JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from First to Third Term (2025 Updated Curriculum)

JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from First to Third Term (2025 Updated Curriculum)

Are you a teacher, school administrator, parent, or student searching for the complete and updated JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from first to third term? This comprehensive academic guide covers all essential aspects of the JSS1 English curriculum, based on the National Curriculum of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), fully structured to help teachers plan effective lessons and support student mastery.

In this detailed post, you’ll find:

1. A term-by-term breakdown of weekly topics

2. Grammar, reading, comprehension, and writing focus areas

3. Sample lesson objectives

4. Frequently asked questions

5. Bonus: Sample assessment questions and teacher tips

Whether you’re preparing for internal exams, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), or just seeking to improve academic performance in English, this post is your go-to reference.

What is the English Language Scheme of Work?

The scheme of work is an academic tool that outlines the detailed instructional plans for a specific subject across a school term or academic session. In this case, the JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work provides a roadmap for what teachers are expected to teach weekly, term-by-term, in alignment with national education standards.

The scheme includes:

1. Listening and Speaking Skills

2. Grammar and Vocabulary Development

3. Reading and Comprehension

4. Writing Skills

5. Literature and Oral English

6. Continuous Assessment and Revision

JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from First to Third Term (2025 Updated Curriculum)

Why English Language is Essential in JSS1

English is not just a subject; it is the primary language of instruction in Nigerian schools. It influences performance in all other subjects and plays a vital role in future academic and career success.

Key reasons why English is essential:

1. Builds foundational literacy and communication skills

2. Enhances critical thinking and comprehension

3. Required for all external examinations (WAEC, NECO, BECE)

4. Essential for public speaking, writing, and logical reasoning

First Term JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work

The first term focuses on foundational skills in listening, speaking, grammar, and sentence construction.

Week 1: Introduction to English Language

• Definition, importance, and functions of English

• Classroom rules and effective study habits

Week 2: Listening Skills

• Listening for main ideas

• Note-taking techniques

• Identifying speakers’ intentions

Week 3: Parts of Speech (Nouns)

• Definition and types: Common, Proper, Collective, Abstract

• Countable vs Uncountable nouns

Week 4: Reading Comprehension

• Techniques for reading passages

• Identifying key points and answering comprehension questions

Week 5: Sentence Construction

• Simple sentences

• Subject and predicate identification

• Sentence order (SVO)

Week 6: Vocabulary Development

• Synonyms and antonyms

• Using new words in context

Week 7: Grammar: Verbs

• Action and linking verbs

• Regular and irregular verbs

• Verb tense consistency

Week 8: Writing: Descriptive Composition

• Writing a descriptive paragraph

• Using sensory language

Week 9: Literature: Introduction to Prose

• What is prose?

• Reading and summarizing a short story

Week 10: Grammar: Articles

• Definite and indefinite articles

• Using articles correctly in sentences

Week 11: Revision and Continuous Assessment

• Recap of key concepts

• Oral presentations and test practice

Second Term JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work

The second term deepens grammatical concepts and introduces students to creative and formal writing.

Week 1: Listening and Speaking Skills

• Listening to short stories and summarizing

• Oral questioning and response techniques

Week 2: Grammar: Adjectives

• Types: Descriptive, Quantitative, Demonstrative

• Position and agreement with nouns

Week 3: Reading Comprehension

• Reading for specific information

• Making inferences

Week 4: Writing: Informal Letter

• Structure: Address, salutation, body, conclusion

• Sample topics and guided writing

Week 5: Grammar: Pronouns

• Personal, possessive, reflexive, and relative pronouns

• Usage and agreement

Week 6: Vocabulary: Homonyms and Homophones

• Differences and examples

• Exercises and usage in sentences

Week 7: Sentence Structure

• Compound and complex sentences

• Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions

Week 8: Literature: Poetry Introduction

• Definition and features of poetry

• Reading and analyzing a simple poem

Week 9: Writing: Narrative Composition

• Story writing techniques

• Plot, character, setting, and dialogue

Week 10: Grammar: Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Types and functions

• Examples in usage

Week 11: Revision and Assessment

• Weekly and term-end review

• Written and oral tests

JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from First to Third Term (2025 Updated Curriculum)

Third Term JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work

The third term ties all concepts together and focuses on mastering advanced structures, creative writing, and comprehension strategies.

Week 1: Listening for Critical Thinking

1. Listening to debates, speeches, and summarizing

2. Identifying tone, bias, and opinion

Week 2: Grammar: Adverbs

1. Types: Manner, Place, Time, Frequency

2. Comparative and superlative forms

Week 3: Reading Comprehension

1. Reading longer passages

2. Answering WH- questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why

Week 4: Writing: Expository Composition

1. Writing to explain ideas

2. Introduction, body, conclusion

Week 5: Grammar: Conjunctions and Sentence Linking

1. Types: Coordinating, subordinating, correlative

2. Sentence connectors

Week 6: Vocabulary: Word Formation

1. Prefixes and suffixes

2. Root words and derivatives

Week 7: Literature: Introduction to Drama

1. Features of drama

2. Reading and summarizing a short play

Week 8: Writing: Argumentative Essay

1. Expressing opinions and supporting with evidence

2. Introduction to formal writing structure

Week 9: Revision: Sentence Correction and Grammar Practice

1. Common grammatical errors

2. Practice exercises and peer review

Week 10–11: Examination and Performance Evaluation

1. Objective and theory exams

2. Oral reading and creative writing submission

Sample Assessment Questions

1. Write a story that ends with: “That was the happiest day of my life.”

2. Identify five types of nouns and give two examples each.

3. Correct the sentence: “She don’t know the answer.”

4. List five adjectives and use each in a sentence.

5. Write an informal letter to your friend telling them about your new school.

Teacher Tips for Teaching JSS1 English Language

1. Incorporate daily vocabulary practice

2. Use real-life examples and newspaper articles

3. Organize reading clubs and peer reviews

4. Emphasize speaking through debates and presentations

5. Assign regular essay and composition writing

Testimonials

Mr. Ibrahim Musa – English Teacher, Abuja:
“Since I started using this structured scheme of work, my students’ grammar and writing skills have improved dramatically.”

Chiamaka, JSS1 Student, Enugu:
“I used to struggle with English, but with weekly guidance based on this scheme, I passed my midterm exams with flying colors.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is English Language compulsory in JSS1?
Yes, it is one of the core subjects in the Nigerian curriculum for Junior Secondary School.

Q2: How can parents support English learning at home?
Provide reading materials, encourage writing practice, watch educational programs, and engage children in discussions.

Q3: What textbooks are recommended?

• “New Oxford Secondary English”

• “Nelson English for Junior Secondary Schools”

• “Effective English for Junior Secondary Schools”

Q4: How is the English exam in JSS1 structured?
Typically includes comprehension, grammar, essay writing, oral questions, and literature analysis.

Q5: What is the difference between narrative and descriptive essays?
Narrative essays tell a story, while descriptive essays focus on vividly describing a person, place, or event.

Conclusion

The JSS1 English Language Scheme of Work from first to third term offers a rich foundation for students to develop core literacy skills. From grammar to creative writing, reading comprehension to oral fluency, this guide ensures a balanced and progressive curriculum that prepares students for long-term academic success.

Teachers who follow this structured approach will find lesson planning easier and more effective. Students will grow in confidence and ability, and parents can support the process with clarity.