English
Plays, poems, novels, drama and other forms of writing, for example journalism, are studied throughout English. Group and whole class discussions, mind-mapping, note-taking, grammar and film are some of the styles used.
We aim for creativity, for students to enjoy language, film and reading, and to enjoy writing in different genres…
Broad General Education
Mixed ability classes are used throughout BGE (S1-3). Poetry, report, essay and story writing are some of the genres used in the early years. Original ideas are encouraged, and we use a range of assessment forms, including mind-maps, discussion, essay and annotation, for a range of approaches.
We seek to use drama activities and movement exercises, and to embed them in reading, class discussions and note-taking sessions. Students should be able to discuss, choose and negotiate books, texts and alternative tasks, where possible.
Senior Phase
Nearly all students have the opportunity to sit National 5 in S4, if desired.
We have two classes throughput S4, a bigger, faster class and a mixed, smaller group, in both of which students have the opportunity to target National 5, if desired. National 4 is also available for all students.
At Higher we have had historically high or very high percentages of school cohorts gaining Higher English, mostly through S5, and sometimes in S6.
Advanced Higher classes are available in S6, and once again there is an above average take-up.
For further information, please see the subject choice booklets (Pupil Information page) and the school prospectus (School Information page)
Course Pathways
Careers
There are many careers that use English, some of them can be found here.
Resources and Revision
A range of books are available for study, including graphic novels (“Maus”, “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Kidnappit” in Scots). “The Hunger Games” is an early text, but so are classics such as “The Pearl”, with Shakespeare available up the school including, more recently “Much Ado” and “The Tempest”. Oscar Wilde is studied at Advanced Higher, where students can research and write their own dissertations and creative folios…
Homework
Spelling homework in the early years, alongside extended reading tasks, including completion of / extra reading. Reading a choice of novels or other books at home is important and encouraged, as well as creative writing notebooks and, for some, making films.
Further up the school critical essays, analytical close reading and folio writing to deadlines are featured.
Beyond the Classroom
Chess, scrabble and other board games, for example in Board Games Club (School clubs page).
Play and drama work, which is extra-curricular. School plays have included “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “The Tempest” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” (see picture)
