English
In the English Department, we want every pupil to feel inspired, supported, and challenged to achieve their best.
English helps young people develop essential skills for learning, life, and future work. We place a strong focus on critical thinking, such as problem solving, analysis, and evaluation, while also encouraging creativity and collaboration through group work, discussions, and reflective learning strategies.
Pupils will build on and develop their skills in four key areas: Reading, Writing, Talking, and Listening.
Reading
Pupils explore both language and literature through a rich and varied collection of texts. From poetry and plays to novels, films, and non-fiction, the texts we study cover themes that matter. Pupils also work with non-fiction texts to strengthen Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) skills, including learning how to identify persuasion and bias.
Writing
Writing is at the heart of English. Pupils will learn to write for different purposes – to inform, to persuade, and to express themselves creatively. From crafting gothic short stories to experimenting with poetry, there are lots of opportunities to be imaginative while also developing accuracy and clarity in writing.
Talking and Listening
Being able to communicate clearly and confidently is a vital life skill. In English, pupils will practise this in many ways, both formal and informal. Group projects, discussions, presentations, and co-operative tasks help pupils to build teamwork, leadership, and listening skills while giving them the confidence to share their own ideas.
Staff
Mrs V.MacInnes (PT)
Miss E.MacLeod
Mr P.Newman
Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)
S1/2/3 - Broad General Education (Curriculum for Excellence)
S4/5/6 - National 3/4/5, Higher and Advanced Higher, Communication and Literature (Level 6)
Homework requirements
Homework is an important part of your child’s learning in English. It helps pupils practise and consolidate the skills developed in class, prepare for assessments, and build good study habits. The type and amount of homework will vary depending on your child’s year group.
Broad General Education (BGE) – S1 to S3
Homework at this stage is designed to reinforce what pupils have been learning in class and to encourage independent reading and writing.
Typical homework activities may include:
- Comprehension tasks to check understanding of class texts.
- Research linked to current topics or projects.
- Creative or functional writing (stories, reports, letters, etc.).
- Personal reading – pupils are encouraged to read regularly for enjoyment and to develop vocabulary and comprehension skills.
How parents can help:
- Encourage regular reading at home (books, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks).
- Discuss what your child is reading and ask them to summarise or share their opinions.
- Check they have completed written tasks and help them manage deadlines.
Senior Phase
Homework for senior pupils is mainly revision- and coursework-based, supporting preparation for assessments and final qualifications.
Typical homework activities may include:
- Revision tasks for Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) and literature essays.
- Consolidation of work done in class – reviewing feedback and redrafting written pieces.
- Planning and preparation for folio pieces (creative or discursive writing).
Assessment details
English – National Qualifications
English at Dornoch Academy supports pupils in developing key skills in literacy, reading, writing, listening, and talking. These skills are assessed at every level of National Qualifications.
National 4
At National 4 level, pupils complete:
Four internal assessments – covering reading, writing, talking, and listening
Added Value Unit – a critical essay on a text studied in class
National 5 and Higher
The structure of these courses is very similar. Pupils will:
- Study a combination of Scottish literature, film, prose and drama.
- Continue to develop Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) skills from S1–3.
- Produce a writing portfolio under controlled conditions, submitted to the SQA for external marking.
- Complete one internal assessment on Talking and Listening skills.
Assessment at National 5 and Higher includes:
- Exam Paper 1: Reading for Understanding, Analysis & Evaluation – 30%
- Exam Paper 2: Critical Reading (Scottish Textual Analysis plus one Critical Essay) – 40%
- Writing Folio – 30%
Communication and Literature (Level 6)
The course builds on National 5 English, introducing more complex texts and independent study while developing skills for further study or employment.
It offers an alternative to Higher English, often with less emphasis on final exams and more on continuous assessment through coursework, essays, and presentations.
Completion of both Level 6 units can be equivalent to a Higher English pass (Grade C), which is accepted by some further education establishments.
Family learning/useful resources
Broad General Education (S1–S3)
Reading and Literacy
Scottish Book Trust – Reading at Home
www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-and-stories
Tips, book lists by age, and family reading challenges.
Read, Write, Count (Scottish Government initiative)
www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-and-stories/read-write-count
Activities to build reading, writing and numeracy skills together at home.
