English

As a parent/carer:  To help you to be fully aware of your child’s learning  What do National 4 or 5 look like for your child?  What is the progression route for your son/daughter?  How is the English Department putting the NQs in place in S3 and S4?  The new English Higher!

The progression route:  This year’s S4 students are being presented for National 4 or National 5.  The new English Higher will begin NEXT session.  When your child achieves National 4 in S4, he/she will study National 5 in S5.  When your son/daughter achieves National 5 in S4, he/she will study the new Higher in S5.  The new Higher allows for progression from Nat 5.

NATIONAL 3NATIONAL 4NATIONAL 5 HIGHER (From 2015) Understanding Language Listening& Reading (2 Outcomes) Analysis & Evaluation Listening& Reading (2 Outcomes) Analysis & Evaluation Listening& Reading (2 Outcomes) Analysis & Evaluation Listening& Reading (2 Outcomes) Producing Language Talking & Writing (2 Outcomes) Creation & Production Talking & Writing (2 Outcomes) Creation & Production Talking & Writing (2 Outcomes) Creation & Production Talking & Writing (2 Outcomes) Literacy 3 (4 Outcomes) Literacy 4 (4 Outcomes) Portfolio of Writing Portfolio of Writing Course Assessment INTERNAL Added Value Unit 1 Assignment Course Assessment INTERNAL Course Assessment External Course Assessment External

 S3 pupils will produce their “Added Value Unit” ( one outcome: a written assignment).  Pace & challenge for all learners through the choice of literature studied  The development of skills remains a top priority to prepare learners for National 4.  Learners will complete their S3 profile highlighting the skills they have developed.

 Those aiming for Nat 4 will be preparing for internal assessments and looking to Nat 5  Those learners aiming for Nat 5 will be expected to KNOW their Scottish text(s), a compulsory part of the external exam.  For ALL learners homework is a priority – whether reading a text, making notes or handing in a draft of an essay.

 This is a COMPULSORY element in the Nat 5 ( this session) and in the new Higher (2015)  It is a decision made by the Scottish Government.  There is a list of possible texts (Prose, Drama & Poetry) to study.  One text will be studied. It is worth 20 marks in the final exam  The other, a critical essay on a different genre is also worth 20 marks in the external exam.

 Target setting is a priority. This is not new.  In the department one-to-one discussion with your child about his/her progress.  You will know how he/she is progressing (Effort, Behaviour, Homework)  Emphasis is placed on encouraging pupils to be responsible for their own learning.  Learners using planners/ meeting deadlines

 We pride ourselves in our professionalism. Attainment is always a top priority  Two members of staff have been selected to be verifiers: we are working with SQA to ensure standards. Your child will benefit from this expertise  Members of the Department will continue in their role as SQA markers. This is beneficial for staff and learners.

 By learning more about NQs and the skills required  By talking to your child about their learning. Encouraging proof reading – technical accuracy  By being aware of deadlines for Folio, critical essays, work on Scottish text.  For each piece there will be success criteria. You could check this over with your child.  We always offer Supported Study; extra lunchtime sessions

 English is all about the working relationship we have with your son/daughter.  It is also about working with you to ensure progression and success for your child.