S1 Course

Reading

Pupils will develop their knowledge and appreciation of language and literature through reading and analysing poetry, plays, novels and non-fiction writing. They will extend their vocabularies, explore ideas and opinions, and analyse and evaluate texts in different genres. Pupils will learn how to select and analyse textual evidence so as to construct and sustain a line of critical thought.

Writing

Pupils will develop and apply their knowledge of language through opportunities for creative and reflective writing. They will develop further their vocabularies and learn to apply a range of descriptive language techniques so as to engage their readers. An on-going focus on structure, spelling, editing and proof-reading will support pupils in developing the style and technical accuracy of their written expression.

Talking and Listening

Debates, persuasive speeches, group discussions and day-to-day interactions in class provide pupils with a range of opportunities to develop talking and listening skills. Pupils are supported and encouraged to improve their confidence in this key area through developing their use of tone, volume, intonation and aspects of non-verbal communication. Collaborative and ICT skills are also enhanced through discussion, presentation and research-based activities.

Electives

Pupils are given the opportunity to select from a range of end-of-year projects including topics such as Shakespeare, journalism, myths and legends, animation, sci-fi and film analysis. Pupils will develop specialist knowledge of their topic and apply their learning in a range of practical and engaging activities.

Weekly Homework

Pupils will consolidate new vocabulary and the key knowledge for each element of the course through weekly quizzes and homework activities. Pupils are also encouraged to select and read fiction and non-fiction texts at home for around 20 minutes each day. Both activities support success in English and all other areas of the curriculum. Reading lists are available from the English Department and school library.

S2 Course

Reading

Pupils will develop their knowledge and appreciation of language and literature through reading and responding to activities based on short stories, plays, novels and non-fiction writing. They will extend their vocabularies, explore ideas and opinions, and analyse and evaluate texts in different genres. Poetry and Reading assessments towards the end of the year give pupils an opportunity to apply their learning in a more formal context.

Writing

Pupils will develop and apply their knowledge of language through opportunities for persuasive and reflective writing. They will develop further their vocabularies and research skills, and learn to apply a range of rhetorical techniques so as to influence their readers. An on-going focus on structure, spelling, editing and proof-reading will support pupils in developing the style and technical accuracy of their written expression.

Talking and Listening

Debates, persuasive speeches and group discussions provide pupils with a range of opportunities to build their skills and confidence in talking and listening. Pupils are supported and encouraged to improve their performance in this key area of literacy through developing their use of tone, volume, intonation and aspects of non-verbal communication. Collaborative and ICT skills are also enhanced through discussion, presentation and research-based activities.

Electives

Pupils are given the opportunity to select from a range of end-of-year projects including topics such as women in literature, media study, myths and legends, animation, and fairy-tales. Pupils will develop specialist knowledge of their topic and apply their learning in a range of practical and engaging activities.

Weekly Homework

Pupils will consolidate new vocabulary and the key knowledge for each element of the course through weekly quizzes and homework activities. Pupils are also encouraged to select and read fiction and non-fiction texts at home for around 20 minutes each day. Both activities support success in English and all other areas of the curriculum. Reading lists are available from the English Department and school library.

S3 Course

Reading

Pupils will build on their knowledge and appreciation of language and literature through reading and analysing plays, novels, Scottish poetry and non-fiction writing. They will develop further their vocabularies, explore ideas and opinions, and analyse and evaluate texts when responding in depth and detail to critical essay and textual analysis tasks.

Writing

Pupils will develop and apply their knowledge of language through opportunities for creative and transactional writing. They will develop further their vocabularies and learn to apply a range of literary techniques so as to engage their readers. An on-going focus on structure, spelling, editing and proof-reading will support pupils in developing the style and technical accuracy of their written expression.

Talking and Listening

Debates, persuasive speeches, group discussions and day-to-day interactions in class provide pupils with a range of opportunities to become confident and assured in the application of their talking and listening skills. Pupils will develop greater depth, relevance and control when speaking in front of their peers and will be encouraged to improve their performance through developing their use of tone, volume, intonation and aspects of non-verbal communication. Collaborative and ICT skills are also enhanced through discussion, presentation and research-based activities.

End of Year Projects

Pupils will have the opportunity to select a topic of personal interest, conduct research and report on their findings in a three week project at the end of S3. This work serves as further consolidation of skills and preparation for the National Qualifications that commence at the change of timetable in May