Higher English

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

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

• 2018 Higher English Course Report August 2018
• 2017 Higher English Course Report October 2017
• 2016 Higher English Course Report October 2016
• 2015 Higher English Course Report Oct 2015
• English Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
• English Verification Key Messages October 2016
• English Verification Key Message October 2015

• English: Quality Assurance - external verification

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 Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper
  October 2018
• Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Specimen Question Paper
  June 2018

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.

• Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework (2018-19)
  September 2018
• English coursework template (2018-19)
  September 2018
• English coursework template google docs (2018-19)  
  October 2018
• Coursework assessment task for Higher English
  June 2018

• Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
• English webinar (changes to course assessment academic session 2018-19 onwards) (28 minutes) (72.21 MB)

Changes to understanding standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

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 text list for National 5 and Higher English courses.

• Scottish set text list 2018-19

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.

• Summary Report: Scottish set text refresh consultation