English - Higher

Vale of Leven Academy

The Higher English course enables and encourages candidates to develop their language skills, showing growth and progression from those demonstrated in prior learning and attainment, most likely in National 5 English. Progression routes cover all four areas of language skills: reading, writing, talking and listening, and throughout the course candidates apply these skills in different contexts. By the end of the course, candidates will display evidence of growth and competence in all aspects of language use. With the exception of the Scottish text list, which offers a range of prescribed texts across the genres of drama, prose fiction and poetry, there are no restrictions in the selection of texts for study.

Texts can be chosen from literature, language or the media, where the content, style and structure allows candidates to conduct detailed and complex analysis, and evaluation. In addition, texts should promote an extension of candidates’ imaginative, emotional and intellectual reach. Teaching and learning approaches allow for the acquisition of, and continued growth of competence in, key language concepts and skills.

Candidates engage with language in use, and interpret some of its more complex manifestations. There is opportunity for personalisation and choice, and freedom within the course to plan according to the needs of candidates, taking account of their interests and motivations. Decisions as to teaching and learning approaches, based on the needs of individuals or groups, can include whole-class teaching, group discussion, seminars, and individual learning. Candidates are encouraged to learn with increasing independence: the portfolio–writing, for example, offers clear opportunities for individual learning.

Candidates are made aware of the need for depth of thought, clarity and accuracy in their own use of language, and for reasoned and detailed analysis, rather than assertion. Good study habits are to be encouraged in terms of research, using detailed and complex materials. This can include internet sources, where appropriate, and candidates must know the importance of acknowledging all research sources consulted.

Component 1: question paper Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Component 2: question paper Critical Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Component 3: Portfolio–writing (30 marks-externally assessed)

Component 4: Performance–spoken language (internally assessed)