Language and Literacy

English Higher 

Description 

Higher English is a course that develops learners appreciation of Literature, both in a Scottish context and in a wider sense. Learners develop their skill in analysing and evaluating written and spoken texts, experiencing a wide range of different texts including, novels, poetry, film, and drama.  

As well as learning to appreciate writer’s craft, learners also have the opportunity to use these skills in creating their own written and spoken pieces. 

Assessment 

Assessment of Higher English takes different forms: the course work and assignment assess candidates writing and speaking and listening abilities. Learners submit a portfolio of writing containing one piece that is either broadly creative or broadly discursive. Learners also complete a group discussion task for their Spoken Language Assessment.  

The portfolio is worth 30 marks, and the Spoken Language Assessment is a pass/fail unit assessment. 

The other assessment is the final exam, which is the remaining 70 marks available. 

Entry Requirement 

Learners who have attained A-B grades at National 5 are recommended to Higher English. Those who attain C grades are invited to discuss with their class teacher, as an alternative may be more suitable. 

Learners who have successfully completed LitComm6 are also recommended to Higher English. 

Final Exam 

The final exam for English consists of two papers: Paper 1 - Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation and Paper 2 - Critical Reading. 

Paper 1 is a 90 minute paper that assesses learners ability to demonstrate their understanding of, and their skill in analysing and evaluating, unseen written texts. This is non-fiction in genre. At Higher, candidates are to answer on two passages. 

Paper 2 is a 90 minute paper that assesses learners knowledge and understanding of pre-studied literature in two different tasks. Firstly, learners complete a Scottish Set Text assessment on a text that has been studied in class by answering a series of questions on a given extract. This is then followed by a critical essay response to a chosen task. This, again, will have been studied in class. 

Introduction to Literature and Communication (SCQF Level 5) 

Description 

Introduction to Literature and Communication (LitComm5) is a combined unit package that develops learners skills in literary analysis and evaluation, as well as non-fiction communication skills. This course is a perfect progression for learners who have completed National 4 English as it follows a very familiar unit-assessment approach through the course. Successful completion of LitComm5 gives learners an award with equivalency to an award at National 5 English. 

Following this, learners can progress into Literature and Communication (LitComm6). 

Assessment 

Learners complete a range of assessments in both ‘halves’ of this course. 

In Literature – two critical responses (either written or spoken) and a question-based textual analysis exercise.  

In Communication – learners are assessed on the reading, writing, talking and listening skills. 

These assessment may overtake multiple outcomes. For example: a spoken critical response for Literature may also allow learners to pass the speaking assessment in Communication. 

Entry Requirement 

Learners choosing LitComm5 should have, at the very minimum, National 4 Literacy, although it is likely most will have been successful at a full National 4 English. 

Final Exam 

There is no final exam for either LitComm course. 

Literature and Communication (SCQF Level 6) 

Description 

Literature and Communication (LitComm6) is a combined unit package that develops learners skills in literary analysis and evaluation, as well as non-fiction communication skills. This course is a perfect progression for learners who have completed LitComm5 as it follows a very familiar unit-assessment approach through the course. Successful completion of LitComm6 gives learners an award with equivalency to an award at Higher English – it has also proven an excellent preparatory course for Higher English as a further study. 

Assessment 

Learners complete a range of assessments in both ‘halves’ of this course. 

In Literature – two critical responses (either written or spoken) and an unseen question-based textual analysis exercise.  

In Communication – learners are assessed on the reading, writing, talking and listening skills. 

These assessment may overtake multiple outcomes. For example: a spoken critical response for Literature may also allow learners to pass the speaking assessment in Communication. 

Entry Requirement 

Learners choosing LitComm6 should have, at the very minimum, National 5 Literacy, although it is likely most will have been successful at a full National 5 English with a C or D grade. Alternatively, learners who have been successful at LitComm5 are recommended to LitCom6. 

Final Exam 

There is no final exam for either LitComm course. 

Media National 4 

Description 

Media is an exciting and creative course where learners explore the Media content that has been created for a variety of purposes and seek to analyse and evaluate them in relation to the key aspects of Media Content, Context and the Role of the Media. The course places equal weighting on the Analysis and Creation aspects. 

Learners study a range of moving and print texts. In previous years, we’ve studied texts as wide ranging as: Blackfish, Shawshank Redemption, Marvel films, Shutter Island, Blue Planet II, Snow White and the Huntsman and many more. 

Assessment 

At National 4, there are three units, the Analysing Media Content, the Creating Media Content and the Added Value Unit. Learners must be successful in all three units in order to gain a full course award. 

Entry Requirement 

An award at National 3 or 4 English and Literacy. 

Final Exam 

There is no final exam for National 4 Media 

Languages for Life and Work

Languages Award - Spanish

Course Description

The Level 3/4 Spanish course builds on the level 3 S1/2 course and aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the language.

Our Modern Languages for Life and Work Purposes Awards develop learners’ language and employability skills, through studying a Modern Language in practical and relevant contexts for Life and Work.

Assessment

To gain the award for the course, the candidate must pass internal assessments marked by their teacher on using the language in a work setting and in a life setting. They must also complete a unit in Employability skills.

Why should you study Modern Languages for Life and Work?

This is a very practical award. While you will develop your language skills by exploring cultural aspects of the country whose language you are learning, you will also become familiar with and learn to apply the rules of the language. Through the Building Employability Skills Unit, you will have the opportunity to develop basic skills in talking and listening needed to communicate in any work context using the language studied. You will acquire the skills needed to help gain employment such as finding out about job opportunities by reading and understanding job adverts, preparing a CV, preparing and participating in an interview.

Where can it lead?

The Awards are available at SCQF levels 3 and 4 and can lead to National 5 course in Spanish.