The Higher examination consists of three elements:
Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
The Close Reading element of the exam is worth 30% of the overall grade. Pupils will learn key formula to help them answer a range of questions and this will be supplemented by continued reading of quality newspaper articles. In the examination, pupils have 1 hour and 30 minutes to read two passages and answer a series of questions.
Critical Reading
Pupils will read a range of texts across genre to prepare them for the Critical Reading paper. Pupils will have 1 hour 30 minutes in which to produce a critical essay and to answer a range of questions on the Scottish text/s which they have prepared for.
Folio of Writing
Pupils are required required to produce a folio of writing that is worth 30% of their overall mark. Pupils will produce one piece of personal/creative writing and one of a more persuasive/discursive nature.
Higher Writing Folio Template
All Higher English folios 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 select the version that is compatible with the programme you are using:
Microsoft Word: English Coursework Template
Google Docs: English Coursework Template
Important information
- 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.
- Unfortunately, footnotes will not transfer to the template. A list of sources is adequate.
If you have any questions, then please check the following document Instructions For The Submission Of N5 and Higher English Coursework or ask your teacher for guidance.
Homework
In S5 pupils will be given regular homework exercises to complete. These homework exercises will cover close reading skills through newspaper analysis and practice question papers. Pupils will also be expected to supplement their study of class texts with independent revision of the key themes and aspects of the language introduced in class.
Newspaper Analysis
A key element of the English in S5 is the Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation paper. While pupils are given a variety of strategies to help them to tackle this paper, it is essential that they supplement this with a regular programme of newspaper analysis. Only through regular engagement with quality journalism can pupils fully prepare for the language and vocabulary of the paper.
Higher Newspaper Analysis Questions
Below is a link to the Higher Newspaper Analysis Question booklet. Click on the picture of the cover below.
Blank Newspaper Analysis Grid
Below is a link to a grid that can be used to analyse any piece of high quality journalism. Articles from the comment or opinion section will be most useful in preparation for the Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation exam.
Scottish Text
For the Scottish text section of the Higher exam classes at Williamwood study the work of a range of different writers. There are excellent resources to support the revision of all Higher Scottish texts on the BBC Bitesize website
Resources
Here are a range of resources for a number of the most frequently studied Higher texts. These presentations are similar to those used in class and should be used to assist you in the process of essay planning and essay writing as you prepare for your Higher exam.
Poetry
Prose
Drama
Hamlet: Act I, Scene V-The Ghost
Hamlet: Act III, Scene III-The Prayer Scene
Hamlet: Act III, Scene IV-The Closet Scene
Hamlet: Act V – The Final Scene
SQA Past Papers
You can find all the SQA past papers and marking instructions for Higher courses by following this link:
http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=English&level=
