The English Department aims to develop skills in reading, writing, talking and listening through the study of language, literature and media. Courses are designed to develop analytical and evaluative skills as pupils become more confident in communicating ideas orally and in writing.

The library is used extensively by the English Department, who arrange regular class visits throughout the year.

S1 - S3 

Pupils follow courses which cover the Literacy and English Experiences and Outcomes outlined by Education Scotland.

Skills in reading, writing, talking and listening are developed through links with other curricular areas and through a wide range of activities and texts.

Courses are designed to develop skills which equip pupils to become successful learners in the senior school and which will help prepare them for the world of work.

S4 - S6

Pupils in S4 will study English as National 4 or National 5 level.

National 4

There is no exam at National 4. All units are internally assessed. Learners must pass all units, including the value-added units, in order to achieve a pass.

National 5 and Higher

These courses study language and literature and candidates are assessed through their performance in a final exam and a folio of writing. In all cases, the final exam involves close reading and critical essay writing. In preparation for the latter, pupils will study a range of literature, including non-fiction and media texts, developing their analysis and evaluation skills through discussions and assignments. For National 5 and Higher the writing folio comprises one personal/creative essay and one persuasive/discursive essay.

Embedded across all subjects taught here, at Kinlochleven 3-18 Campus, is the development of the core areas of literacy, numeracy and health and well being. 

Our English Department plays a key role in helping our youngsters develop the skills they will need in everyday life to be effective communicators in their homes, their places of further education and their future places of employment. We support their progress through many areas, and play a key role in helping our young people develop, in particular, their reading, writing, talking and listening skills, supporting them with a varied curriculum and regular, individual feedback.

But, of course, this subject is not just about literacy: the study of literature helps provide challenge to our young people, to examine the world around them as they discover and develop their role within it. We also explore the learning opportunities afforded by audio visual texts and technology to increase their skills and widen their experiences.

Our school handbook outlines the National Qualification courses we offer and the progression pathway through those.