English S4 - S6

Students build on the skills developed during the Broad General Education (BGE) phase, with a focus on preparing for national qualifications and further education or employment. 

National 4
📚Reading: Students engage with a range of texts, including prose, poetry, drama, and media. The focus is on understanding and interpreting these texts, with less emphasis on critical analysis compared to National 5.
🖋️Writing: Students produce a variety of written pieces, including creative writing, personal writing, and discursive essays. The emphasis is on clarity and coherence.
💬Listening & Talking: Students participate in discussions, presentations, and listening tasks, with a focus on clear communication and understanding.
✔️Assessment: N4 is internally assessed, with no final exam. Students complete unit assessments and an added value unit, which involves an extended piece of work.

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National 5
📚Reading: Students study more challenging texts, focusing on detailed analysis of language, structure, and themes. This may include a novel, play, short stories, and poetry.
🖋️Writing: The curriculum includes a range of writing tasks, such as critical essays on studied texts, creative writing, and discursive/persuasive essays. Students are encouraged to refine their drafting and editing skills.
💬Listening & Talking: Students develop their communication skills through debates, group discussions, and individual presentations, often linked to their reading.
✔️Assessment: N5 is assessed through a final exam, which includes a critical essay and questions on studied texts, as well as a portfolio of writing completed during the year.

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Higher

📚Reading: Students study a selection of complex texts, including works from different genres and periods. There is a strong focus on critical analysis, evaluating how language, structure, and literary techniques create meaning.
🖋️Writing: Higher students produce a variety of essays, including in-depth critical essays on literature studied in class and persuasive or argumentative essays on contemporary issues. Creative writing is also encouraged, with an emphasis on originality and style.
💬Listening & Talking: Students engage in sophisticated discussions and debates, often related to their reading. They also present on literary topics, further developing their analytical and presentation skills.
✔️Assessment: Higher is assessed through a final exam, consisting of critical essays and textual analysis, as well as a portfolio of writing. This stage is crucial for students aiming for university admission.

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Advanced Higher
📚Reading: At this level, students undertake an in-depth study of a small number of challenging texts, often including classic literature, complex poetry, and literary criticism. The emphasis is on independent analysis and interpretation.
🖋️Writing: Advanced Higher students produce a dissertation on a literary topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research and critical analysis. They also write a variety of essays, refining their academic writing skills.
💬Listening & Talking: Students engage in high-level discussions, debates, and presentations, often related to their dissertation work or the texts they are studying. The focus is on articulating complex ideas clearly and confidently.
✔️Assessment: Advanced Higher is assessed through a final exam, which includes critical essays and textual analysis. The dissertation is also a significant component of the final grade.

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Support & Guidance
✔️Supported Study: Throughout the senior phase, students have access to supported study sessions, where they can receive additional help with challenging topics or exam preparation.
✔️Individualized Feedback: Teachers provide regular, personalized feedback to help students refine their skills and achieve their academic goals.

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