Content
The course encourages the development of language skills, building on previous learning, most likely in National 5 English. Learners are made aware of the need for depth of thought, clarity and accuracy in their own use of language, and for reasoned and detailed analysis.
HIGHER Skills
Learners will be able to:
- listen, talk, read and write, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
- understand, analyse and evaluate texts, including Scottish texts, as appropriate to purpose and audience in the contexts of literature, language and media
- create and produce texts, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
- apply knowledge and understanding of language
Opportunities for Learners
Learners will be able to:
- use different media for learning and communication
- understand how language works
- use language to communicate ideas and information in English
- think creatively and critically
- appreciate a wide range of literature and texts
- develop detailed and complex language skills
Assessment
- The course assessment has four components: two question papers (exams), portfolio-writing and
performance-spoken language.
- The question papers and portfolio will be marked by SQA and graded A to D.
- The performance-spoken language is internally assessed and marked as Achieved / Not achieved.
Paper 1 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
1 hour 30 minutes, 30 marks
Two non-fiction pieces of writing are given, with questions
Paper 2 Critical Reading
1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks
Different genres (prose, poetry, drama) must be chosen for Section 1 and Section 2
Section 1 Scottish Texts
Section 2 Critical Essay
Specimen Paper www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm
Portfolio
One written text of no more than 1,300 words, demonstrates the learner’s ability to write for different purposes: broadly creative or broadly discursive. 30 marks
Performance
Learners can take part in a group discussion or prepare and present a presentation.
Progression
Higher courses can stand alone or follow on from National 5 qualifications and may lead to Advanced Highers and a range of qualifications within Further and Higher Education
For course information, specimen question papers and past paper guidance visit:
Higher English: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47904.html
Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications
Further Information for Parents and Learners Information on assessment, skills, progression, revision resources and summaries of National Qualifications www.parentforumscotland.org