English

In Coláiste Dún an Rí and in line with the new Junior Cycle English Specification, through the teaching of English, we aim to develop students’ knowledge of language and literature. We aim to consolidate and deepen their literacy skills and make them more self-aware as learners. 

 

We will encourage all students:

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* to be creative through language and to gain enjoyment and continuing personal

   growth from English in all its forms

* to develop control over English using it and responding to it with purpose and effect

   through the interconnected literacy skills of oral language, reading and writing

* to engage personally with and think critically about an increasingly broad range of

   spoken, written and multimodal texts

* to develop an informed appreciation of literature through personal encounters with a

  variety of literary texts

* to use their literacy skills to manage information needs, and find, use, synthesise,

   evaluate and communicate information using a variety of media

* to gain an understanding of the grammar and conventions of English and how they

   might be used to promote clear and effective communication.

 

We aim to develop language and literacy in and through the three strands: Oral Language, Reading, and Writing. Through their study, students will engage with 39 learning outcomes that articulate exactly what they should know, value and understand at the end of the three-year junior cycle. In line with the specification, first year students will engage with 22 learning outcomes, which will support them in their transition from primary school. 

 

During their first year students will complete:

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* a studied novel, with on-going, sustained reading of novels

   throughout the year

* a variety of drama extracts to suit appropriate learning outcomes

* a variety of non-literary texts including texts in oral format

* a number of short stories

* at least 10 poems

 

During years two and three, from a list of prescribed texts, students will study: 

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* two novels

* variety of non-literary texts including texts in oral format

* a film chosen from the prescribed list of texts or a biography or

* travel text or documentary

* a selection of poetry (a minimum of 16 poems over the two years)

* a number of short stories

* two drama texts

 

Our students will be encouraged to develop their personal and interpersonal skills through engaging with the English language in all its forms, reading, writing and oral. 

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