Higher Course Handbook
More detailed information and course revision is given for pupils in the Higher English Course Handbook, which can be downloaded here.

Course Aims 

Intermediate 1 
The Intermediate 1 English course develops learners' communication and understanding of the written and spoken word. The course will allow them to handle increasingly complex texts and to produce increasingly sophisticated verbal and written communications. Learners will gain valuable analysis and evaluation skills, from skimming to close-reading. They will be able to use structure, style and language and understand how these affect meaning. Learners will also be able to undertake independent study and form their own opinions.

Intermediate 2 
The Intermediate 2 qualification in English gives learners a thorough understanding of language and the different forms of its expression: poetry, prose, drama and media. They will learn how to study a variety of texts in some depth and develop their own critical responses. Learners will extend their reading skills by analysing a wide variety of complex texts. Their listening skills will be honed in a variety of contexts, including group discussion. They will develop their writing skills, using different tones and styles to fit various situations. They will also extend their verbal skills through presenting information and opinions. 

Higher 
The Higher qualification in English immerses learners in literature. They will be given an understanding of the great works of writing in English – from various cultures – and be encouraged to study these independently. Learners will gain extensive skills in understanding, evaluation, comparison and analysis. They will be able to work on their own and carry out close examination of texts, making reference to material they have studied earlier. They will learn how to express themselves in a sophisticated fashion in a variety of forms.

Recommended Entry Requirements
Intermediate 1 S.G. Grade 4
Intermediate 2 S.G. Grade 3
S.G. Grade 2 (if Reading and/or Writing elements are awarded at General)
Int. 1 Grade A or B
Higher S.G. Grade 1 or 2
Int. 2 Grade A or B

Internal Assessment
There are two units at all National Qualifications levels in English. These are made up of assessments (NABs) which must be passed in class. If a pupil fails this assessment, they will be given one further opportunity to pass after a period of further study and if the assessment is not passed a second time, they are deemed to have failed the unit. On failing two units, the pupil would normally transfer to the course level below e.g. Higher to Int.2, Int.2 to Int.1, after discussion with the pupil and/or the pupil’s parents. Internal assessments (NABs) are done in timed conditions in class.
UNIT 1: English Language Study Close Reading
Writing – two essays (one creative, one discursive)
UNIT 2: English Literary Study Textual Analysis of unseen poetry, drama or prose
In addition, there are several Critical Essay tests which take place throughout the session, which assess pupil’s understanding, analysis and ability to evaluate the literature studied in class in response to an unseen task. These are also taken into account when viewing pupil progress across the year and may influence any decision to change the level of presentation.
N.B from August 2010 there will no longer be a Personal Study Unit.

External Assessment
The examination has two papers – Close Reading and Critical Essay – and each counts for 40% of the overall grade awarded. The final 20% is made up of a folio of essays, where the candidate has the opportunity to redraft the two essays assessed internally class, to submit to the SQA at the end of March.
It is absolutely vital that the work produced by the pupil is completely their own and that they have made due reference (as instructed by their teacher) to any sources consulted. Failure to adhere to this may jeopardise an overall award according to SQA rules.
The examination takes the following format:
Close Reading Higher: questions on two passages (1h 45m); worth 50 marks
Int. 2: questions on one passage (1h); worth 30 marks
Int.1: questions on one passage (1h) worth 30 marks
Critical Essay Higher: two essays on literature studied in response to unseen questions (1h 30m); worth 50 marks
Int.2: two essays on literature studied in response to unseen questions (1h 30m); worth 30 marks
Int.1: one essay on literature studied in response to unseen questions (45mins); worth 25 marks
Important information
Each of the Intermediate and Higher courses places a great deal of demand on pupils and there are very high expectations for attendance, effort, homework, revision and further study, cooperation and full participation in class, in order to secure the best possible grade for each pupil. Pupils must be proactive, take responsibility, show determination and become an independent learner. In order to see through the challenges, it is important that pupils fully take on board the feedback of their teacher – offered on their written work and in discussion with the pupil – and it is vital that wherever there are difficulties, these are raised as soon as possible so that support can be given.

Departmental Schedule of Work
by Oct holiday Critical Essay First formal test
Nov 16th Textual Analysis First NAB
Nov 23rd Writing Second NAB – discursive or reflective/creative
Dec 7th Close Reading Test Third NAB
by end Dec 2nd Critical Essay Formal test
Jan/ Feb Close Reading Test Prelim – same as exam format
Jan/ Feb Critical Essay Prelim – same as exam format
Mar 1st Textual Analysis Reassessment of NAB if necessary
Mar 8th Writing Fourth NAB - second piece of writing generated
Mid March NABs All must be completed by this date.
Mar 22nd Critical Essay Last genre to be covered
Apr 19th Close Reading Last practice before final exam
Apr 19th Critical Essay Last practice before final exam

New Generation of Qualifications
As A Curriculum for Excellence is implemented over the coming years, Intermediate 1 and 2 will be replaced (along with Standard Grade General and Credit) with new qualifications at National 4 and National 5. Higher will remain, may change structure slightly to reflect the values and aims of the new curriculum. The next generation of qualifications are at an early stage of development and schools and collages are awaiting further guidance about how the courses will operate. These will not affect pupils currently in S2-6 – for more information, please see the Answering Parents' Questions section of the Learning and Teaching Scotland website.