In S6 pupils who have been successful in Higher English have the opportunity to further develop their skills in Advanced Higher. The course is excellent preparation for university as it requires a great deal of independent work, organisation and a high level of understanding of complex and sophisticated texts.
The Advanced Higher class are also given a range of opportunities beyond the classroom to develop their skills. In recent years, these opportunities have included visits to the Mitchell Library and Strathclyde University Library to develop their understanding of how to use secondary sources, a creative writing workshop at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, theatre performances and visits from journalist Peter Ross and author (and ex-Williamwood pupil) Martin Stewart.
The Advanced Higher Course consists of four elements
Literary Study
Throughout the year, students will study a range of work by classic writers, such as Tennessee Williams, Sylvia Plath, John Donne and James Joyce. In the final exam they will complete a critical essay that will require them to compare a number of different texts. This is worth 20% of their overall mark.
Textual Analysis
Over the course of the year, students will develop their independent analysis skills. In the exam, students will be given an unseen text and will be required to complete an extended analysis. They will be able to choose between poetry, prose-fiction, prose non-fiction and drama. This is worth 20% of the overall mark.
Portfolio of Writing
Pupils will be given the opportunity to study a range of different genres of writing and be given a number of stimuli to help them begin their own work. They will select two pieces to re-draft and submit as coursework. The writing folio of worth 30% of the overall mark
Dissertation
The dissertation is very different to any work undertaken at Higher and an excellent opportunity for pupils to explore their own literary passions. Pupils will choose their own texts and topic and will complete, re-draft and submit a 2500 word essay. The dissertation is worth 30% of the overall mark.
Advanced Higher Writing Folio and Dissertation Template
From 2017-18, all Advanced Higher English writing folios and dissertations will be scanned and e-marked. To enable this, all pupil work must be submitted on an SQA template. You should complete your work on this template and then print the document off and submit it to your teacher as usual.
Please download the following template document. Please select the version that is compatible with the programme you are using:
Microsoft Word: English Coursework Template
Google Docs: English Coursework Template
- This template must be used. If it is not, then we will not be able to submit your folio to the SQA
- Both folio pieces should be included on one document. Clear headings should be used to make it obvious where one ends and the next begins
- There is space for your Scottish Candidate Number and a page number at the bottom of every page. These must be filled in. If you are unsure of your Scottish Candidate Number then Mr Fisher will inform you.
- You must include your word count for each piece of writing and your list of sources.
- You will not be able to copy and paste footnotes into the template, therefore you must start your dissertation on the template.
If you have any questions, then please check the following document Instructions For The Submission Of Advanced Higher English Coursework or ask your teacher for guidance.
