English
Writing – Launch Event
April 2010
Alan Wilson
Qualifications Manager
National Qualifications
Aim of the Event
 to inform delegates of changes affecting English
(Higher, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1 and
Access 3) in and after 2010-11
 to discuss specimen Marking Instructions and
some samples of Writing
 to discuss practical issues and draft documents
Context
 Decisions about change to the Courses were
based on nation-wide consultation and research
 Further support will be available for Writing –
events in October/November 2010
 All documents are in draft form and subject to
alteration
Changes to Units in Course
 At all levels from Access – Higher
 Units D8VH and D8VJ (Language Study and
Literary Study) will finish in July 2011
 Units D8VK and D8VL (Personal Study) will
continue as freestanding Units but will no longer
be part of the Course
 Presentations in 2011 can be based on either all
‘new ‘or all ‘old’ Units
New Units
 F796 Language Study 1.5 Unit credits (9 SCQF
credit points) notional 60 hours
 F797 Literary Study 1.5 Unit credits (9 SCQF
credit points) notional 60 hours
 After 31 July 2011 only these Units will be
accepted
 Internal Assessment of the Units is unchanged
A reminder for 2010 examination
 Higher English Close Reading
 Candidates are reminded that when answering
questions coded “U –Understanding”, they
should use their own words as far as is
reasonably possible and not simply repeat the
wording of the passage.
 The instructions to candidates in the 2010
Higher Close Reading paper is adapted slightly
to encourage candidates to do so, and
references to using ‘own words’ in individual
questions have been removed.
Format of the Event
 Presentation
and
 Discussion Sessions
Colin Eckford
Principal Assessor
Higher English
English Writing Launch Event
Background
 Consultation (March/April 2009)
 Qualifications Design Team (November 2009 –
January 2010)
English Writing Launch Event
Options considered
 Formal exam
 Submission of marks by Centre
 “Timed” writing to be submitted for external
assessment
 Folio
English Writing Launch Event
Preferred option
 Folio
 Opportunity to produce mature, sophisticated
work
 Curriculum for Excellence
English Writing Launch Event
Key features
 Two pieces at Higher and Intermediate 2; one at
Intermediate 1
 20% weighting in final grading
 Marking based on new Higher Critical Essay
model
 Recommended maximum length
English Writing Launch Event
Arrangements documents
 Unchanged in spirit
 Some changes to enable addition of Folio to
External Assessment
 Some re-classification of genres
 Removal of Personal Study Unit
English Writing Launch Event
Issues
 Exemplification of Standards
 Authenticity
 Workload
English Writing Launch Event
Discussion Session 1 – Draft Documents
 1. General guidance
 2. Authenticity
 Review, discuss and make notes
English Writing Launch Event
Discussion Session 1 – Draft Documents
Plenary
English Writing Launch Event
Discussion Session 2 – Marking
Instructions and Exemplification
 1. Extracts from Marking Instructions (3 levels)
 2. Samples for Assessment (4 pieces)
 Review, discuss and make notes
English Writing Launch Event
Discussion Session 2 – Marking
Instructions and Exemplification
Plenary
English Writing Launch Event
Any questions?