English is one of the core subjects, taken by all pupils from Grade 8 through to Grade 12. In all five years, the curriculum focuses on developing the following language skills:
- Listening and speaking
- Reading and viewing
- Writing and presenting
- Language structures and conventions
The overall mark for English includes language, literature, writing and oral assessments, the weightings of which may vary from grade to grade.
Students are taught to use language accurately through a focus on punctuation, spelling and grammar rules. They are given the opportunity to develop their imaginative and creative sides through a variety of writing tasks, as well as to write for real-world contexts (e.g. CVs and formal letters). A critical awareness of how language functions in real-world contexts is enhanced through the teaching of, for example, advertising and propaganda techniques.
A key aspect of the English syllabus is developing empathy and social awareness. This is achieved through teaching a variety of literature texts – including poetry, drama, novels, short stories and film. Language is also about effective communication, so learners are given ample opportunity to improve their speaking and listening skills through formal speeches, informal discussions, debates and group presentations.
