ENGLISH

We aim to stimulate in pupils a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of all aspects of spoken and written English, and to foster an awareness of the importance of language and literature as a means of understanding ourselves, other people and the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A lively Literary and Debating Society stimulates individual articulacy and confidence; over recent years Dollar pupils have regularly distinguished themselves as speakers in Scottish debating finals.
• The Academy newspaper, The Galley, encourages pupils to see themselves as writers and journalists with the confidence to explore and reflect on a broad range of issues, and also to be involved in every stage of news gathering, lay-out and production.
• Large numbers of pupils are involved in drama, which is both a curricular and an extra-curricular activity. Productions include a drama evening presented each November by the Drama Club, the Sixth Form Play, and the School Play, which in 2003 was an innovative promenade production Heaven Peep Through. We also organise frequent theatre trips to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and elsewhere.
• Our new programme of mini-courses in Form 1 enthuses pupils about the wider world of English at the start of their Senior schooling, by allowing them to participate in journalism, debating, drama, creative writing and film studies.

COURSE INFORMATION

English

Forms I and II: Pupils follow an integrated course that puts the study of novels, plays and poetry firmly at the centre of all that we do. The English classroom is a crucial arena for developing reading confidence and also the writing skills that will enable them to develop the highest possible standards of fluency, precision and sensitivity. Here, as at every level, we encourage pupils to participate in discussion, role play, drama and debate.

Standard Grade English: This two year course is designed to enrich the experience of candidates through the study of literature and language and to develop reading, writing and talking skills. Texts covered might include sonnets or contemporary Scottish poetry, novels by Fitzgerald, Hardy and Golding, plays by Shakespeare or a Hitchcock film.

Higher English: Literary study at this level involves writing critical essays on poetry, prose and drama, as well as the textual analysis of unseen texts and a substantial essay on a text chosen by the pupil. Language study focuses on the analysis and appreciation of discursive, often journalistic writing and also on the development of a range of writing skills.

Advanced Higher English: For those interested in sharpening their powers of independent thinking about life and society, this course provides a challenge. This broad-based course includes studying texts by major writers such as Shakespeare, Austen, Donne and Stoppard, textual analysis and creative writing.

Drama

Forms I and II: A specialist teacher introduces young pupils to techniques of acting, writing, managing and cooperating in a dramatic context. There is also the opportunity to join a lively drama club.

Higher and Advanced Higher: These courses combine academic and practical skills. Units include researching, writing and directing a performance, the study of contemporary Scottish Theatre and the study of a text in its theatrical context.