National 5 English
Essential information
Course Specification
This explains the overall structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Course Reports
These reports provide information on the performance of candidates which it is hoped will be useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
- 2017 National 5 English Course report October 2017
- 2016 National 5 English Course Report October 2016
- 2015 National 5 English Course Report October 2015
- English Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
- English Verification Key Messages October 2016
- English Verification Key Message October 2015
Assessment
Specimen Question Papers
These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers learners will sit. These also include marking instructions.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Past papers are copies of exams that have been used in previous years. They can be used to help candidates revise for the live question paper.
Coursework
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 National 5 English
May 2017 - Guidance on conditions of assessment
- Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework (portfolios) March 2018
- National 5 and Higher English candidate portfolio template 2017-18
October 2017
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
Resources
Understanding Standards
- Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
- National 5 English webinar (changes to course assessment from academic session 2017-18 onwards) (40 minutes)
- Overview of Course Assessment Presentation with audio (2 minutes)
- Overview of Question Paper Presentation with audio (4 minutes)
- Changes to published Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards material is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date.
CPD
Additional CPD support
Where any particular areas of concern are identified, which are not addressed by our Understanding Standards events or support materials, we will offer free continuing professional development (CPD) training, subject to request. CPD support is subject-specific and can be tailored to cover one or more qualification level. To find out more about this service visit our CPD page.
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Please find below the current Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English.
- Scottish text list (live version)
Refreshed Scottish set text list for 2018-19 onwards
In 2016, we carried out a consultation with teachers and other key stakeholders on the refresh of the Scottish set text list for National 5 and Higher English. Based on the findings of this consultation, we have refreshed the Scottish set text list for use from session 2018-19 onwards. This is accompanied by a report which details the findings of our consultation.