Being competent in English is the key to success in many aspects of life and work. A qualification in English is often required for entry to further and higher education.
The National 3, 4 and 5 courses in English provide pupils with the opportunity to continue to develop the skills of listening and talking, reading and writing already gained from previous study in S1 and S2, in order to understand and use language. Many topical themes will be explored through various forms of literature and multi-media texts.
National 3
Producing Language
The purpose of this unit is to provide pupils with the opportunity to develop talking and writing skills in the contexts of literature, language and media.
Understanding Language
The purpose of this unit is to provide pupils with the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in a wide range of contexts. Pupils develop the skills needed to understand, analyse and evaluate detailed and complex texts.
National 4
Creation and Production
The purpose of this unit is to provide pupils with the opportunity to develop talking and writing skills in the contexts of literature, language and media.
Analysis and Evaluation
The purpose of this unit is to provide pupils with the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in a wide range of contexts.
Added Value
This unit is assessed internally at National 4 and evidence for this Unit will be generated through an investigative assignment. Pupils will conduct their own research investigation before they present their findings both written and orally.
Assessments
All units are assessed internally by the teacher at National 4 level. In order to successfully pass this course, pupils must achieve a pass in all three elements of the course.
National 5
Pupils studying within this level will study a wide variety of literature and focus on their skills in reading, writing, listening and talking.
Completed Portfolio for National 5
Two pieces of writing will be submitted as a portfolio to the SQA prior to the examination and will account for 30% of the overall grade.
This will be prepared in class and at home then externally assessed. Learners are given the opportunity to develop their skills in writing in different genres and for a range of purposes and audiences.
Assessment Pattern for National 5
Performance – Spoken Language
Pupils must pass this mandatory assessment by either participating in a controlled group discussion or by preparing and presenting a presentation to their peers. The purpose of the Spoken Language element is to assess listening and talking skills.
The external examination will consist of a reading paper with two sections:
Section 1 Reading for Understanding, Analysis & Evaluation.
30 marks (%) will be awarded for applying reading skills, understanding, analysis and evaluation to two non-fiction texts.
Section 2 Critical Reading will have 40 marks (%).
This section has two parts:
Part 1 Scottish Texts (20%)
Pupils will apply their understanding, analysis and evaluation skills based on previously studied Scottish texts by answering questions on one Scottish text chosen from a list of specified texts covering the genres of drama, prose and poetry.
Part 2 Critical Essay (20%)
Pupils will apply their understanding, analysis and evaluation skills to previously studied texts from the following contexts: drama, prose, poetry, film and TV drama, or language, by writing one critical essay.