National 5 English
National 5 English students undertake work on analysing literature through writing Critical Essays (20% of the course) and Textual Analysis where they answer questions on a ‘Scottish Set Text’ (20%). Non-fiction RUAE tasks develop transferable comprehension skills. Students learn the answering strategies for the RUAE question types that appear in the exam each year (RUAE is 30%). A Folio essay – either a discursive OR a creative piece – is submitted to the exam board in March. The Folio essay comprises the final 30% of the course.
Students are encouraged to reflect upon their work and form individual targets for improvement. Teachers provide timely and detailed feedback in class, we offer supported study sessions throughout the year and tracking & monitoring is used to give clarity on progress.
Useful links
- https://www.e-sgoil.com/senior-phase/study-support/
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47410.html
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=English&level=N5
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmcrd2p
- https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/English/national5
- https://scholar.hw.ac.uk/
Higher English
Higher English students undertake work on analysing literature through writing Critical Essays (20% of the course) and Textual Analysis answering questions on the ‘Scottish Text’ element (20%). Non-fiction RUAE tasks develop transferable comprehension skills. Students learn the answering strategies for the RUAE question types that appear in the exam each year (RUAE is 30%). A Folio essay – either a discursive OR a creative piece – is submitted to the exam board in March. The Folio essay comprises the final 30% of the course.
Students are encouraged to reflect upon their work and form individual targets for improvement. Teachers provide timely and detailed feedback in class, we offer supported study sessions throughout the year and tracking & monitoring is used to give clarity on progress.
Useful links
- https://www.e-sgoil.com/senior-phase/study-support/
- https://scholar.hw.ac.uk/
- https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/English/higher
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=English&searchText=&level=NH&includeMiVal=
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47904.html
Advanced Higher English
Advanced Higher English students undertake work on analysing literature through writing Literary Studies essays (20% of the course) and the Unseen Textual Analysis element (20%).
The main difference between earlier stages of English and Advanced Higher is that 60% of the final award is decided by on-going coursework rather than a final exam. There is a Dissertation essay, which analyses a significant work of literature. A Portfolio essay – either a discursive OR a creative piece – is also submitted to the exam board.
Students are encouraged to reflect upon their work and form individual targets for improvement. Teachers provide timely and detailed feedback in class, we offer supported study sessions throughout the year and tracking & monitoring is used to give clarity on progress.
Useful links
- https://www.e-sgoil.com/senior-phase/study-support/
- https://scholar.hw.ac.uk/
- https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/English/advanced
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=English&level=NAH
- https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48453.html
Level 6 Communication & Literature (SQA)
This course develops advanced reading, writing, talking and listening skills through the study of a range of literary and non-fiction texts. Learners analyse complex ideas, express themselves clearly in writing and speech, and respond critically to literature. The qualification combines two units — Communication and Literature 1 — and is assessed through coursework rather than a final exam.
It provides an excellent alternative to Higher English, supporting progression to further or higher education and enhancing employability. Students who enjoy continuous assessment and independent study will benefit from this course’s focus on developing confident, thoughtful communicators able to engage effectively with texts, audiences and ideas at an advanced level.
Level 5 Communication (SQA)
This course builds key skills in reading, writing, talking and listening. Learners study a variety of texts, practise communicating clearly for different purposes and audiences, and develop confidence in both formal and creative expression. Assessment is based on practical tasks rather than a final exam. The course is ideal for students progressing from National 4 English or those who prefer continuous assessment while strengthening their core literacy and communication skills.
Level 5 Introduction to Literature (SQA)
This course introduces learners to a range of engaging literary texts such as stories, poems and plays. Students explore key themes, characters and techniques, developing confidence in discussing and writing about literature. It encourages enjoyment of reading while building skills in analysis, interpretation and response, providing an excellent foundation for further study at Level 6.
