English - S1
To see the timeline of the S1 course, please click here
The main purpose of the S1 course is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the skills of listening and talking, reading and writing in order to understand and use language. Learners will cover a range of level 3 Experiences and Outcomes for English and Literacy as stated in the Curriculum for Excellence.
Building on literacy skills, the course develops understanding of language through the study of a wide range of texts. Over the S1 course, a variety of literature will be read and analysed including poetry, novels and plays. Learners will also experience a range of non-fiction and media texts. All learners will have a weekly timetabled library lesson where personal reading will be regularly encouraged and reviewed. Using reading logs, they will set themselves independent study targets to read as much as possible over the week.
Listening and talking activities will include paired, group, and whole class discussion and individual talks. For example, learners will be asked to develop planning aids to support their talk work as well as develop their note taking skills.
Learners will also create and produce texts, as appropriate to purpose, audience, and context. S1 learners will produce a writing folio for extended pieces of writing. All extended pieces of writing will be completed on A4 paper and kept in their writing folder to record learner progress.
Course Content
Learners will develop the ability to:
· listen and talk, read, and write, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context;
· understand, analyse and evaluate texts, as appropriate to purpose and audience in the contexts of literature, language and media;
· create and produce texts, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context;
· apply knowledge of language; and
· develop technical accuracy and proof reading skills.
Homework
RUAE homework will be given weekly. Learners will be taught a RUAE skill in class and this will be practised through a series of examples in the RUAE Booklet. Homework will consist of demonstrating an understanding of this skill in their own reading and or writing.
Learners will be asked to read every week.
Learners will be asked to prepare for assessments such as individual talks.
Assessment
In S1 assessment is ongoing, which may include the following: close reading activities, critical essays, extended writing, group discussion, individual talk, and listening activities.
Q: Is there a Reading List?
No set List! But every English room, and of course the Library, has a wide range of novels and non fiction. English Teachers can also recommend!
Q: Where can my child find a good book?
Books are available in the School Library, with access during class time and/or at lunchtimes or after school.
St Andrews Children’s Library has a wide range of attractive books in its Teen Fiction sections.
Bookshops, Books from home . . . swaps with friends. The book does not have to be one from school. Encouraging a range of sources is vital.
Parents’ Evening Book Sales and School Bookfairs - take every chance to spark interest in a book!
Q: What if my child finds reading difficult?
If your child has a specific difficulty with reading, Audiobooks (books on Tape) might be the answer: a good story the same as their friends are reading, also widening their experience and range of vocabulary.
More likely, your child may be a weaker reader just needing a bit more practice - with a really good book to keep them hooked: see Starter Points and Short ‘N’ Easy book cards.
If your child is a slower reader, but is enjoying a longer book, help them along by reading a few chapters to them: enjoyable for everyone, especially if it’s “Harry Potter”!
Q: Does my child have to finish a book if he/she doesn’t like it?
No. But with teacher advice, a range of books to suit all levels and interests, and a positive attitude, pupils should be enjoying and finishing their books.
Q How else can I help my child?
When/where does your child read?
It’s often easiest to read in bed before going to sleep (a bedside light can help). Fifteen minutes or so at least twice a week, is essential (preferably most nights).
YOU are the ones who can really help here.... Switch off the TV, off to bed, and “have you got your book?” Just look in later.... Are they reading? Often the book gets exciting and they have to be stopped, light switched off.... That’s real progress!
If you enjoy reading, and show it has a place in your life, your child will often read too.