Students will read a variety of literary texts including novels, plays,  short stories and poetry and then will write a critical essay on these.

In addition, pupils will continue to develop their personal, functional and imaginative writing skills which they have learned in First and Second Year.

Before the Standard Grade exams which pupils sit in Fourth Year, five essays will be chosen to be sent away to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).  Two will be essays from either personal, functional or imaginative writing and three will be critical essays they have completed.

Pupils in Third and Fourth Year will also read extracts from newspapers, magazines and novels and will answer a variety of questions on these.  This is called Close Reading, and is part of the final Standard Grade examination.

In addition, pupils in Third and Fourth Year have to take part in group discussion and prepare for individual presentations.  These are assessed in school, with the final grade being sent to the SQA.