English & Media

Welcome to the faculty of English and Media

The aim of The Royal High School English Curriculum is to allow each student to develop competence and confidence in reading and writing, listening, and talking.  We are committed to fostering a passion for reading in all young people and in letting them find their voice through creative expression.

Through the use of digital learning strategies and differentiation by task, text and outcome, all learners are able to be successful within our faculty.

Meet the Staff

English and Media

Mrs H. McLean – Curriculum Leader

Mr D. Craig – Teacher of English and Media

Mr A. Rooney – Teacher of English and Media

Mrs C. Waterland – Teacher of English

Miss A. Hogg – Teacher of English

Dr M. Moonie – Teacher of English

 

Dr K. Hendry – Teacher of English

Miss J. Randall – Teacher of English

Mrs E. Laidlaw – Teacher of English

Mrs B. Ford – Teacher of English

Miss E. Galligani – Teacher of English

Mrs L. Timlin – Teacher of English

BGE information

The Royal High School Faculty of English and Media – BGE Course Outline

Our aim in BGE English is to develop a solid foundation in the key literacy skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Talking.

Across S1, S2 and S3, pupils can expect to experience the following

BGE Course Outline - Download here

RHS Extra-Curricular Clubs list

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Junior and Senior Debating – Mrs McLean

Creative Writing Club – Dr Hendry

Gender Equalities Club – Miss Hogg

Comic Book Film Club – Mr Craig

Homework – Reading for Enjoyment

The English Department encourages pupils to read for pleasure by making class time available in S1 to S3 for personal reading, and by taking classes to the library on a rotation, to explore new books and enjoy reading in a different environment. 

 

There will be times where an individual teacher may set a homework task for their class, but all pupils should consider the development of good reading habits to be ongoing homework.    

 

The reason we put a huge emphasis on personal reading, is that we feel it is the best way for pupils to improve in English.  Pupils who read regularly in school and at home, perform better in this subject. 

 

We have put together this guide because one of the things we hear most regularly at parents’ nights is that pupils who used to be good readers when younger, have fallen out of the habit as they move into high school.  We are also regularly asked for advice about what pupils should be reading and how you can support your child to get back in the habit. 

Reading for enjoyment has the following benefits  

  • It is a form of escapism and mindfulness – many pupils comment that they find reading for pleasure to be a stress-reliever
  • It encourages pupils to be more empathetic, as they will encounter characters with a different set of experiences and challenges to them; equally, they may encounter characters going through similar experiences or challenges to them, which could help them better deal with an issue.
  • Reading regularly helps pupils to develop a more mature and varied vocabulary.
  • It provides a model of what good writing should look like in terms of structure and use of literary devices.
  • It increases awareness of different types of literary genres.

Some things to bear in mind when helping your child to choose something to read 

  • The emphasis should be on enjoyment and choice, especially for reluctant readers.  If a child is interested in a topic or story type, they are more likely to engage with it. For example, a child who likes football, may start with the back of the newspaper by reading the sports pages.
  • They should be aiming to read a mixture of fiction and non-fiction texts.  Fiction may include graphic novels or poetry as well as short stories or novels.  Non-fiction texts may include newspaper articles as well as reference books or websites.
  • For novels, it is a good idea to encourage pupils to read books from a range of different genres to ensure that they are developing an awareness of different types of story.

Some pupils need support and encouragement to read confidently.  Parents/ carers often ask how they can best help their child.  The following list offers a few suggestions. 

  • It is important to be aware of the level at which your child is reading and to match this with suitable support.  Children are more likely to enjoy reading if the books are appropriate and catch their imagination.
  • Keep the child’s interests in mind.   The school librarian, class teachers and friends can suggest authors and titles that your child might enjoy.
  • Don’t forget about non-fiction.  Magazines, newspapers, books connected with film and TV, information books and biographies can also help to develop enjoyment of reading.
  • To encourage personal reading, provide time at home when there are no distractions.  Encourage them to leave electronic devices in another room while reading takes place.
  • Audio books in digital or CD format can help a child follow a story.  Podcasts are also a really good way for your child to be exposed to new vocabulary or ideas.
  • Use film, DVD, TV and other media tie-ins to encourage an interest in the book form e.g., Harry Potter
  • Where necessary, read with the child or listen to the child read to you.
  • Spend time discussing the book and asking questions about the story, characters or topic.
  • If you are a reader, try reading in front of your child regularly to model this behaviour.

Suggested resources 

  • The Scottish Book Trust website – this has lots of different reading lists separated by age, issue etc. https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-lists
  • Bookshops – shops such as Blackwells and Waterstones have very knowledgeable staff and they often have staff picks on the shelves as well as awards shortlists and winners e.g., https://www.waterstones.com/the-waterstones-childrens-book-prize
  • The school librarian Mr Shiels is incredibly knowledgeable and is always happy to chat about books and recommendations with our pupils.
  • Teen Titles – this is a magazine in which school pupils from across the city get the opportunity to review books – this can be a great place for pupils to see what other people their age are enjoying. Teen Titles is available in the school library. 
  • Local libraries – Blackhall and Drumbrae both have knowledgeable staff and a decent range of books.