English

BGE

Within the English department students read a wide range of literature, including classic novels and more modern teenage fiction, plus plays by Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights, alongside poetry from a number of different significant poets.

Students develop their skills of analysis as they explore the texts that they study. Through a range of different teaching methodologies, students develop as readers and writers. Students are taught to write for a range of different audiences and purposes, from creative writing to analytical, essay writing.

Independent reading, or private reading, is also promoted across the department with learners encouraged to take home a book from the school library’s ever-increasing catalogue and we expect that every pupil reads for the first 10 minutes of each English lesson. Pupils also benefit from a range of extra-curricular activities including debating, public speaking, and many creative writing competitions.

Senior Phase

From National 4 to Advanced Higher English to Media and Communications & Literature, we offer a range of different Senior courses to ensure every pupil feels success. Within each course, pupils are exposed to a range of literature, including at least one from a Scottish background, and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Pupils develop as writers as a core element of assessment for each course is a folio of learner’s work. Creative, personal, discursive, and persuasive writing skills are developed in each year of study with many pupils finding success in this area.

Please find some useful links below.