Higher ESOL

What will I study?

The course consists of three areas of study.

ESOL for everyday life

You will develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking needed for effective communication in everyday life in personal, social and transactional contexts.

ESOL in work-related contexts

You will develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking needed for effective communication in the context of work.

There is a particular focus on the development of speaking and writing skills in this context.

ESOL in study-related contexts

You will develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking needed for effective communication in the context of study.

There is a particular focus on the development of speaking and writing skills in this context.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has four components totalling 120 marks:

• Component 1: question paper (Listening) – worth 25 marks 

• Component 2: question paper (Reading) – worth 35 marks

• Component 3: question paper (Writing) – worth 30 marks

• Component 4: performance (Speaking and Listening) – worth 30 marks.

For the performance component, you will take part in a discussion on a topic chosen from one of the contexts of everyday life, work or study.

The performance component is set and verified externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and assessed and marked by your school or college.

The question papers will be set and externally marked by SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.