National 3 comprises of three internally assessed units: Understanding Language (reading and listening), Producing Language (writing and talking) and Literacy. At this level pupils will develop their skills to understand and produce simple language texts.

National 4 comprises of four internally assessed units: Analysis and Evaluation (reading and listening), Creation and Production (writing and talking), Literacy and Added Value. At this level pupils will develop their skills to understand and create straightforward language texts. In addition, pupils will complete an independent research task and written/oral assignment to demonstrate their skill set.

National 5 comprises of one internally assessed unit: Spoken Language Unit (talking and listening). In addition, pupils will submit a folio of writing to the SQA for external examination. In the final exam, pupils will answer understanding, analysis and evaluation questions about an unseen detailed text; answer textual analysis questions on a Scottish text which they have previously studied in class; and develop a critical essay about a text studied in class in response to unseen questions.

Higher comprises of one internally assessed unit: Spoken Language Unit (talking and listening). In addition, pupils will submit a folio of writing to the SQA for external examination. In the final exam pupils will answer understanding, analysis and evaluation questions about 2 unseen complex texts; answer textual analysis questions on a Scottish text which they have previously studied in class; and develop a critical essay about a text studied in class in response to unseen questions.

Advanced Higher will challenge learners to examine and compare complex texts, as well as develop complexity and sophistication within their own writing. Learners will embark on developing their own dissertation which critically compares two complex texts of their own choosing.