English

BGE English empowers learners to communicate with confidence, think critically and engage creatively with the world around them. Through reading, writing, listening and talking, learners explore a wide range of texts, including literature, film and media, developing analytical skills and expressing ideas with increasing accuracy, imagination and impact.

Reading

Learners read and engage with a variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, film and digital media, to find, use and evaluate information, explore ideas and analyse language, structure and style.

Writing

Learners create engaging texts for a range of purposes and audiences, developing skills in technical accuracy, vocabulary, structure and creative expression.

Listening & Talking

Learners build confidence in discussion, presentation and collaboration by listening actively, responding thoughtfully and communicating clearly about literature, film, media and real-world issues in different contexts.

Literacy Across Learning

Learners strengthen essential literacy skills that support success across the curriculum, helping them become effective contributors, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

National 4 English: Course Overview

National 4 English develops learners’ skills in reading, writing, listening and talking through the study of literature, language and media texts. Pupils build confidence in understanding and creating texts while developing important literacy and communication skills.

The course encourages learners to respond thoughtfully to ideas and experiences, helping them to become more confident communicators and critical thinkers.

Learners complete the following areas of study:

Analysis and Evaluation

• Reading and understanding literary, language and media texts

• Analysing how writers use language and structure

• Exploring Scottish and international texts

• Responding critically to ideas and themes

Creation and Production

• Producing a range of written texts for different purposes and audiences

• Developing imaginative, persuasive and informative writing skills

• Using accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar

• Planning, drafting and editing written work

Literacy

• Developing practical reading, writing, listening and talking skills

• Communicating clearly in familiar and unfamiliar contexts

• Understanding and responding to spoken communication

Added Value Assignment                                                                                                            

• Applying skills independently through a final assessment task

• Researching, analysing and presenting ideas in a structured way

Skills Developed

Learners will:

• Develop confidence in reading, writing, talking and listening

• Improve literacy and communication skills

• Analyse and evaluate texts and ideas

• Develop creativity and personal expression

• Build critical thinking and independent learning skills

• Use language effectively for different audiences and purposes

Assessment

• Internal assessments completed throughout the course

• Added Value Unit assessing the application of skills across reading and writing

• No final external examination

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: Communication at SCQF Level 4.

Progression

• National 5 English

• National Progression Awards and college courses

• Wider study across humanities and social subjects

• Development of essential communication skills for employment and training

National 5 English: Course Overview

National 5 English develops learners’ abilities in reading, writing, talking and listening through the study of detailed language, literature and media texts. The course encourages critical thinking, creativity and effective communication.

Pupils explore Scottish, British and international texts while developing the analytical and writing skills required for success in senior phase learning and beyond.

Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

• Analysing detailed non-fiction and media texts

• Understanding how language techniques create meaning and impact

• Evaluating writers’ ideas, arguments and viewpoints

Critical Reading

• Studying Scottish texts, poetry, prose and drama

• Analysing themes, characterisation, structure and language

• Developing detailed critical essay responses

Portfolio Writing

•Producing one piece of writing for a specific purpose: creative, discursive, persuasive and reflective writing opportunities

• Refining style, structure and technical accuracy

Spoken Language

• Preparing and delivering presentations

• Participating effectively in discussion and group activities

• Developing confidence in verbal communication

Skills Developed

Learners will:

• Develop advanced reading and analytical skills

• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech

• Analyse literature, language and media critically

• Improve creativity and personal expression

• Develop independent learning and research skills

• Build confidence in presenting ideas and arguments

Assessment

• Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Question Paper – 30 marks – 1 hour

• Critical Reading Question Paper – 40 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes

• Portfolio Writing – 30 scaled marks

• Spoken Language Assessment – pass/fail component

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: Communication at SCQF Level 5.

Progression

• Higher English

• Further study in humanities, media and social sciences

• College courses and apprenticeships

• Development of transferable communication and analytical skills for employment

Higher English: Course Overview

Higher English builds on prior learning by developing sophisticated skills in communication, literary analysis and critical thinking. Learners engage with complex literature, language and media texts and develop the ability to respond critically and creatively.

The course prepares pupils for Advanced Higher study, further and higher education, and careers requiring strong communication and analytical skills.

Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

• Analysing detailed and complex non-fiction texts

• Evaluating language, structure and argument

• Developing critical reading skills

Critical Reading

• Studying Scottish texts, poetry, prose and drama

• Developing detailed critical essays

• Exploring themes, literary techniques and context

Portfolio Writing

•Producing one piece of writing for a specific purpose: creative, discursive, persuasive and reflective writing opportunities

• Refining style, structure and technical accuracy

Spoken Language

• Delivering presentations and participating in discussion • Developing confidence, clarity and critical engagement

Skills Developed

Learners will:

• Analyse and evaluate complex texts critically

• Communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms

• Develop independent thinking and interpretation skills

• Build creativity and confidence in writing

• Strengthen research, discussion and presentation skills

• Develop skills valued in higher education and employment

Assessment

• Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Question Paper – 30 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes

• Critical Reading Question Paper – 40 marks – 1 hour 45 minutes

• Portfolio Writing – 30 scaled marks

• Spoken Language Assessment – pass/fail component

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: Communication at SCQF Level 6.