BBC Bitesize (S1–S3 English)
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zt3rkqt
Interactive lessons, clips, and quizzes to support reading, writing and talking.
Once Upon a Picture
https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/
Family ideas:
- Set aside “reading together” time each week.
- Discuss TV shows, films or podcasts — talk about characters, messages and viewpoints.
- Encourage journaling, blogging, or creative writing at home.
National 5
Curriculum Support
SQA Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Use real exam papers to practise RUAE and Critical Essay skills.
BBC Bitesize – National 5 English
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmcrd2p
Clear video tutorials and tasks for RUAE, Writing, and Critical Essay.
Scholar (by Heriot-Watt University)
Free for Scottish pupils – interactive revision notes and self-marking tests.
LitCharts / SparkNotes / BBC Teach
Useful for background on set texts, but encourage students to form their own interpretations too.
Family ideas:
- Ask your child to explain what they’re reading — summarising boosts comprehension.
- Listen to or watch filmed versions of plays and novels together.
- Help them time and plan practice essays at home.
Higher and Advanced Higher
Academic and Exam Support
SQA Higher / Advanced Higher English resources
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45672.html
Specifications, specimen papers, and candidate exemplars.
BBC Bitesize – Higher English
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqxhfg8
Revision videos and annotated essay examples.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
The English We Speak (BBC Learning English) – vocabulary in context.
In Our Time: Literature (BBC Sounds) – deep discussions of literary works.
Project Gutenberg / Scottish Poetry Library - free access to classic and Scottish texts for wider reading.
Family ideas:
- Discuss themes and moral issues from their texts — encourage debate and evidence-based opinions.
- Proof-read or listen to practice presentations and talks.
Encourage independent wider reading beyond the set texts — contemporary novels, Scottish writers, or non-fiction.
General Family Literacy Resources
Education Scotland – Family Learning – education.gov.scot/parentzone
National resources for supporting language, reading, and communication.
Scottish Book Trust – Bookbug (for younger siblings) – www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug
Family literacy builds stronger reading habits for all ages.
Local libraries - free audiobooks, e-books, and reading challenges that families can join together.
Links to wider achievements
The skills developed in English go far beyond the classroom. Reading, writing, talking and listening are essential for success in learning, life and work. Through the English curriculum — from S1 to Advanced Higher — pupils gain confidence, creativity and communication skills that they will use in every area of their lives.
Building Lifelong Literacy
English supports literacy across all subjects. Skills in reading, note-taking, analysing information and writing clearly are needed in every area of learning.
Pupils learn to express ideas effectively, listen actively, and consider different viewpoints — key skills for study, employment, and everyday life.
Regular personal reading encourages lifelong habits of curiosity, imagination and empathy.
Emphasis on functional writing (reports, letters, essays, speeches) prepares pupils for real-world communication in education, work, and community settings.
Communication and Confidence
Opportunities for talking and presenting — including group discussions, debates and individual presentations — help pupils develop confidence and clarity when expressing ideas.
Skills such as researching, structuring an argument, and using persuasive language support public speaking, teamwork, and leadership abilities that benefit pupils beyond school.
YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative)
Involvement in YPI presentations gives pupils the chance to connect their English and communication skills to real-life causes.
Pupils research a local charity, prepare and deliver a persuasive presentation, and work collaboratively to represent their chosen organisation.
This experience builds empathy, teamwork, and real-world presentation skills — vital elements of lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.
Critical Thinking and Media Awareness
English develops critical literacy — understanding how language shapes meaning and influences opinion.
Pupils learn to question sources, analyse bias and evaluate evidence — essential skills for engaging responsibly with media, social networks and information in adult life.
Preparing for Future Pathways
Strong English and literacy skills support every future pathway — whether pupils move on to college, university, apprenticeships or employment.
Employers consistently identify communication and teamwork as key skills for success; English provides a solid foundation for both.
From report writing to interviews, presentations to problem-solving, the skills gained through English remain relevant throughout life.
How parents/guardians can help
Encourage your child to read widely — books, news, articles, or anything that sparks interest.
Talk together about what they’re studying, current events or topics that matter to them.
Support YPI and other presentation work by listening to practice runs and giving feedback.
Celebrate progress in literacy — improvements in reading confidence, writing, and communication all support lifelong success.
