Exam Preparation

National 5 English – Advice to parents and carers from staff

• Pupils should make sure they submit the redrafted writing portfolio on the SQA template by the deadline (2nd March, 2026). This is worth 30% of the final grade (and should include a title, word count and bibliography – if necessary)
• Core revision for both exam papers is: Paper 1, revise and memorise RUAE question types and strategies; Paper 2 revise key incidents from the SST and prepare critical essay responses for at least two question types.
• Pupils should learn and be able to analyse a bank of quotations for both components of paper 2 (Critical Reading)Pupils should practise both exam papers under timed conditions: (Paper 1 RUAE – 1 hour Paper 2 Critical Reading – 1 hour 30)
• The strategies listed on the “next steps in learning” sheet on Showbie offer targeted strategies for pupils to improve in each aspect of the course in advance of the final exam.

Further Information: N5 English

Higher English – Advice to parents and carers from staff

• Pupils should submit the redrafted writing portfolio on the SQA template by the deadline. This is worth 30%of the final grade (and should include a title, word count and bibliography – if necessary)  Deadline for this session: 23rd March, 2026
• For Paper 1: Reading for Understanding, Analysis & Evaluation (RUAE), pupils can revise different question types and answer structures. For Paper 2: SST, pupils should re-read the text and learn key quotations which will ensure detailed and relevant analysis.
• For Paper 2: Critical Essay, pupils have resources on Teams or Showbie to help them learn quotations and techniques, revise essay structure and key ingredients of a successful essay.
• Pupils have a booklet of past papers for paper 1 and 2 and the most recent are accessible on the Qualifications Scotland website. Past papers should be completed according to exam timings:
• Paper 1 (RUAE)  30 marks- 90 mins
• Paper 2- SST and Critical Essay- 20 marks each- 1hr 45mins

Further Information: Higher English

Advanced Higher English – Advice to parents and carers from staff

• Pupils should ensure both pieces of coursework (the project dissertation and the portfolio writing) are redrafted by the deadline. Both are worth 30% of the final grade. Deadline for dissertation – 23rd March 2026; folio is submitted on the day of the exam.
• Pupils can access detailed notes in the class Teams to access plot summaries, key quotations and core vocabulary to revise the two texts studied for paper 1: Literary Study.
• Pupils should revise their knowledge of literary techniques to ensure they can identify and analyse these in paper 2: Textual Analysis
• Pupils should plan and write plans and practice essays focusing on developing a clear thesis statement in response to the demands of the different essay question types.
• Pupils should practise producing responses under timed conditions:
• Paper 1: Literary Study – 1 hour 30 mins
• Paper 2: Textual Analysis – 1 hour 30 minutes.

Further Information: AH English