Learners will focus on improving skills through listening, talking, reading and writing. They will work independently, and in pairs and groups. Meaningful links will be made with other subjects around the school making English a great interdisciplinary subject. Reading regularly at home should also be encouraged to help in English but also will help with all other subjects by improving their reading, writing and vocabulary.

A wide variety of methods are used such as peer and self-assessment, classroom discussions, talks, presentations, writing and reading tasks. Regular feedback from the teacher on class and homework activities are also part of ongoing assessment. Towards the end of S3 all pupils will complete a project which will draw together all their skills in English and give a measurable indication of their progress and level. Learners aiming for a National 5 qualification will also complete assessments in reading and essay writing.

Language and literacy are of major importance and allow pupils access to an incredible array of future careers because the ability to express ourselves clearly and communicate effectively are key in every area of employment. Traditional careers linked to English include advertising, business and enterprise, customer service, computing, journalism, law, libraries, medicine, media and broadcasting, marketing, museums and heritage, politics, psychology, social media, sales, teaching, travel and tourism, writing, web design and many more.