This course develops the core literacy and English skills of reading, writing, talking and listening by studying and creating a wide variety of texts including novels, short stories, plays, poems, films, TV programmes, adverts, blogs, websites, journalism and biographies.
Students will complete two units:
1. Analysis and Evaluation
By reading and listening to a variety of texts, students will develop their ability to identify main ideas and supporting detail, deconstruct features of written and spoken language, and judge how effective these are.
Unit Assessment:
- Reading a passage and answering questions
- Listening to a text and answering questions
2. Creation and Production
By experimenting with a variety of styles of writing and speech, students will develop their skills and abilities in creating informative, discursive and creative texts.
Unit Assessment:
- Produce one piece of creative or discursive writing
- Perform a solo presentation, take part in a debate or group discussion
Candidates must pass all unit assessments in order to be presented for the exam.
Course Assessment
Coursework – Writing Portfolio 30 marks
The portfolio will assess learners’ writing skills and will comprise one discursive and one creative piece.
Exam –
Section 1: Reading for understanding, analysis, and evaluation 30 marks
Learners will read one unseen, non-fiction text and answer questions to demonstrate their skills in understanding, analysis and evaluation.
Section 2: Critical reading
Part A: critical essay 20 marks
Learners will pick one question and write a critical essay on a text previously studied.
Part B: Scottish texts 20 marks
Learners will pick one extract from a previously studied Scottish set text, and answer questions about the extract and their wider knowledge of the text or group of texts.