Advanced Higher English 

DURATION

1 Year / 320 Hours

COURSEWORK

Portfolio writing 30% 

Project dissertation 30%

EXAM

Literary Study paper 20%

Textual Analysis paper 20%

COST

None

What will you learn?

Students will continue to study a range of literature: plays, novels, poetry and short stories including Scottish texts and a variety of non-fiction texts. Two main elements of the course challenge learners to develop their analysis and evaluation through the comparative study of two or more texts, by author or critical aspect. As well as reading and studying the writing of other people, students will also be able to create their own writing in a variety of forms and genre.

Why do this course?

The Advanced Higher English Course provides students with the opportunity to apply critical, analytical and evaluative skills to a wide range of complex texts from different genres, beginning to explore secondary criticism as expected in university studies. Students develop sophisticated writing skills; responding to the way structure, form and language shape the overall meaning of texts. 

What will you experience?

A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, ICT and other digital media. Students will be involved in setting their own targets and evaluating their own as well as others' progress. Students are expected to become increasingly responsible for their own learning. 

Key Facts 

Everything you need to know before selecting this course 

Homework

At AH level most of the written work will take place outwith class time. Class time is preserved for teaching and discussion with homework set for study periods or home time. 60% of the course is dissertation and folio- all of which should be completed before Easter Holidays. Deadlines are given at the beginning of each Academic year so students are aware of timescales. 

Assessment

60% is work undertaken through dissertation writing ( 3500 word comparative essay) and folio (two pieces of creative or transactional writing). 

40% of the course is formal exam. Two exams each lasting 1.5 hours. One is Textual Analysis of an unseen text and one is Critical response to studied texts. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, English.  However, as a guide: 

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course 

Progression

Employment

English is regarded as a core skill for many career options.  In particular: engineering, sports coaching, web developing, media, journalism, publishing, teaching, advertising, marketing, PR, civil service, medicine, designing, government, policing,  law, business, accounting, finance, tourism, events management,  social work,  youth work, probation work, human resources, retail, banking, therapy, psychology, theatre arts, armed forces, freelance writing…

Learner Experiences

Morgan

AH English has prepared me well for university as it has taught me how to research for dissertations and work independently. In AH English you will be given more opportunities to explore literature you enjoy especially when writing your own dissertation. 

Kayla

Taking Advanced Higher English has helped me to further develop my confidence in working independently without as much guidance from teachers, especially when writing my dissertation, as I was able to choose my texts and the direction I wanted to go with them. My understanding of literacy has grown immensely, and I feel as though Advanced Higher English has set me up with the skills I need for University and beyond.


Jamie

Advanced Higher English offers by far the best opportunity school gives you to hone and improve, already possessed literacy skills. It provides essential knowledge for self -study, research and writing techniques needed for university and further education. It aids expansion of the mind to further understand, dissect, analyse and evaluate literary texts. 

 

Taking the subject in 6th year gave me the extra push and understanding I needed to pursue my dream of studying journalism and hopefully break into the industry. Being a second year student at RGU, I have now begun to fully appreciate the help and opportunity I was provided with in this class. It gives you the correct mind set needed to better your understanding of literary techniques. The subject did not only better my understanding of the English language and how it is used in texts, but opened the door for my own writing, teaching me the building blocks from which you can progress. 

 

Personally, I would not be in the position I am in without the push that Advanced Higher English gave me.  If you wish to further your education, I would highly recommend taking this subject because it is as close to a university class as school offers. This gives you a real experience of the level of self-study required for university. It is a very enjoyable course and I would push anyone who enjoys writing to take it.