Progression

• Advanced Higher English

• HNC/HND and university study

• Careers in teaching, journalism, media, law, publishing, marketing and communications

• Further study across humanities and social sciences

Advanced Higher English: Course Overview

Advanced Higher English offers learners the opportunity to engage in sophisticated literary study and independent critical thinking. The course focuses on complex literature and language, encouraging learners to analyse, evaluate and create texts at an advanced level.

Pupils develop academic research skills, confidence in discussion and debate, and the ability to communicate detailed and insightful ideas effectively.

Course Content:

Literary Study

• Detailed analysis of poetry, prose and drama

• Exploring themes, contexts and literary techniques

• Comparing and evaluating texts critically

Textual Analysis

• Responding critically to unseen non-fiction texts

• Analysing sophisticated language and argument

• Evaluating style, structure and effectiveness

Portfolio Writing

• Producing original creative or discursive writing

• Demonstrating control of language and style • Writing with sophistication and precision

Dissertation Project

• Conducting independent literary research

• Developing a sustained critical argument

• Analysing texts in depth using evidence and critical interpretation

Skills Developed

Learners will:

• Develop advanced analytical and evaluative skills

• Conduct independent research and critical enquiry

• Communicate sophisticated ideas effectively

• Build academic writing and discussion skills

• Develop creativity and intellectual independence

• Prepare for university-level study and professional careers

Assessment

• Literary Study Question Paper – 20 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes

• Textual Analysis Question Paper – 20 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes

• Portfolio Writing – 30 scaled marks

• Dissertation Project – 30 marks

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: Communication at SCQF Level 6.

Progression

• University study in English, Literature, Media or Humanities

• Careers in journalism, publishing, law, communications, teaching and research

• Development of advanced academic and professional communication skills

Communication (SCQF Level 6): Course Overview

The Communication course develops learners’ abilities to analyse, evaluate and produce complex written and spoken communication. The course supports learners in becoming confident communicators who can respond effectively in a range of academic, professional and real-world contexts.

It is particularly valuable for learners preparing for further study, employment or vocational pathways where strong communication skills are essential.

Course Content

Written Communication

• Analysing and evaluating complex written texts

• Identifying structure, style, language and purpose

• Producing detailed written communication for different audiences

Spoken Communication

• Analysing and evaluating spoken communication

• Delivering presentations and participating in discussion

• Using verbal and non-verbal communication effectively

Skills Developed

Learners will:

• Develop confidence in written and spoken communication

• Analyse language and communication techniques critically

• Present ideas clearly and effectively • Improve discussion, presentation and interpersonal skills

• Develop communication skills for study, work and life

Assessment

• Analysis and evaluation of complex written communication

• Production of complex written communication

• Analysis and evaluation of spoken communication

• Delivery and participation in spoken communication activities

Achievement of this unit gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: Communication at SCQF Level 6.

Progression

• Further English and Humanities study at Level 6 (Higher) or Level 7 (Advanced Higher)

• College and university courses

• Career pathways requiring strong communication and presentation skills

• Development of transferable workplace communication skills

Pupils are expected to regularly consolidate their classwork, revise key content of current topics or of previous ones to ensure information is retained, and prepare for upcoming class tests or key assessments. Dates of any tests or assessments will be shared with pupils in advance via Google Classroom so they can plan their study time effectively.

Learners develop a wide range of transferable skills highly valued by employers:

• Communication – Written, verbal and presentation skills

• Critical Thinking – Analysis, interpretation and evaluation

• Creativity – Original writing and creative expression

• Research Skills – Independent enquiry and evidence-based thinking

• Collaboration – Discussion, teamwork and debate

• Confidence – Presenting ideas clearly and effectively

• Literacy – Accurate and purposeful use of language

Why Study English?

Studying English helps learners develop the confidence, creativity and communication skills needed for success in school, work and life. Through literature, language and discussion, pupils explore important ideas, cultures and experiences while building skills that are transferable across every subject area and future career pathway.

English encourages learners to think critically, communicate clearly and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Career Opportunities

English qualifications support a wide variety of career pathways, including:

• Teaching and Education

• Journalism and Media

• Publishing and Editing

• Law and Legal Services

• Marketing and Public Relations

• Creative Writing and Content Creation

• Communications and Business

• Civil Service and Public Sector Roles