Friday 2nd May: English Communications and Media Focus Group

Had a fantastic first meeting for the English Communication and Media Focus Group. We discussed literacy strategies, changes to the HN units, Core Skills and the inclusion of Citizenship within the teaching of English and Communications and Media.

David Neilson suggested a more accurate way in which to record students' grasp of punctuation and grammar in addition to their SQA certificates.

There were also suggested changes to the HN units to take out the reading assessment. It was suggested that this assessment is already embedded within the research necessary for the written assessments and so is already covered.

Denise suggested that the teaching of texts and discussion topics in English Media and Communication ideas such as respect, community values and responsibility for others are often covered. This leads neatly into the teaching of Citizenship and Denise suggested it is something which English Media and Communications could naturally develop.

Finally, the topic of Core Skills was considered. We were all keen to hear of new developments and of accessing interesting teaching materials, particularly for the less advanced levels such as Access 3 and Intermediate 1.

I will post the minutes as soon as possible on both Practioners Plus and the blog.



I was also interviewed for the Herald regarding the subject mentor post! It should appear either on Tuesday or Friday, so watch out for my mugshot appearing!

Over and out...Claire