English S5/S6
English Advanced Higher
Entry Requirements
An A or a B in Higher English indicate likelihood of pass.
Course Description
The main aim of this Course is to broaden and deepen the student's appreciation of literature, as well as to refine the student's own creative and critical abilities.
Assessment
Each student must submit a Dissertation of 3500-4500 words on a topic of the student's choice, usually involving a number of literary texts.
The Course offers the option of assessment in Creative Writing or Textual Analysis. There is a final examination.
Students are expected to work independently on various aspects of the Course and to take responsibility for their own learning. Advanced Higher can provide a valuable grounding for the independent study required in further education.
Homework
Regular and substantial homework is required, including reading during holiday periods.
English Higher
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for students who achieve Grade 1 or 2 in English at Standard Grade in Reading and Writing, Students achieving Grade 2 should be aware that nationally there is a high failure rate at Higher for Grade 2 students, therefore Intermediate 2 might be a better option.
Course Description
The course consists of three 40 hour units. The three units are as follows:
Language Study; Literary Study; Personal Study
Assessment
Arrangements for internal assessment:
Language Study
Two assessments:
Close Reading (1 hour)
WritingLiterature Study:
One assessment – Textual Analysis (45 minutes) based on a previously unseen text (prose, poetry or drama) which may or may not be Scottish.
Personal Study
One assessment (1 hour)
Arrangements for external assessment:-
Two examination papers (2 x 1½ hours)
In the examinations there are two passages for Close Reading at Higher and two Critical Essay questions.
External Examinations are “closed book” i.e. without access to texts.
Homework
Regular and substantial homework will be necessary, including reading during holiday periods.
Progression
Students passing all elements of Higher in S5 can progress to Advanced Higher in S6, but it is expected that students with an A or B pass will benefit most from this course.
English Intermediate 2
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for students who achieve Grade 2 or 3 in English at Standard Grade in Reading and Writing.
Course Description
The course will consist of three 40 hour units. The three units will be as follows:
- Language Study
- Literary Study
- Personal study
Assessment
Arrangements for internal assessment:
Language Study
Two assessments:
Close Reading (1 hour)
WritingLiterature Study:
One assessment – Textual Analysis (45 minutes) based on a previously unseen text (prose, poetry or drama) which may or may not be Scottish.
Personal Study
One assessment (1 hour)
Arrangements for external assessment:-
There will be two examination papers (1 x 1 hour and 1 x 1½ hours).
In the examinations, there will be one passage for Close Reading at Intermediate 2 and two critical essays. External examinations are “closed book” i.e. without access to texts.
Homework
Regular and substantial homework will be necessary, including reading during holiday periods.
Progression
Students passing all elements of Intermediate 2 at A in S5 can progress to Higher in S6, although some students may find the Higher course too difficult. Students should follow their English teacher's recommendation.
English Intermediate 1
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for students who achieve Grades 4-6 in English at Standard Grade.
Course Description
The course will consist of three 40 hour units. The three units will be as follows:
- Language Study
- Literary Study
- Personal study
Assessment
Arrangements for internal assessment:
Language Study
Two assessments:
Close Reading (1 hour)
WritingLiterature Study:
One assessment – Textual Analysis (45 minutes) based on a previously unseen text (prose, poetry or drama) which may or may not be Scottish.
Personal Study
One assessment (1 hour)
Arrangements for external assessment:-
There will be two examination papers. The exam will last for 1½ hours.
In the examinations, there will be one passage for Close Reading and one Critical Essay. Examinations will be “closed-book” (ie without access to texts).
Homework
Regular and substantial homework will be necessary, including reading during holiday periods.
Progression
Students passing all elements of Intermediate 1 in S5 at A can progress to Intermediate 2 in S6, although some students may find the Int 2 course too difficult. Students should follow their English teacher's recommendation.
