Purpose and Aims of the Course
The main purpose of the N5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the skills of listening, talking, reading and writing in order to understand and use language.
As learners develop their literacy skills, they will be able to process information more easily, apply knowledge of language in practical and relevant contexts, and gain confidence to undertake new and more challenging tasks in a variety of situations.
Building on literacy skills, the courses develop understanding of the complexities of language, including through the study of a wide range of texts. The courses develop high levels of analytical thinking and understanding of the impact of language.
The courses offer learners opportunities to develop and extend a wide range of skills. In particular, the courses aim to enable learners to develop the ability 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
The National 5 course comprises the following components:
Performance – Spoken Language (pass/fail): an internally-assessed group discussion or solo presentation demonstrating talking and listening skills
Portfolio – Writing (30 marks): two pieces of writing in different genres, written under some supervision and externally assessed by SQA
Exam Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding Analysis and Evaluation (30 marks): questions on an unseen non-fiction text
Exam Paper 2 – Critical Reading (40 marks): unseen questions on a extract from Scottish literature previously studied in class; a critical essay on a different literature text studied in class
The Higher course comprises the following components:
Performance – Spoken Language (pass/fail): an internally-assessed group discussion or solo presentation demonstrating talking and listening skills
Portfolio – Writing (30 marks): two pieces of writing in different genres, written under some supervision and externally assessed by SQA
Exam Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding Analysis and Evaluation (30 marks): questions on two unseen non-fiction passages
Exam Paper 2 – Critical Reading (40 marks): unseen questions on a extract from Scottish literature previously studied in class, plus a critical essay on another literature text studied in class
The Advanced Higher course provides learners with the opportunity to apply analytical and evaluative skills to a wide range of literary texts. Building on the skills developed at National 5 and Higher, learners explore a diverse selection of texts and authors spanning many literary periods and styles. Coursework offers a high degree of personalisation and choice, allowing pupils to pursue their own areas of interest.
The Advanced Higher course comprises four assessed components:
Dissertation (externally marked coursework, 30 marks): a detailed critical essay of 2500-3500 words on literary texts and a topic of the candidate’s choice. The dissertation is written independently, with support from a department mentor, and involves reading, planning, researching, writing and redrafting throughout the year.
Portfolio–writing (30 marks): two pieces of writing in any two genres, such as persuasive, argumentative, polemic, reportage, personal reflective, memoir, travel writing, poetry, drama, radio/tv playscript, short story, or monologue. Unlike at National 5 or Higher, there is no requirement to write one broadly discursive piece and one broadly creative piece.
Exam Paper 1 – Textual Analysis (20 marks): an extended critical analysis of an unseen literary extract. Candidates choose one from poetry, prose, prose non-fiction or drama.
Exam Paper 2 – Literary Study (20 marks): a comparative critical essay on two or more texts studied in class. Candidates choose one unseen question from a selection on poetry, prose fiction, prose non-fiction or drama.
- Understanding how language works.
- Developing core literacy skills of reading, writing, talking and listening.
- Planning, researching and referencing.
- Communicating ideas and opinions clearly and persuasively.
- Using language creatively.
- Thinking critically about literature and current affairs.
At all levels, homework will involve independent reading of class texts, secondary texts and research. Regular reading of challenging fiction and quality non-fiction (broadsheet journalism) are also an essential requirement to support and develop reading fluency, vocabulary, and wider cultural knowledge. Written homework will include the drafting of folio coursework and practice critical essays. Preparations for the spoken language assessment and discursive folio piece at National 5 and Higher also require independent research using the internet and school library.
At Advanced Higher, the quantity of independent reading, research and writing rises significantly.
English in S5-S6
You will enjoy this subject if:
- You enjoy different ways of working including whole class, small group and individual tasks.
- You realise that most employers and colleges will look for a qualification in English.
- You would like to be more confident in reading, writing, talking and listening.
- If you want to work with a range of texts from media to plays and poetry with some room for personal choice.
Influential Literary Figures
- Irvine Welsh -‘Trainspotting’, later made into the hugely popular film of the same name, is part of a movement in contemporary Scottish literature which reclaims the use of raw Scots dialect – Welsh transcribes his native dialect phonetically – as a valid language for literature.
- Jackie Kay – Scottish poet and novelist for both adults and children. Since 2016, the Scots Makar (poet laureate), her work explores themes such as family, race, gender and love.
- J. K. Rowling – Author, film producer, television producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. She is best known for writing the ‘Harry Potter’ fantasy series, which has won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history. Her impact on encouraging young people to read is immeasurable.
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