Course Duration: 2 years (Grades 10 and 11)
Objective: To enhance students’ proficiency in English, focusing on the four key language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The course aims to prepare students for the G.C.E. O/L General English examination and to use English effectively in academic and everyday contexts.
1. Listening Skills
Competencies:
- Understanding main ideas and specific information from various audio sources.
- Interpreting tone, mood, and intention in spoken English.
Activities:
- Listening to dialogues, announcements, and narratives.
- Note-taking exercises during listening tasks.
- Responding to comprehension questions based on audio clips.
2. Speaking Skills
Competencies:
- Engaging in conversations on familiar topics.
- Delivering short speeches and presentations.
- Participating in discussions and expressing opinions clearly.
Activities:
- Role-plays and simulations of real-life situations.
- Group discussions on current events and everyday topics.
- Pronunciation and intonation practice sessions.
3. Reading Skills
Competencies:
- Comprehending various text types, including narratives, descriptions, and expositions.
- Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferred meanings.
- Understanding vocabulary in context and deducing meanings of unfamiliar words.
Activities:
- Reading comprehension exercises with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
- Analyzing short stories, articles, and essays.
- Summarizing passages and identifying themes.
4. Writing Skills
Competencies:
- Writing coherent and cohesive paragraphs and essays.
- Using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Crafting different types of writing, such as narratives, descriptions, letters, and reports.
Activities:
- Essay writing on various topics.
- Letter writing (formal and informal).
- Developing stories and descriptive pieces.
5. Grammar and Language Structures
Competencies:
- Mastering parts of speech, tenses, and sentence structures.
- Using modals, conditionals, and passive voice appropriately.
- Applying direct and indirect speech in writing and speaking.
Activities:
- Grammar drills and exercises.
- Sentence transformation tasks.
- Error correction and editing practices.
6. Vocabulary Development
Competencies:
- Expanding vocabulary related to various themes such as environment, technology, and culture.
- Understanding idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs.
- Using context clues to determine word meanings.
Activities:
- Thematic vocabulary exercises.
- Flashcards and word games.
- Contextual usage practice.
7. Literature Appreciation
Competencies:
- Analyzing prescribed literary texts, including poems, short stories, and dramas.
- Understanding literary devices and techniques.
- Expressing personal responses to literature.
Activities:
- Reading and discussing selected literary works.
- Identifying themes, motifs, and character developments.
- Writing literary analyses and reflections.
8. Examination Preparation
Competencies:
- Familiarizing with the G.C.E. O/L General English examination format.
- Developing effective test-taking strategies.
- Practicing past examination papers and model questions.
Activities:
- Timed practice tests simulating exam conditions.
- Reviewing common pitfalls and areas of difficulty.
- Group study sessions and peer assessments.
Assessment Methods:
- Continuous assessments through quizzes, assignments, and presentations.
- Mid-term and end-term examinations.
- Oral assessments to evaluate speaking skills.
Resources:
- Prescribed textbooks and supplementary reading materials.
- Audio-visual aids for listening and speaking activities.
- Access to past examination papers and marking schemes.