In line with the English and Literacy outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence, the English course at Williamwood in S1 encompasses detailed study in the following key areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Talking
- Listening
Pupils in S1 will study a variety of texts from a range of different genre. These texts will be used as a basis for pupils in the study of language and writing as well as providing a clear stimulus to help develop skills in talking and listening.
Alongside the study of literature in class, pupils will develop the following skills:
Close Reading
Throughout S1 and S2, pupils will be encouraged to develop their skills in close reading. Close Reading exercises examine pupils’ understanding of key features of language and encourages them to develop analytical skills which will allow them to comment on the effectiveness of techniques such as word choice and imagery.
To assist pupils in Close Reading exercises, pupils will be given an introduction to the key close reading formula and strategies that they will use throughout their time in the English Department.
Responding to Texts
In line with the Curriculum for Excellence documentation, pupils will be encouraged to respond to a range of different texts. Pupils will look at texts from across the media, analysing a mixture of resources including websites, newspapers, blogs, advertising and many more. Pupils will use their analytical skills in order to evaluate the audience, meaning and effectiveness of the text by responding to it in a variety of ways.
Library
Pupils in S1 and S2 have the opportunity
to visit the school library once every month. Pupils are given the opportunity to exchange books for their own personal reading.
Mrs Baird, the school librarian, leads the sessions, instructing pupils of the most effective ways to use the library for their own study. Pupils become familiar with the layout and content of the library and are introduced to a variety of systems and processes to help them make full use of this valuable resource.
Homework
Homework is set regularly in S1. Every week pupils will be asked to continue their personal reading at home for at least 60 minutes. In addition to this, they will be set a task from the following options:
- Knowledge about Language (KAL) – activities which help pupils develop their understanding of grammar and spelling
- Newspaper Analysis – short newspaper articles with follow up questions which allow pupils to develop their vocabulary and show their understanding
- Writing – short tasks which allow pupils to independently apply the skills taught in class
Links to resources
