Higher English
Course Specification (27/05/2024)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher English course specification
May 2024
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Higher English Specimen Question Paper September 2024
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21
- Higher English Critical Reading question paper
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation question paper
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation text
- Higher English Critical Reading marking instructions
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation marking instructions
Coursework (27/05/2024)
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
Instructions
Template
Task
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (24/01/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
- Critical Reading- Essays 2023-2024 (16 minutes)(26.26 MB)
- Critical Reading- Scottish Text 2023-2024 (16 minutes)(27.51 MB)
Performance - Spoken Language Understanding Standards materials
- Higher English performance - Spoken Language material. Login required Please speak to your SQA co-ordinator to access these materials.
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (23/9/24)
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2024 Higher English course report September 2024
- 2023 Higher English course report September 2023
- 2022 Higher English course report September 2022
Verification Reports
In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses (valid from session 2018-19).
Optional assessment guidance
This guidance is optional. You can use this guidance or deliver and assess as outlined in the group award specification.
Optional assessment guidance (157 KB)
See also the general HNVQ optional assessment guidance: Information and guidance for centres. (273 KB)