National Courses Course Outline: Access 3, Intermediate One, Two and Higher

All levels Each course is divided into two key areas: The exam Internal assessment In order to sit the final examination, all internal assessments, or NABs, must be passed.

Suggested Entry levels 5/6 – Access 3 4/4– Int 1 3/3 – Int 2 2/1 – Higher Senior school English is challenging. You MUST be prepared to work hard in order to make progress and succeed! Your performance throughout the year will determine your final level of presentation. It IS possible to EXCEED expectations.

Progress The information below shows us how Standard Grade results have their equivalent grade in Higher Still Standard Grade321 Intermediate 1An/an/a Intermediate 2CCA As you can see a 3 at Standard grade demands that you achieve a B at Int 2 to show development and progression

Internal Assessment Each pupil must pass: A Textual Analysis A Close Reading A Writing folio – one piece of writing for Int 1and two for Int 2 and Higher

The exam At Access 3, there is no external examination. Int 1: Close Reading1 hour Critical essay (1) 45 min Int 2:Close Reading 1 hour Critical essay (2)1 hour 30 min HigherClose Reading 1 hour 45 min Critical essay (2)1 hour 30 min

Commitment to the course will be demonstrated by: Effort in class Regular attendance Meeting homework deadlines Attendance for NABs

Presentation Levels Final confirmation of the level you will be presented at will be sent to the SQA in March Your score in February’s Preliminary Exam will be of great consequence Take your class teacher’s advice on which level you are most likely to pass at

Show progression! It is far better to pass an exam at a lower level than fail at a level that you had hoped to pass at Should you fail an exam at one level in S5 then you should sit the exam at the lower level in S6 to secure a pass

To find out more: Visit the Scottish Qualifications Authority website at Look at the material available on the bbc website at bitesize/higher/english bitesize/higher/english Speak to a sixth year pupil about the demands of the course.