English
Our English Department offers a range of courses from BGE to the Senior Phase (National 4 through to Advanced Higher). We also have specialised pathways including Film and Media at Levels 5 and 6, Higher Media, and Level 6 Journalism.
Aim
At the heart of our curriculum is a focus on ‘real world’ literacy - developing learners in reading, writing, talking and listening with confidence and purpose. From exploring fiction and non-fiction texts, to keeping up to date with current affairs and media trends, we aim to motivate and challenge our learners through relevant and engaging content.
Courses
Our courses are designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Learners will develop critical, creative, and persuasive writing skills, take part in discussions and presentations, and analyse a range of texts across print, digital and spoken media. With opportunities for personalisation and choice, we support learners to progress at their own pace and ensure they are equipped to engage thoughtfully with the world around them - and to make their voices heard.
Some of our BGE themes include: Responsibility and Justice, The Supernatural, Crime, World Issues, Friendship and Teamwork, Empowerment, and Heroes and Villains. Texts are chosen to suit our themes and our learners engage in a plethora of activities that focus on the chosen theme and text.
The Journalism (SCQF level 6) NPA focuses on research and writing but, in line with modern journalism, has options to develop content in page layout, web development and photography.
Creative media production covers a wide range of Core Skills especially in:
• Communication
• Information technology
• Problem solving
• Working with others
· Literacy
The NPA allows learners to work together in teams and develop transferrable skills. There is a creative approach to learning and media production where the importance of problem solving and improving self-confidence is recognised. There is no exam for Journalism, learners will produce a folio of work throughout the year that will be assessed.
With the L5 and L6 Film and Media course, learners will focus on a range of Media texts and apply what they learn from analysis in the production of their own Media text. The course enables pupils to analyse and create media content (individually or part of a group).
Learners will develop:
- Knowledge and understanding of media literacy
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of media in society
- The ability to analyse and create their own choice of media content
- The ability to plan and research when creating media content - focusing on purpose, audience and context.
Senior Phase
Senior Phase
For National 5 through to Advanced Higher English, there is a final exam.
Higher and National 5: Paper 1 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE)
Paper 2 Critical Reading - critical essay, and textual analysis on extract from a text studied in class.
In addition, there is a folio submitted to the SQA and learners must complete a Spoken Language assessment.
Advanced Higher: Paper. 1 Textual Analysis (unseen)
Paper 2 Literary Study (texts studied in class).
Higher Media
Exam - 50% of overall grade and made up of two papers:
Analysis of Media Content
Role of Media
Production Assignment (Film Making) - 50% of overall grade:
Completed in class time over a number of weeks. This is sent to SQA for external marking. The assignment allows candidates to plan and develop media content, evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the finished content, and consider possibilities and problem solving in production planning.
Staff
Miss M Sherry (PT)
Miss L Bircher
Ms J Dickenson
Mrs H Ferguson
Mr J Ferguson
Mr E McGrouther
Mr J McGillivray