Higher English

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The main purpose of the Course is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the skills of listening, talking, reading and writing in order to understand and use language.

As learners develop their literacy skills, they will be able to process information more easily, apply knowledge of language in practical and relevant contexts, and gain confidence to undertake new and more challenging tasks in a variety of situations.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Portfolio – Writing (30 marks): two pieces of writing in different genres, written under some supervision and externally assessed by SQA

Question paper (70% of the total mark) is made up of two sections:

Exam Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding Analysis and Evaluation (30 marks): questions on two unseen non-fiction passages

Exam Paper 2 – Critical Reading (40 marks): unseen questions on a extract from Scottish literature previously studied in class, plus a critical essay on another literature text studied in class

Spoken Language Unit - the purpose of this performance-spoken language is to provide  evidence of the candidates’ skills in talking and listening.  It is assessed on an achieved/not achieved basis and is a compulsory requirement for a course award in  Higher English but does not contribute to the overall grade.

What will my Home Learning commitment be?

Students can expect to be doing at least 2 hours of homework per week. However, this will be flexible depending on if you have reading to do or an   assessment to prepare for.

Homework will involve independent reading of class texts, secondary texts and research.   Regular reading of challenging fiction and quality non-fiction (broadsheet journalism) are also an essential requirement to support and develop reading fluency, vocabulary, and wider cultural knowledge. Written homework will include the drafting of folio coursework and practice critical essays. Preparations for the spoken language assessment and discursive folio piece also require independent research using the internet and school library. 

IS ENGLISH FOR ME?

You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You enjoy different ways of working including whole class, small group and individual tasks.

· You realise that most employers and colleges will look for a qualification in English.

· You would like to be more confident in reading, writing, talking and listening.

· If you want to work with a range of texts from media to plays and poetry with some room for personal choice

PROGRESSION

Advanced Higher English, Other appropriate subject qualifications at SCQF level 6—Social Studies, Psychology,   HNC or HND courses in Arts and Social Sciences,   Employment in careers related to Arts and Social Sciences, University degrees in Arts and Social Sciences