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What do pupils do in S1 English?
 
In their first year of studying English at St. Andrews, pupils continue working through the Broad General Education phase of their learning. The S1 course builds on the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills pupils have acquired in primary school, while also introducing learners to new and more complex concepts.
 
In S1 English, pupils will:

  • Study a variety of texts – novels, poems, films, and dramas – and begin to analyse them critically.
  • Enhance their understanding of language and literary technique through close reading exercises.
  • Hone their technical writing skills by practising spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Develop their writing skills by learning to produce imaginative, persuasive, and personal pieces.
  • Build their speaking skills by preparing and delivering solo talks and participating effectively in group discussions.
  • Learn to look for and pick out key information from audio texts like documentaries.
  • Routinely make guided and independent use of the school’s library.
 
What can I do to reach my full potential in S1 English?

  • Read widely! Even if you’re not a big reader, there will be texts out there which will interest you. Reading often is an enjoyable way of exercising your mind, learning new words, and increasing your knowledge of the world. Many studies have shown that reading regularly increases your performance across all school subjects, and generally makes you smarter!
 
  • Talk to your parents, your teacher, or the school librarian about what kind of literature you like, and see if they have anything to recommend.
 
  • If you’re a lapsed reader, or someone who has never really liked reading, have a think about what kind of stories you do enjoy – what are your favourite films, what television programmes do you watch, what sort of videogames do you play? There are literary genres for every taste!

  • If you often read for pleasure, have a look at the classics. If you’re into horror, pick up Dracula or Frankenstein; if you like dramas and social intrigue, take out Emma; if you’re a fan of fantasy, consider attempting The Lord of the Rings.
 
  • Make sure to ask if you feel shaky about a bit of grammar or punctuation.
 
  • Use the resources available! Each English classroom at St Andrews is stocked with a class set of dictionaries.

  • Pay close attention to your teacher’s feedback!

  • Keep up to speed with the news! Watching or listening to the news regularly will give you a clearer sense of the world we live in and help to build your vocabulary.

  • Take care with your homework, and get it in on time. Any homework you are issued will be intended to help you cement skills or knowledge that will help you in future.


HOME LEARNING RESOURCES

These resources are designed to enable independent learning at home during the S1 and S2 English courses. Pupils can also use them to support the work they are doing in class.