Introduction
The English department provides opportunities for learners to improve their literacy skills, gain an understanding and appreciation of a wide range of culturally rich texts and express themselves effectively. As a department, we deliver challenging experiences that are tailored to the needs and aspirations of individuals and groups. Courses and classes are designed to ensure that our learners reach their full potential and succeed in gaining National Qualifications that reflect this.
Staff
Mrs. S. Kennedy, Faculty Head, English
Mr. G. Lamb, Depute Head Teacher, English
Miss. H. Cowan, English (NQT)
Mr. P. McNally, English
Mrs. S. McNicol, English
Mrs. L. Reilly, English
Mrs, S, Strathern, English
Mr. Z. Turner, English
Curriculum
Broad General Education
During the BGE, learners will use and develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and talking in a variety of contexts. Our “Radical Readers” programme will be central to each learner’s journey and their engagement with this is vital for their success. By engaging in this programme, learners can take responsibility for their own learning; it is up to them to make it as challenging, personalised, broad and enjoyable as they can. Investing in their own lives as readers is the most important thing they can do to improve their attainment. In class, learners will have the opportunity to explore ideas and texts and respond to them analytically and creatively. Learners will study a range of non-fiction texts, poetry, novels, media texts and drama. Through this, they will develop their skills in literacy, group discussion, the skills of individual presentation, different types of reading and various genres of writing.
Senior Phase
Building on the language and literacy skills developed in the BGE, learners will continue to develop their skills of reading, writing, listening and talking. Each learner will work towards certification by the SQA.
Learning Experiences
Reading: Learners will engage with a range of texts. This will include autobiographical works, prose fiction, journalistic articles, plays, media texts and poetry. Close reading skills will be developed alongside critical reading skills.
Writing: Learners will produce a range of texts. This will include pieces of personal reflective writing, poetry, drama scripts and different types of functional writing.
Literacy: The learning and teaching of reading and writing will be underpinned by basic literacy skills. This will include revision and development of skills involving aspects such as parts of speech, punctuation and grammar.
Talking: Skills of group discussion and individual presentation will be taught and used during learning experiences.
That is the theory. When you look into an English classroom, expect to see learners working collaboratively around texts and chromebooks, annotating texts, planning and writing creatively and talking together about the themes and ideas presented in the texts. Every day, you will see learners reading books that they have selected. On occasion, you may see them in a “Reading Cafe”, perhaps with a snack and a drink, engaged in discussions about what they are reading.
Life and Work
The skills we develop in English are vital.
Firstly, we want the learners to understand. This is essential in all aspects of life and future study and employment. The key to success in English is often down to “answering the question” – which in the world of work is “following instructions”. Understanding words and what they mean and how that relates to life in reality is fundamental to productive living.
Secondly, the learners learn how to analyse. You may not expect that; perhaps you think that analysis is more suited to the Chemistry lab. We encourage our learners to think analytically about language – the genre, purpose and audience of texts (like this one!) and to explain why a writer’s language choices are important in conveying their meaning, presenting their arguments and communicating their attitudes and feelings.
Thirdly, we encourage the learners to evaluate texts and their themes and ideas. The wide range of texts to which the learners are exposed means that they have the opportunity to consider the world from a variety of perspectives. Through our work, learners can consider issues such as bullying, love, racism, truth, influence, social responsibility and many, many more.
Besides developing general knowledge and an appreciation of the world around them through literature and the media, the skills used in English are also useful for some specific careers:
- administration;
- management;
- research;
- advertising, marketing and public relations;
- media;
Almost all types of employment and courses of further and higher education require success in English at school. The learners should invest in themselves through their time in English, and make the most of the opportunities provided.
