English and Literacy

English at National 4 level gives pupils the opportunity to build on the skills developed in covering the Level 3 outcomes and experiences. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their analysis and evaluation skills through studying a variety of texts. They will also have the opportunity to write in a number of different genres. National 4 candidates will also prepare and perform a detailed talk comparing two different texts as a compulsory element of the course. 

English at National 5 level gives pupils the opportunity to build on the skills developed in covering the Level 4 experiences and outcomes across the key areas of reading, writing and talking / listening. During the course, learners will analyse and evaluate a range of texts from a variety of genres, including a text by a Scottish writer. They will create and produce a range of texts including creative and discursive writing.  Learners will also develop an understanding of the complexities of language through the study of a range of texts and develop their analytical thinking and understanding of the impact of language. Learners will be assessed on two exam papers: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (30 %) and Critical Reading (40%). A portfolio submitted by learners will be externally assessed (30%) and their talking skills will be assessed internally on a pass/fail basis in a compulsory Spoken Language assessment. 

Literacy
Pupils taking National 5 will be presented for an Additional Literacy Unit in S4. This comprises internal assessments on the four outcomes: reading, writing, talking and listening.

Higher English gives pupils the opportunity to build on the skills developed in the junior phase and the National 5 course. Pupils will develop their skills across the areas of reading, writing, talking and listening. Pupils will study complex texts across a range of genres. They will enhance their appreciation of the Scottish literary tradition by studying a Scottish text. Through detailed engagement with texts across a range of genres, they will develop the skills of understanding, analysis and evaluation. They will develop their ability to structure their thoughts and create coherent arguments through critical essay writing. Pupils will also have the opportunity to produce their own pieces of writing, both creative and discursive, which will be submitted as a portfolio. 

Learners who have passed Higher English and have a genuine passion for the subject are welcome to take Advanced Higher English. Candidates will have the opportunity to complete a portfolio of writing (30%). This consists of several pieces of writing in a variety of genres. The dissertation allows pupils to develop their skills in the independent planning and research of a literary topic of interest to them (30%). Candidates will also develop their analysis and evaluation skills by studying a selection of literary texts for the Textual Analysis (20%) and Literary Study (20%) exams. This course is of value not only to those who intend to study English at university but also provides invaluable practice in the kind of guided independent study that is the hallmark of all forms of tertiary education.