English
Aims of the English Department
In the English department we are committed to developing pupils’ skills in Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. Our curriculum and materials are developed and chosen as appropriate to the level of study of the group of pupils. Pupils at all levels will increase their skills in Reading and Writing by studying different genres of literature, writing in a variety of forms and completing close reading tasks. The Talking and Listening skills of pupils are developed through participation in group discussion and individual talk assignments. The staff of the English department work closely with others within the school to ensure that pupils’ experiences are integrated and enjoyable.
Staff Names and Roles
Mrs P. McConnell (CL 0.6)
Mrs M. McDevitt (CL 0.4)
Mrs G. Galloway (PT Pastoral Care)
Mrs A. Wales (PT Pastoral Care)
Mrs A. Barratt
Mrs S. Bowie
Miss L Deigman
Miss D. Downie
Mrs A. Marriott
Miss L McCann
Mrs V. McKechnie
Ms Katy Green (NQT)
Broad General Education Course Layout
In S1 and S2 pupils will follow a common curriculum, with a unit-based approach to the development of the essential skills and significant aspects of learning. Raising aspirations by improving literacy skills is at the heart of what we do. Underpinning this is the need for technical accuracy and we have a whole school literacy correction code to support learners. This is displayed in our English classrooms, in other curricular areas around the school and in pupils’ planners.
In the BGE pupils will complete pieces of writing for different purposes and audiences such as Personal, Functional and Imaginative; they will carry out reading tasks such as Critical Essay writing, private and close reading as well as developing their understanding of and ability to analyse features of literature. Pupils are also given opportunities to discuss their ideas and to listen to and acknowledge the opinions of others through individual talks and group/class discussion. Pupils also participate in inter-disciplinary learning to develop their ability to transfer essential skills to other areas of the curriculum and build confidence.
Each pupil will create a folio of work, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their learning. Pupils will also complete a Pupil Profile, taking responsibility to record their learning which will be supported by the class teacher in partnership with parents.
Each learner’s progress will be carefully monitored throughout S1-3 with standardised GL Assessments in Literacy taking place in S2. Based on the development of pupils’ skills and abilities reflecting in their work by the end of S2, learners will begin S3 in ability groupings to help develop their skills further in preparation for the Senior Phase. A decision will then be made regarding each pupil’s pathway / level into the Senior Phase at the end of S3.
National 3 and National 4 English Course Outlines
National 3
The National 3 course aims to develop a basic understanding in the four main skills in English: Reading, Writing, Listening and Talking.
Through study of literature and non-fiction texts, pupils will gain skills in Understanding, Evaluation and Analysis.
All work is internally assessed.
Progression: National 4 English
National 4
The National 4 course aims to develop an understanding and competency in the four main skills in English: Reading, Writing, Listening and Talking.
Through study of literature and non-fiction texts, pupils will gain skills in Understanding, Evaluation, Comparison and Analysis.
All work is internally assessed.
The Added Value Unit which is completed towards the end of S4 is a project-based assignment requiring independent learning, drawing on the skills candidates have developed.
Progression: National 5 English or National 5 Literacy course.
National 5 English Course Outline
The National 5 course comprises of 2 internally assessed units, a writing folio and an end of year examination.
The examination is in two parts: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (Close Reading) and the literature focused Critical Reading paper. A specific element of the course concentrates on Scottish literature and pupils will study the works of Carol Ann Duffy as well as other pieces of literature that will be chosen by the class teacher for the essay section of the Critical Reading paper.
Pupils will study a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts to develop their analytical skills, and an appreciation of literature.
Internal Assessments
Unit 1: Creation and Production Writing Assessment 1st draft by Sept weekend
Talk Assessment completed by Oct week
Unit 2: Analysis and Evaluation Close Reading Assessment Oct / Nov
Listening Assessment Oct / Nov
External Assessments
Examination: 2 papers
Paper 1: Reading for U,A and E 1 hour 30 marks 30%
Paper 2: Critical Reading 1.5 hours 40 marks 40%
Folio: 2 essays
1 that is broadly Discursive; 1 that is broadly Creative
Each essay is marked out of 15 and makes up 30% of overall mark
Progression: National 6 English (Higher)
Higher English Course Outline
The National 6 course is similar to National 5 and is made up of 2 internally assessed units, a writing folio and an end of year examination.
The examination is similar to National 5 comprising of two papers: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (Close Reading) and the literature focused Critical Reading paper. A specific element of the course concentrates on Scottish literature and pupils will study the works of Carol Ann Duffy as well as other pieces of literature that will be chosen by the class teacher for the essay section of the Critical Reading paper. The continued study of Duffy allows for depth of study.
Pupils will study a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts to develop their analytical skills, and an appreciation of literature.
Internal Assessments
Unit 1: Creation and Production Writing Assessment 1st draft by Sept weekend
Talk Assessment completed by Oct week
Unit 2: Analysis and Evaluation Close Reading Assessment Oct / Nov
Listening Assessment Oct / Nov
External Assessments
Examination 2 papers
Paper 1: Reading for U,A and E 1.5 hours 30 marks 30%
Paper 2: Critical Reading 1.5 hours 40 marks 40%
Folio: 2 essays
1 that is broadly Discursive; 1 that is broadly Creative
Each essay is marked out of 15 and makes up 30% of overall mark
Progression: National 7 English (Advanced Higher)
Advanced Higher English Course Outline
The National 7 course is made up of internally assessed units, a writing folio and an end of year examination.
The course enables pupils to specialise in various areas of study. Pupils are given the opportunity to closely study some of the great works of English literature.
Pupils gain considerable ability in thinking and working independently, and develop the sophistication of their language and analytical skills.
The key elements of the course are:
Dissertation
Textual Analysis
Close study of literature
Writing folio
S4/5/6 National 5 / National 6 (Higher) / National 7 (Advanced Higher) Prelim exams will take place in January with an additional part of the N7 prelim taking place in March.
Folios must be completed by the end of February.
English Department Homework Policy
S1-3
Homework assignments will be issued on a weekly basis by the class teacher.
These may include:
Independent research
Private reading
Surveys
Redrafting of classwork/folio pieces
Preparing an individual talk
Close reading
These may not always be whole class assignments. Individual pupils may be issued homework tasks because of work missed due to absence or to keep pace with the class.
Pupils in lower ability groupings may not receive homework on as regular a basis as those in more able sections. Homework in these groupings is likely to be even more individualised depending on the level of support required by the pupil.
S4-6
Homework assignments will be issued on a weekly basis by the class teacher.
These may include:
Critical essays (planning, completion or redrafting)
Learning literature/memorising quotations
Close reading/past papers
Personal Study/dissertation
Folio Essay
Upper school pupils who are preparing for the National 5 Higher, Higher or Advanced Higher examinations, should complete all homework assignments issued by the class teacher but must also be aware that consistent independent study and revision is essential for success at these level.
All pupils are actively encouraged to carry out private reading and make use of the OLSP library.