Advanced Higher French/ Spanish in a nutshell! All your questions answered .... hopefully!

What does the course consist of? 3 units: Understanding language – Reading and Listening. 2. Using language: Talking and Writing. 3. Specialist Study unit – critical reading and research in a literary context.

What topics will I cover? The 4 contexts are the same as for Nat 5 and Higher but go into more details and depth: Society: Impact of the digital age, marriage, bullying, effects of unemployment, alcohol and drugs, environment, global citizenship. Employability: Equality in the work place, voluntary and charitable work, job opportunities.

the next two contexts: Learning: Lifelong learning, choosing a university or college, importance of language learning in education etc… Culture: living in a multicultural society, stereotypes, prejudice and racism, importance of traditions, customs and beliefs in another country, living abroad etc…

What skills will I use? Reading: texts, blogs, emails, paper articles, poems etc. Listening: to conversation, monologues, songs, TV news etc. Writing: will be related to any of the 4 contexts.

and last but not least! Can you guess ? TALKING! This is one of the most important, valuable and useful skill to have, to allow communication to take place.

How do we get assessed in school? You will need to pass: 1 Reading 1 Listening 1 Writing 300-400 words (use resources but not draft. Can use reference material) 1 Talking – conversation 8-10 minutes + Specialist Study Unit – includes planning, researching and analysing.

What happens if I fail my internal assessment? You will do another assessment at a time that your teacher will decide but on a different topic.

What will I be assessed on in the May SQA exam? Paper 1 is a Reading (1 text) and a translation. 50 marks 25 % Part A Reading 30 marks 15 % Part B Translation 20 marks 10%

and what else? Paper 2 is a Listening (monologue and conversation) and a Discursive Writing 70 marks 35% Listening 30 marks 15% Discursive Writing 40 marks 20%

Externally assessed components: Performance Talking - 50 marks 25% Discussion with a visiting examiner, sampling across the 4 contexts and the content of the portfolio. Portfolio - 30 marks 15% Candidates will: Demonstrate their analytical and evaluative skills of one or more contexts, at least one of which must be a literary text. Reference to media may be included. You will demonstrate these skills in English. This will be done in English. 1200-1500 words.

What do I need? An appropriate dictionary. A ring binder and dividers. Some poly pockets. Some highlighters. Lined paper. A vocabulary/ grammar jotter.

What about homework? You will get homework on a weekly basis. e.g.: vocabulary and grammar study, Reading & Writing practice, Listening practice via Scholar, preparation for Speaking or other.

Any questions?