you have accessed those materials and kept your notes up to date.
Scholar Scholar provides a variety of practical activities and webinars on National 5 English. You can log in via Glow.
Grammar Monster – some enjoyable activities which help boost your knowledge and skill.
S5 Higher
SQA Higher English Past Papers
Past Papers can be used in a variety of ways:
- to familiarise yourself with the format and wording of texts, questions and instructions.
- to attempt some/all RUAE questions and then self-mark.
- to create essay plans, critical paragraphs or attempt complete essays.
- to attempt some/all Scottish Set Text questions and then self mark.
- to read through Marking Schemes and revise the type/depth of answers required.
SQA Understanding Standards website for Higher English
Use the above link and select Higher and then the particular part of the course you are interested in.
You can now look at examples of:
- questions from previous exams
- pupils’ work in exams
- markers’ commentaries and marks.
This allows you to deepen your awareness of what the Higher standards are and how you can improve your own work.
Where your class has been using Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom, make sure you have accessed those materials and kept your notes up to date.
Higher Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
Here are some revision materials for RUAE.
Higher RUAE prelim Revision St Ninians
The BBC revision site provides tailor made summaries, activities and tests for National 5 English (and other subjects)
Scholar provides a variety of practical activities and webinars on Higher English. You can log in via Glow.
Improve Your Writing – a university resource on grammar and punctuation. Recommended.
S6 Advanced Higher English
Where your Advanced Higher class has been using Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom, make sure you have accessed those materials and kept your notes up to date.
Past Papers for AH English – prepare for your exam, practice questions/tasks, look at marking schemes.
Understanding Standards – AH English – compare your work with other pupils’ work and marker commentaries.
BBC Arts – Books – a site devoted to the love of literature.
