The course provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the skills of reading, writing, talking and listening in order to understand and to use language which is detailed and complex in nature.
The course offers candidates opportunities to develop and extend a wide range of skills with growing independence. The main aims of the course are to enable candidates to develop the ability to:
 read, write, talk and listen in detailed and complex contexts, as appropriate to purpose and audience
 understand, analyse and evaluate detailed and complex texts, including Scottish texts, in the contexts of literature, language and the media
 create and produce written texts and spoken language, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context, through the application of knowledge and understanding of detailed and complex language
The broad structure of the course assessment allows these skills to be demonstrated in a balanced way. Candidates develop complex language skills allowing them to engage with and to process detailed and complex ideas, opinions, information, language forms and use, and to increase their ability to learn with independence.

Who is this course for?
The course is designed for those who are at the stage in their learning when they are ready to develop language and communication skills at SCQF level 6. They are likely to have gained an award in National 5 English – ideally an A or B.
The course provides a clear progressive pathway for candidates aiming to go on to study Advanced Higher English. It also provides preparation for future learning in other subjects, further and higher education, vocational training, employment, life and learning beyond the classroom.
The course is for those who wish to develop their language and communication skills through the exploration and creation of detailed and complex language, literature and media texts. It provides candidates with opportunities to develop aspects of learning which are transferable across many disciplines. These aspects include creative and critical thinking, spoken and written communication skills, interpersonal and team-working skills, and independent learning. The course promotes cultural and intellectual engagement and curiosity and encourages lifelong learning.