English

The importance of English

In the English Department we believe that literacy is at the heart of learning:

The English Department at Penicuik High School is committed to promoting a life-long love of reading, as well as critical thinking and social awareness. Personal reading is actively encouraged in each year group, through library periods and personal reading time – ERIC – in class.

In the English Department we believe:

  • Practice makes perfect – the more you read, the better you get at reading.
  • Reading is exercise for the brain – it helps you to think faster and concentrate better.
  • Reading improves your vocabulary, spelling and your general knowledge.
  • Reading helps your imagination and your ability to empathise with others.
  • Reading relaxes our bodies, and our minds.
  • Reading improves your work in other subjects like History, RMPS, but also Maths.
  • Reading helps you gain experience from other people.
  • Reading can make you feel better.

The curriculum across all year groups offers the opportunity to engage with novels, short stories, non-fiction articles, film, documentaries, plays and poetry. Texts will be explored through group activities as well as individual work. Discussion, listening and presentation skills are an integral part of the pupils’ experiences in English. Students also have opportunities to use their imagination and to produce their own creative pieces.

Classes are mixed ability in all year groups.

Broad General Education (BGE)

Pupils in S1-S3 undertake a common course that exposes them to all the experiences and outcomes in English and Literacy as set out by Education Scotland, developing skills in Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. A range of texts will be used to facilitate the broadening of pupils’ literacy skills including.

English assessment reflects Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes, and pupils are encouraged to set targets to plan for their success. All students receive regular feedback either oral or written and be given the opportunity to develop their self and peer assessment skills. Reading for Understanding/Analysis/Evaluation assessments are given each year to identify areas of strength and development.

Nationals

In S4 students will take the most appropriate course for their ability.

National 4 Overview

To achieve the National 4 English Course, learners must pass all the required Units. National 4 courses are not graded and there is no final examination.

  • Reading assessment on text
  • Comparison 2 texts (Added Value Unit)
  • Listening assessment
  • Speaking assessment
  • 1 piece non-fiction writing

National 5 Overview

The National 5 course is made up of three components; two exam papers and an externally assessed folio containing two essays. The details for each component are listed below:

Folio 30% – 2 essays

  • 1 Broadly discursive /15
  • 1 Broadly Creative /15

Exam 70% – 2 papers

Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding/Analysis/Evaluation (Formally known as close reading) 30%

  • Read one article and answer questions /30

Paper 2 – Critical Reading 40%

  • Textual Analysis on a Scottish text /20
  • 1 Critical Essay on a range of genres /20

In S5, pupils progress to Nat 5 or Higher, as appropriate.

Higher Course outline

The Higher course is made up of three components; two exam papers and an externally assessed folio containing two essays. The details for each component are listed below:

Folio 30% – 2 essays

  • 1 Broadly discursive /15
  • 1 Broadly Creative /15

Exam 70% – 2 papers

Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding/Analysis/Evaluation (Formally known as close reading) 30%

  • Read one article and answer questions. Final 5 mark question to compare main ideas with second article. /30

Paper 2 – Critical Reading 40%

  • Textual Analysis on a Scottish text /20
  • 1 Critical Essay on a range of genres /20

Advanced Higher English

The Advanced Higher course is designed for students with a real interest in English Literature. The sophisticated analysis and critical thinking required in this course makes it an excellent preparation for a variety of University courses.

Assessment

  • A portfolio through which will contain two pieces of writing AND the dissertation.
  • A external examination through which learners will write a critical response on drama or prose, and undertake a textual analysis of an unseen poem or extract from a poem, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge and understanding of complex and sophisticated literary text(s).

Extra-Curricular Activities

In the English Department we run a Media club and a Drama club.
Alongside the senior students we offer homework support at lunchtime.
Teachers are also available after school to support revision and preparation for exams.

Life-Long Skills

In the English Department we nurture the life-long skills which are applicable to all careers and further studies:

  • Excellent communication
  • Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Empathy
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Analysis
  • Confident and sophisticated writing

Members of the English Department

Ms A Adams – Principal Teacher English, Media and Literacy
Mr M Smith – Principal Teacher English, Media and Literacy
Ms R Astor
Mr R Havill
Mr S Milligen
Ms S Blake
Mr S Laydon