English (ENG01‑04)
Core elements

This curriculum is no longer in force.

Vg1 General Studies

Communication

Communication refers to creating meaning through language and the ability to use the language in both formal and informal settings. The pupils shall employ suitable strategies to communicate, both orally and in writing, in different situations and by using different types of media and sources. The pupils shall experience, use and explore the language from the very start. The teaching shall give the pupils the opportunity to express themselves and interact in authentic and practical situations.

Related competence aims – vg1 General Studies

  • use appropriate strategies for language learning, text creation and communication
  • use appropriate digital resources and other aids in language learning, text creation and interaction
  • use pronunciation patterns in communication
  • listen to, understand and use academic language in working on one's own oral and written texts
  • express himself or herself in a nuanced and precise manner with fluency and coherence, using idiomatic expressions and varied sentence structures adapted to the purpose, receiver and situation
  • explain the reasoning of others and use and follow up input from others during conversations and discussions on various topics
  • use different sources in a critical, appropriate and accountable manner
  • write different types of formal and informal texts, including multimedia texts with structure and coherence that describe, discuss, reason and reflect adapted to the purpose, recipient and situation
  • describe key features of the development of English as a global language
  • explore and reflect on diversity and social conditions in the English-speaking world based on historical contexts
  • discuss and reflect on form, content and language features and literary devices in different cultural forms of expression from different media in the English-language world, including music, film and gaming

Language learning

Language learning refers to developing language awareness and knowledge of English as a system, and the ability to use language learning strategies. Learning the pronunciation of phonemes, and learning vocabulary, word structure, syntax and text composition gives the pupils choices and possibilities in their communication and interaction. Language learning refers to identifying connections between English and other languages the pupils know, and to understanding how English is structured.

Related competence aims – vg1 General Studies

  • use appropriate strategies for language learning, text creation and communication
  • use appropriate digital resources and other aids in language learning, text creation and interaction
  • use pronunciation patterns in communication
  • express himself or herself in a nuanced and precise manner with fluency and coherence, using idiomatic expressions and varied sentence structures adapted to the purpose, receiver and situation
  • use knowledge of similarities between English and other languages with which the pupil is familiar in language learning
  • use knowledge of grammar and text structure in working on one's own oral and written texts
  • read, discuss and reflect on the content and language features and literary devices in various types of texts, including self-chosen texts
  • write different types of formal and informal texts, including multimedia texts with structure and coherence that describe, discuss, reason and reflect adapted to the purpose, recipient and situation
  • assess and revise one's own texts based on criteria in the subject and knowledge of language
  • discuss and reflect on form, content and language features and literary devices in different cultural forms of expression from different media in the English-language world, including music, film and gaming

Working with texts in English

Language learning takes place in the encounter with texts in English. The concept of text is used in a broad sense: texts can be spoken and written, printed and digital, graphic and artistic, formal and informal, fictional and factual, contemporary and historical. The texts can contain writing, pictures, audio, drawings, graphs, numbers and other forms of expression that are combined to enhance and present a message. Working with texts in English helps to develop the pupils’ knowledge and experience of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as their insight into ways of living, ways of thinking and traditions of indigenous peoples. By reflecting on, interpreting and critically assessing different types of texts in English, the pupils shall acquire language and knowledge of culture and society. Thus the pupils will develop intercultural competence enabling them to deal with different ways of living, ways of thinking and communication patterns. They shall build the foundation for seeing their own identity and others’ identities in a multilingual and multicultural context.

Related competence aims – vg1 General Studies

  • read, discuss and reflect on the content and language features and literary devices in various types of texts, including self-chosen texts
  • read, analyse and interpret fictional texts in English
  • read and compare different factual texts on the same topic from different sources and critically assess the reliability of the sources
  • use different sources in a critical, appropriate and accountable manner
  • describe key features of the development of English as a global language
  • explore and reflect on diversity and social conditions in the English-speaking world based on historical contexts
  • discuss and reflect on form, content and language features and literary devices in different cultural forms of expression from different media in the English-language world, including music, film and gaming