Curriculum
Broad General Education
During the BGE years, students study a wide and exciting range of topics that allow them to achieve the levels within the framework of Curriculum for Excellence. Learners will be immersed in literature: novels, short stories, drama, poetry as well as works of non-fiction. We actively work to encourage a love of reading. All BGE classes are placed on the “Accelerated Reader” programme in which they are encouraged to read books that they choose themselves and then sit online quizzes on each book read. The quizzes are designed to boost enjoyment and increase reading skills. All learners will have the opportunity to stretch their imagination with creative tasks and gain key skills that ensure that they reach their full potential in the Senior Phase.
Senior Phase
All learners will be provided with opportunities to develop listening, talking, reading and writing skills that will enable them to understand and effectively use language. Building on the language and literacy skills developed in the BGE, learners will develop their understanding of the complexities of language by studying a wide range of texts, topics, themes and issues. As learners progress through the appropriate framework (National 3 – Higher), they will develop the breadth and depth of their powers of analytical thinking and understanding of the impact of language.
Learning Experiences
You will explore ideas in a variety of ways including:
- Literacy – you will express your ideas through a range of written tasks;
- Communication – taking part in debates and discussions;
- Autonomy – you will have the opportunity to research independently across different subjects;
- Digital Technology – using a variety of digital technologies to research information;
- Decision Making – you will look at the different aspects of issues, analyse them and come to final decisions;
- Working independently in class and supported study.
Life & Work
Our English classes are not only about reading and writing. We also cover study skills, grammar, and vocabulary building. Lochend’s English department seeks to provide students with a window on the world, so they can understand and appreciate the universal aspects of the human experience. Many of the texts we study acquaint students with different cultures different situations and are intended to enrich student awareness of the world so they can build on the life experience, wisdom, and knowledge of others. This is especially important in today’s multicultural, internet- connected world.
Almost all employers expect employees to be literate and to have suitable communication skills, but below is a list of the employment areas that might suit someone with an interest in further developing skills and study in English:
- administration;
- management;
- research;
- advertising, marketing and public relations;
- media;
- publishing.
Resources
Navigate your way across the SQAs English pages for information and materials, including past papers, by beginning at the English homepage here: SQA English Website
Grammar Rules for Home Support
