English and Literacy

English

If you like to discuss issues, read or watch texts or consider important things happening in the world then English is for you!  Studying English will allow you to develop your literacy skills – reading, writing, talking and listening – to a high standard.  You will also develop your critical thinking skills to allow you to effectively understand, analyse and evaluate literature and non-fiction texts.  The range of activities in which you will participate will help you to enhance your organisational and communication skills but, most importantly, are essential to all aspects of the working world.

We cover a range of materials across the BGE (S1, S2 and S3) and then offer National 4 and National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses in the Senior Phase. In S1, S2 and S3 courses are designed to allow you to study a range of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction and media texts. You will also develop your knowledge of language and writers’ craft and apply this when creating texts of your own. You will explore a variety of types of writing including imaginative, personal-reflective, functional and discursive writing – a lot of which will help you across other subject areas and help prepare you for when you move into the senior phase.

When you do move into the senior school there is a course suited to everyone, whether it is National 4, National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher.  There is a real progression across these courses with what you’re learning in one impacting upon and building your skills for the next.  The courses consist of two main areas: Creation and Production (Talking and Writing) and Analysis and Evaluation (Readingand Listening).   Don’t worry – nothing will be unfamiliar as we will have given you a chance to exercise your skills in S1, S2 and S3.  It’s more difficult obviously but work hard and you will meet your goals.

Remember why we are here – to prepare you for the world outside of school.   If you stick in and get a qualification in English it will be essential to any career path as this will prove that you have the required literacy skills and that you are able to communicate effectively. Some of the most common careers for people who study English are: Teaching, Media, Finance,

Public Relations, Advertising, Events Management, Journalism, Marketing and Publishing;  but it’s necessary for everyone.  We look forward to seeing you in our classrooms!

English in S3/4

The study of English will allow you to access and complete a range of texts and activities which are directly relevant to your everyday life, encouraging you to consider your feelings about the world around you. From Film to Poetry, Short Stories to Drama, the variety offered by the English Department means that there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy! In addition to this, English will allow you to further develop the key core skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Talk which will be vital to you as you prepare for Further/Higher Education, Training or Employment.   

Journalist, Teacher, Publisher, Researcher 

Course options in S5/6

English (S4,5,6) 

No matter what your future plans, English is the subject for you!  It focuses on the key core skills of Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening, and strengthens your communication, presentation and inter-personal skills.  You will study a variety of texts including Prose, Drama, Media and Poetry, as well as developing your functional and creative writing abilities.  A qualification in English is essential for any career pathway, as well as for those moving on to College, Training, Further/Higher Education or Employment. 

Journalist, Teacher, Publisher 

Media Studies (S5,6) 

Do you enjoy studying the world around you?  Are you interested in building upon your analytical skills?  If so, Media Studies would be a great addition to your timetable!  Not only will you study Media in all its forms – TV, film, radio and newspapers – you will also have an opportunity to create your own texts.  This course is essential for anyone thinking about journalism, advertising or TV work but also is useful for anyone simply looking to explore Media and build upon their existing communication skills. Please note that this course requires you to be confident with Literacy, and so you should already have achieved your National 5 English in order to study Media Studies. 

Advertising Executive, Journalist, Market Researcher 

NC Communication and Literature (S5,6) 

This is a new course, currently being offered by the English Department at SCQF Level 6. This can be offered as a stand-alone, one-year Qualification or as an effective two-year programme with our learners completing the NC in S5 before going on to attempt Higher English in S6. As everything is internally-assessed – instead of having a final exam at the end of the year – it is a great way of bridging the gap between National 5 and Higher English. As part of this course, you still study a range of literature, such as poetry, film, and short stories, further developing your Textual Analysis skills in preparation for Higher English the following year. Moreover, this course also involves you improving upon your existing communication, inter-personal and writing skills, better preparing you for the World of Work that awaits outside of the classroom.  

Journalist, Teacher, Publisher 

NPA Film and Media (S5,6) 

This is a brand-new course, currently being offered by the English Department at SCQF Level 5. This is a course that is based on learners developing the skills required for working within the Film Industry. This course involves an introduction to the workings of the Media Industry (including Feature Films, Advertising and Radio), the creation of a collaborative film project, and the analysis of camera operations as well as editing techniques. This is a stand-alone, one-year Qualification that can lead onto Level 6 study and Further Education. This course is a must for anyone creative and who is keen to develop their teamwork skills and initiative!  

 Journalist, Director, Camera Operator, Film-maker