SQA publishes revision support for learners taking National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher exams

8 March 2022

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has published revision support to help learners undertaking National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses as they prepare for this year’s exams.

The materials are part of a wide-ranging package of support to ease pressure on learners following disruption to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their publication follows the announcement on Tuesday 1 February that the ‘Scenario 2’ contingency had been invoked and the clear intention is for SQA exams to take place from April to June.

Fiona Robertson, SQA Chief Executive, and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, said: 'These revision materials and guidance are part of SQA’s commitment to providing a substantial package of additional support for learners – which includes significant modifications to this year's exams and assessments – as they make the final preparations for their exams.

'The measures are the fairest and best way we can help support all learners, while also maintaining the integrity, credibility and standard of the qualifications.'

SQA’s approach to developing the revision support materials has been informed by learners and subject specialist teachers across the country. 126 items of revision support are available for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses that have an exam, and are tailored to each subject at each available level. These should be considered alongside the modifications to assessment published in August 2021.

Ms Robertson continued: 'Everyone at SQA recognises the professionalism of Scotland’s teachers and lecturers and their commitment to learners across the country. Scotland’s young people are to be commended for their hard work and resilience as they overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic.'

Revision support is fully available on our website for all courses that have an exam and is tailored to each course, including:

For some courses, SQA has published information on which broad topics, contexts or content will or will not be in this year’s exam. This will help learners to plan their revision and focus more on the parts of the course that will be in the exam, though learners can still use their knowledge of other parts of the course when developing their answers to questions.

For some courses, SQA has published study guides to help learners practice answering exam questions. These give hints and tips on how to approach different types of questions, including how to gain marks.

In a small number of courses, learners will be allowed to create a short study note that they can take with them into the exam hall with them.

SQA’s online platform which hosts links to open-source revision materials and teaching resources that support SQA qualifications.

In mid-March, SQA will also publish its Your Exams booklet; a guide for learners about what they need to know about their exams. Copies will be available through schools, colleges, and training providers, or from the SQA website.

Learners are also recommended to download SQA’s My Study Plan app (available through the App Store and Google Play) through which they can create their own personalised study plan based on their exam timetable.

Teachers, lecturers, and learners will also be able to access the revision support documents directly from the National Qualification subject pages on the SQA website.

This publication of revision support is the latest update to the ongoing package of measures SQA has introduced over the course of the current school year – including significant modifications which have already been made to this year's assessments – that will support learners as they prepare for their exams, which run from Tuesday 26 April to Wednesday 1 June.

SQA will provide learners with more information about its Exam Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service, and its Appeals 2022 Service in the coming weeks.

Education Scotland, in partnership with e-Sgoil, is also running a series of study support webinars for learners working towards National Qualifications in 2022. Details are available from the e-Sgoil website.