S2

What will pupils be studying?

The course in S2, just as in S1, is divided into units of work, which concentrate on developing core communication skills in Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening.  

Typically, a pupil will:

• Develop writing skills by producing personal and imaginative writing, leaflets giving information and persuasive and discursive essays.

• Read and examine a variety of texts such as poetry, drama, novels, short stories, films and various other media – and comment on writer’s craft in a range of ways through writing, presentations and discussion.

• Develop skills in talking and listening such as giving presentations, debating, working collaboratively, group discussion and critical listening. 

• Take part in the BGE reading scheme which encourages pupils to read books and complete a journal on their reading with our school librarian Mrs Bruce.

While the architecture of the S2 course is similar to S1 the focus will be on pupils progressing and developing their skills by being presented with new challenges.

What will classes be like?

Classes are organised on a mixed ability basis but are shuffled to ensure young people are able to work with others and build further relationships. There will be a range of learning and teaching approaches including individual, paired and group work together with whole class activities. We also have close links with the Additional Support for Learning Team and other outside agencies. 

There is an emphasis on skills development with pupils being aware of their own skills, and working with the teacher to set targets for improvement. This is supported by our Flight Path which tracks pupils progress across the BGE and the self-reflection process which occurs after each piece of assessed work. 

Assessment

Pupils will be given regular feedback about their work both verbal and written. They will use this feedback to make continuous progress.  In addition, they will be given formal graded assignments designed to cover the Expectations and Outcomes relating to English and Literacy. For each tracking period, there are discreet Reading and Listening assessments to record progress in these areas. Progress is recorded in individual Good Work folders which are carried forward each year in the BGE.  Parents will receive written notification of progress in the form of tracking and full written reports. 

Homework

Homework will take different forms – from thinking over a topic, to writing and reading.  In addition to written assignments, pupils will also have ongoing reading.  This is a very important aspect of their overall development: positive reading habits promote language development.  Each class will have allocated library time every fortnight when they can borrow books from the school library.