S3

In line with Curriculum for Excellence, the S3 course in English sees pupils continue to develop their abilities the experiences and outcomes that they have covered in S1 and S2. Once again, pupils will be assessed across four key areas of the course:

• Reading
• Writing
• Talking
• Listening

Pupils will continue to refine their skills in each of these key areas using a range of different texts as a stimulus. Much of the S3 course is devoted to developing literacy skills through a colourful range of activities and texts.

Pupils will, as always, be encouraged to read an increasingly varied and more sophisticated range of literature and quality journalism. In S3, classes continue to visit the school library every four weeks and will be given the opportunity to read for six minutes at the start of each lesson.

UNCRC (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Pupils’ rights are at the heart of everything we do. In order for pupils to fully understand their rights, pupils will complete a unit which explore and explains the importance of the UNCRC.

In S3, pupils will look at different educational systems around the world and the challenges many young people face in trying to obtain an education. In particular, pupils will explore issues around gender and education, and why so many young women are denied access to an education.

This important unit of work will help pupils to achieve their National 5 literacy qualification.

Creative Writing

English is an art, not a science. At its core, English is a creative subject. In order to develop both their imagination and writing skills, pupils will engage with different kinds of creative writing. There are chances for pupils to attempt the following kinds of creative writing in S3:

• Monologue
• Science fiction
• Crime / thriller

 

Reading for Understanding Analysis and Evaluation

Pupils will work to develop their analytical abilities, breaking down texts for both key ideas and language techniques. Pupils will better understand the different types of key questions such as own words, word choice and imagery.

Looking are a variety of newspaper articles, pupils will apply their RUAE skills and consolidate their knowledge of the different question types and formulas.

Key Texts

Finally, in order to prepare for the S3 exam, pupils will study a variety of texts. There will be an emphasis on critical writing skills, with pupils being taught how to structure a critical essay and analyse key quotes.

Key texts often studied by pupils are: the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy; a variety of short stories including works by Ray Bradbury and Evan Hunter; and the film “Captain Phillips”.