Thursday 9 September 2010
Some popular choices include “Goodnight Mr Tom” and the play version of “Frankenstein” in Upper I and II. In Upper III and IV topical issues such as homelessness and bullying are approached in “Stone Cold” and “I’m the King of the Castle”. Shakespeare’s plays and poetry also feature significantly in Upper III, IV and Higher.
Oral and aural skills are developed through group discussion and individual talk. Particular attention is paid to the development of transferable skills through projects allowing the pupils to hone leadership skills as well as developing the critical reading required for success in external examinations.
In Upper I and Upper II all pupils work in mixed ability classes, while Intermediate and Higher classes are separated into smaller sets according to ability to help the pupils’ progress.
In Upper V we offer both Higher and Intermediate 2 to give the pupils the best possible chance for success. In Upper VI pupils may take Higher or Advanced Higher. At Advanced Higher level the pupils learn to develop their own interests in literary topics and creative writing.
The Lower and Upper School libraries at Albyn are adjacent to each other and are run by a professionally qualified librarian. Pupils become confident library users at an early age and this continues right through the School.
Special book events are celebrated: National Poetry Day / World Book Day / Visiting Authors, and the Lower School book group Book Busters meets weekly at lunchtime.