The English course in S1/2 is designed to develop skills in three main areas: Reading, Talking and Listening, and Writing. Pupils are introduced to a wide variety of topics and assignments, and much of the work undertaken in class is based on class texts; literature lies at the heart of everything we do, and is our passion.

We also believe strongly in promoting personal reading and actively encourage our pupils in several ways. Pupils are required to produce two book reviews each term, one oral and one written, and this is an effective way of introducing pupils to books enjoyed by their peers. For several years we have participated in Readathon, a national sponsored read in aid of two children’s charities. Our pupils have embraced this wholeheartedly , raising nearly £25,000 in the process; this is an achievement of which we are very proud.

It is important to us that our pupils come face to face with real, live authors! Writers such as Keith Gray, Nicola Morgan, and Catherine Forde have visited S1-2 and have inspired our pupils, not only to read, but also to write. We also have regular visits from theatre companies, such as Hopscotch theatre who, for the past few years, have performed Tam o' Shanter to S1 as part of our Robert Burns celebrations.

There are so many strands to English that we thought the picture below might help clarify the range of things we cover throughout S1-6!