Higher English
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher English Course Specification
June 2018
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
We have republished the specimen question papers in new templates for session 2018-19, and we have made some minor changes to wording to ensure the information is clearer and easier to understand. We have also given the documents new codes.
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Specimen Question Paper
June 2018 - Higher English Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper
October 2018
Coursework
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
- English Coursework Template - Microsoft Word
July 2019 - English Coursework Template - Google Docs
July 2019 - Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework (2019-20)
July 2019 - Coursework assessment task for Higher English
June 2018
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Course reports
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Verification Reports
In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.
- 2019 Higher English Course Report
September 2019 - English and Communication Qualification Verification Summary Report June 2019
June 2019 - 2018 Higher English Course Report August 2018
- 2017 Higher English Course Report October 2017
- English Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
- English: Quality Assurance - external verification
Understanding Standards
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Course assessment overview
- English webinar (changes to course assessment academic session 2018-19 onwards) (28 minutes) (72.21 MB)
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Higher English performance - spoken language Understanding Standards materials
Login required Please speak to your SQA co-ordinator to access these materials.
CPD
Additional CPD support
Where any particular areas of concern are identified, which are not addressed by our Understanding Standards events or support materials, we will offer free continuing professional development (CPD) training, subject to request. CPD support is subject-specific and can be tailored to cover one or more qualification level. To find out more about this service visit our CPD page.
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses.
In 2016, we carried out a consultation with teachers and other key stakeholders on the refresh of the Scottish set text list for National 5 and Higher English courses. Based on the findings of this consultation, we have refreshed the Scottish set text list for use from session 2018-19 onwards. The report below details the findings of our consultation.
Ushare open learning resources
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