New Higher (SQA Final Exam)
The structure of Higher English is very similar to National 5 and enables learners to understand and use vocabulary, word patterns, text structures and style. Learners recognise, analyse and use language for a range of purposes. Through this course, learners develop the ability to understand and use language in practical and relevant contexts. Higher English provides opportunities for learners to acquire and develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.
Key Skills Developed
Higher English provides learners with the opportunity to develop the skills of listening, talking, reading and writing in order to understand and use language. In particular the course aims to enable learners to develop the ability 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.
The course comprises the following units:
- Analysis and Evaluation
- Creation and Production
Internal Assessments: In order to be presented for the final exam, you will need to complete and pass two mandatory units:
Unit 1: Analysis and Evaluation
Outcome 1: You will demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate detailed written texts demonstrating that you understand purpose, audience, main ideas, supporting details and literary techniques including critical terminology. This is demonstrated by passing a close reading assessment.
Outcome 2: You will demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate detailed spoken language demonstrating that you understand purpose, audience, main ideas, supporting details and how speakers use language to create spoken effects. This is demonstrated through listening assessments.
Unit 2: Creation and Production
Outcome 1: You will produce detailed written texts in a variety of genres (creative and discursive). Our aim is to improve essay writing skills which respect the expectations of the various genres.
Outcome 2: You will take part in detailed spoken interactions selecting significant ideas and content which pay attention to purpose and audience. You will demonstrate an ability to communicate meaning at first hearing using both language and non verbal communication.
External Examination
Paper 1 – Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation –30%
Paper 2 – Critical Reading – Section 1 Scottish Texts –20%, Section 2 Critical Essay – 20%
Paper I
A one hour and thirty minute paper which will test your skills in reading for understanding, analysis and evaluation by answering questions on a non fiction paper you will not have seen before. The step up from National 5 is that once you have answered questions on the first paper there is a second passage you will be required to read. This is then followed by a question asking you to explain in a developed answer in what ways the second passage is similar and/or different to the first one.
Paper II
This paper is one hour and forty five minutes and has two parts:
20% – a critical essay answering an unseen question on a text you will have studied in class.
20% – answering questions on a Scottish text then going on to write an extended answer relating the ideas and/or themes in that text to other poems or short stories or to other parts of the novel/play. The step up from National 5 is that the comparative question is worth 10 marks and not 8.
Folio of Writing
The folio (one creative and one discursive essay) will be externally assessed by the SQA for grading purposes –30%. As you will have opportunities to draft and redraft these essays, there is a very high expectation that they will be submitted free from technical errors.
Entry Level
For Higher, pupils will normally have attained a National 5 award in English. Candidates with a base level pass at National 5 are often well advised to defer Higher presentation until sixth year.
