Welcome to the English Department
In the English Department pupils engage in a wide range of activities which develop and enhance their language skills, their communication skills and most of all their confidence.
We believe that good literacy and communication skills are essential in developing pupils’ ability to express themselves, to engage positively with others and for each individual to reach their full potential in readiness for lifelong learning.
We have good links with outside agencies and the community and wherever possible we give our pupils opportunities to learn and develop their skills in new settings. We are also keen to enhance our pupils’ educational experience from guest speakers and allow them to learn from real life contexts about the experiences of others.
Curriculum Information
S1 to S3 Curriculum
Pupils participate in a course which covers the Literacy and English Experiences/ Outcomes outlined by Education Scotland. The course is designed to develop skills which will equip pupils to become successful learners and will help prepare them for the world of work.
Skills in listening, talking, reading and writing reading, writing, talking and listening are developed through a wide range of activities. Aspects of study include selected prose, poetry, drama and media.
Pupils also take part in a variety of activities intended to reinforce spelling, handwriting, punctuation and grammar skills. Importantly they have opportunities to use ICT in a variety of contexts to aid learning.
S1
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | All About Me Animal Topic Christmas Letter |
Pupils share information about themselves and get to know each other. Pupils complete various literacy activities related to animals. A letter is planned and written to their primary school. |
| 2 | Media |
Paddington |
| 3 | Play |
Alligator |
S2
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | Prose Mysteries |
The Shadow on the Stairs Pupils research a variety of mysteries |
| 2 | Media |
The Witches |
| 3 | Play |
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory |
S3
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | Prose |
Under the Skin |
| 2 | Media |
The Water Horse |
| 3 | Play |
Blade |
S4 - S6 Curriculum
At the end of S3 pupils progress to courses leading to SQA qualifications at National 1, 2, 3 or 4 levels.
Skills in talking, listening, literacy, creating texts, understanding and producing language are developed through a wide range of activities. Aspects of study include selected prose, poetry, drama and media.
Pupils also take part in a variety of activities intended to reinforce spelling, handwriting, punctuation and grammar skills. Similarly pupils have opportunities to use ICT in a variety of contexts to aid learning.
S4
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | Prose |
Pale/Betrayal |
| 2 | Media |
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas |
| 3 | Poetry |
Study of various poems |
S5
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | Prose |
Getting Away With It/The Dark Shadow |
2 |
Media | Ferris Bueller’s Day Off |
| 3 | Prose |
Divided City |
S6
| Term | Topic | Focus |
| 1 | Personal Project |
Scotland/Teenage Life Unit |
| 2 | Media |
The Help/Sunshine on Leith |
| 3 | Prose |
Resist/ Divided City |
Information Update to Parents
Please click on the links below for further information.