The Higher English Course enables learners to further develop their literacy skills and to understand, analyse and evaluate a range of texts (including Scottish texts) in the contexts of literature, language and media. The Course also enables learners to create and produce texts and to apply their knowledge and understanding of language. The best way to be successful in Higher English is to have developed a habit of reading regularly at home. We have an excellently resourced school library and well stocked local libraries that young people can access easily to develop their reading for pleasure.
The course consists of three main elements:
Critical Reading
This is worth 40% of the total mark. Learners are required to write a critical essay on a text they have studied in class. Classes will also study something from the Scottish Set Text list and will answer questions on this in the exam. It is essential that learners study their notes and use the links at the end of this section to help with becoming familiar with texts.
Close Reading
This is worth 30% of the total mark. The exam involves reading two passages and answering questions, including a question comparing the two passages, to show an understanding of the writer's arguments and an appreciation of their use of language. Teachers will prepare learners for this part of the course but it is important that students are independently working to learn the processes and routines for answering questions. The standard of the language in the passages will be more advanced than at National 5 level. Regularly reading articles from the quality press (links below) will help to improve vocabulary and expose learners to the type of complex writing used in close reading exam papers.
Writing Folio
This is worth 30% of the total mark. You are required to produce two pieces of writing - one creative in nature and also a discursive piece. This is the part of the course that the pupil has most control over so it rewards the level of work and application put in to it. The word limit for each piece is 1300 words and you are expected to select topics in which you are interested for your writing.