Higher Art and Design
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher Art and Design Course Specification September 2018
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).
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.
- Higher Art and Design question paper (9.38 MB)
- Higher Art and Design marking instructions (271 KB)
Coursework (10/08/2023)
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.
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Art and Design - Expressive portfolio September 2020
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Art and Design - Design portfolio June 2018
Evaluations
- Higher Art and Design - Design portfolio evaluation template August 2023
- Higher Art and Design - Expressive portfolio evaluation template August 2023
- National 5 and Higher Art and Design Evaluation Instructions August 2018
Portfolio guidance
The following document provides guidance on how candidates can submit more concise portfolios while still accessing the full range of marks.
Guidance on National 5 and Higher Art and Design portfolios
Practical information
More information on the submission of Art and Design Practical Assessment.
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 (13/03/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries as well as webinar recordings can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Audio presentation
- Design portfolio guidance - presentation with audio (71.30 MB)
- Expressive Portfolio guidance - presentation with audio (58.91 MB)
- Overview of course assessment - presentation with audio (10 minutes) (9.16 MB)
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports (19/09/2023)
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
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330
External Web Links
- Flair Exhibition, featuring candidate work in Art and Design, Fashion and Textile, and Photography
- Education Scotland - Covid-19: Practical activities guidelines - Art and Design, Photography (PDF file)
- BBC resources for National 4 Art and Design
- BBC resources for National 5 Art and Design
- SCHOLAR Scotland online revision materials