English

English today is a skills based subject. Reading, Writing and Talk form the main strands of continuity as pupils progress through 5–14 in S1 and S2, to Intermediate 1 and 2 in S3–S4 and Higher and Advanced Higher in S5–S6.

In Reading, pupils learn to extract information, to analyse increasingly complex ideas, to appreciate literary techniques, but above all to enjoy reading. We want our pupils to be open-minded and encourage them to study literary texts by a wide range of writers.

Pupils also learn to express themselves, orally and in writing. In Talk, they learn to speak individually to a large group and to interact in small group discussion. In recognition of the importance of these skills beyond school, all S3 pupils are asked to give a Personal Study presentation on a text of their choice.

In Writing, pupils learn to use language for a variety of purposes – personal and reflective, creative and critical, argumentative and persuasive. They aspire to present ideas of quality, demonstrating an awareness of the purpose of a piece of writing, structure, use of language and technical accuracy.

To support their development over the years we broadband pupils in S1–S3, resetting at the end of each year to allow pupils to mix. During S4–S5, we aim to keep classes together, thereby ensuring continuity in these important national certificate years.

The English Department places great importance on both what we teach and how we teach, taking account of pupils’ preferred learning styles. We offer a blend of individual opportunity, small group collaborative tasks and whole class activities designed to challenge and support the pupils critical thinking skills, in a way that will benefit them in national examinations, and in all learning situations in the future.