English
The English Department consists of six full time members of staff and one part time member of staff. These include: Mrs Jane Phillips (Head of Department), Miss Louise Dunn, Mrs Dawn Keogh, Mrs Morven Ovenstone-Jones and Mrs Denise Wilson
All pupils study English, up to the end of Form 5, when the majority are presented for SQA examinations and there is also the opportunity to study English further at Advanced Higher level. In addition to working with pupils to help them achieve success in this key subject, the department aims to build pupils’ confidence in their ability to communicate with others effectively and foster an appreciation of literature in all its forms. The department studies literature from various periods and all genres: poetry, prose, drama and media study.
We encourage pupils’ self expression and they are encouraged to write for publication in the School Review, which is edited by the English Department, as well as for readership within the school and, occasionally, for nationwide competitions in which we have had some success in the past. Pupils’ creativity has been encouraged by taking part in writing workshops within school and as part of links with Dundee University, by collaboration with various published writers, and through the launch of a Cartoon Club for pupils. The Department also publishes The Kwyll, a collection of writing by pupils.
The English Department also has close ties with the debating and public speaking societies and we run our own public speaking competition every year. Two members of the department are involved in coaching teams for the numerous external competitions in debating and public speaking and, as well as assisting with the Senior Debating Club, they also run the Young Speakers’ Club (for Forms 1 – 3) on Tuesday at lunchtime.
Theatre visits are a regular feature of English Department life, from the Christmas pantomime visit for Form 1, to attending productions at Dundee Rep and travelling further afield to enjoy performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
We seek to make English a full and enjoyable experience for all pupils at the High School of Dundee, working together in a happy and welcoming environment.
For further information, please see the curriculum pages.