Higher

Course Structure

Skills – Reading, Listening, Writing and Talking

• Critical reading and listening activities will engage the learner in a wide variety of written, visual and oral texts,

including some of their own choice.

• Learners will acquire the knowledge of a range of genre features.

• Responses to literary texts will be varied: discussion, critical essay, imaginative response, individual and group

presentation.

• Independent, analytical evaluation skills will also be developed through the study of non-fiction texts.

• In the study of media, learners will develop an understanding of key aspects and techniques.

• Learners will also engage in independent study in relation to their own critical reading programme, developing

skills in note-making and annotating texts independently.

Course Assessment

Component 1: The external exam - Question paper: Reading (70 marks) – in 2 sections:

- Section 1: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) = 30 marks

- Section 2: Critical Reading = 40 marks in total

Section 2 has two parts:

Part 1: Textual analysis of a studied Scottish text – chosen from prescribed SQA list.

Part 2: Critical essay on a studied text – non-prescribed.

Up to 20 marks are awarded for each of the two tasks addressed.

Component 2: Portfolio: Writing = 30 marks in total

The Portfolio comprises two written texts: expressive and functional.

Up to 15 marks are awarded for each piece.

Component 3: Performance-spoken language assessing the skills of talking and listening (achieved/not achieved)

Useful Links:

Digital Learning Platform

Progression