Higher English

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot For course information, specimen question papers and past paper guidance visit: Higher English: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47904.html Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Further Information for Parents and Learners Information on assessment, skills, progression, revision resources and summaries of National Qualifications www.parentforumscotland.org HIGHERS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Higher Summary English LANGUAGES OCY 2018 Content The course encourages the development of language skills, building on previous learning, most likely in National 5 English. Learners 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. HIGHER

Skills Learners will be able to: • listen, talk, read and write, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context • understand, analyse and evaluate texts, including Scottish texts, as appropriate to purpose and audience in the contexts of literature, language and media • create and produce texts, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context • apply knowledge and understanding of language Opportunities for Learners Learners will be able to: • use different media for learning and communication • understand how language works • use language to communicate ideas and information in English • think creatively and critically • appreciate a wide range of literature and texts • develop detailed and complex language skills Assessment • The course assessment has four components: two question papers (exams), portfolio-writing and performance-spoken language. • The question papers and portfolio will be marked by SQA and graded A to D. • The performance-spoken language is internally assessed and marked as Achieved / Not achieved. Paper 1 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation 1 hour 30 minutes, 30 marks Two non-fiction pieces of writing are given, with questions Paper 2 Critical Reading 1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks Different genres (prose, poetry, drama) must be chosen for Section 1 and Section 2 Section 1 Scottish Texts Section 2 Critical Essay Specimen Paper www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm Portfolio Two written texts of no more than 1,300 words, demonstrate the learner’s ability to write for different purposes: broadly creative and broadly discursive. Learners work independently and there is no time limit apart from the submission guidelines. 30 marks Performance Learners can take part in a group discussion or prepare and present a presentation.

Progression Higher courses can stand alone or follow on from National 5 qualifications and may lead to Advanced Highers, the Scottish Baccalaureate and a range of qualifications within Further and Higher Education.