National 5 English
Course Specification (13/09/2023)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- N5 English Course Specification
September 2023
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).
- English: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Specimen Question Paper National 5 June 2018
- English: Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper National 5
October 2018
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
Coursework (18/1/24)
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 (27/11/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Course assessment overview
National 5 English webinar (changes to course assessment from academic session 2017-18 onwards)
- Download webinar
- Overview of Course Assessment Presentation with audio (2 minutes)
- Overview of Question Paper Presentation with audio (4 minutes)
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
Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website
Course reports (14/09/2023)
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
- 2023 National 5 English Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 National 5 English Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 National 5 English Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 National 5 English Course Report
August 2018 - 2017 National 5 English Course report
October 2017
Verification Reports
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses (valid from session 2018-19):
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000