Recommended entry
for National 5, pupils should have achieved a strong pass at National 4 English in all areas of the course including the Added Value Unit. Pupils should also possess a strong commitment to learning in order to be suitable for this level of study.
For Higher English the entrance requirement is a good pass at National 5 with a Grade C or above. Progression from National 5 to Higher will be evident by the end of S4 or S5 in the form of enhanced demand in the level of difficulty of texts and critical approach, and in the length and quality of writing expected.
Aims of the Course
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 5 course in English provides pupils with the opportunity to continue to develop the skills of listening and talking, reading and writing already gained from previous study in order to understand and use language.
The Higher English course aims to improve and further extend the experience of both the English language and literature through in-depth analysis and evaluation.
Course Content
Building on literacy skills, the course develops understanding of the complexities of language, including the study of a wide range of texts. The course develops high levels of analytical thinking and understanding of the impact of language. Literacy is embedded within the course and learners will be developing their language skills relevant for learning, life and work.
- A variety of teaching styles will be used: whole class teaching, paired, group work and individual tasks.
Assessment Opportunities
Pupils will be continuously assessed throughout the course, using a variety of literature and multi-media texts
Spoken Language Unit
This is a vital component of the English qualification and must be completed successfully to pass the course. Pupils have the opportunity to develop both their talking and listening skills and to communicate by creating detailed presentations.
Completed Portfolio
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 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.
Two pieces of writing must be submitted:
- one piece of a broadly creative nature
- one piece of a broadly discursive nature
Literacy
This will be embedded in each element of work to ensure a wide variety of topics and themes are included and experienced by each learner.
Assessment Pattern
Assessment is on an Achieved / Not Achieved basis for the Spoken Language unit assessment; learners must pass this unit in order to be able to gain a Course Award. Course Awards are graded A – D following external assessment.
The external examination will consist of a reading paper with two sections:
Section 1
Reading for Understanding, Analysis & Evaluation. (RUAE)
30 marks (%) will be awarded for applying reading skills, understanding, analysis and evaluation to two non-fiction texts.
Learners will answer questions to show their understanding, analysis and evaluation of non-fiction texts, and summarise key information.
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. These texts will be both contemporary and pre-20th century and the list will be refreshed as required by the SQA.
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. In each part, pupils must cover a different genre and cannot use the same text twice.
Homework Requirements
Pupils will, of course, be prepared for these papers in class but success depends not just on classwork. Pupils must be prepared to spend several hours each week on individual study and preparation in their own time.
Homework will be issued every week and may take the form of reading or watching the class text; planning or completing a written task started in class; preparing for an individual talk, presentation or assignment; researching a context for learning. On a weekly basis, pupils are also expected to go over work completed in class and broaden their personal reading to a range of texts including quality journalism. Annotation of quality newspaper articles will also be required as part of the weekly homework.
It should therefore never be possible for a pupil to say he/she has no English homework.