National 5 English
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.
- N5 English Course Specification
July 2018
2022 revision support for learners (Mar 2022)
We have updated this document to provide information on the modifications made to course assessments (coursework and exams) at the start of academic year 2021-22.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers learners will sit. These also include 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
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.
- Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework
September 2021 - English Coursework Template - Microsoft Word
July 2019 - English Coursework Template - Google Docs
July 2019 - Coursework assessment task for National 5 English
May 2017 - Guidance on conditions of 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 (Feb 2022)
Additional resources session 2021-22
New – new materials not previously published
Updated – published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward – published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
- New - Question paper 2 Critical Reading commentaries and evidence
- New - Question Paper 1: RUAE commentaries and evidence
- Carried forward - Overview of Understanding Standards resources - RUAE, critical reading and portfolio
The pre-recorded webinars below and accompanying presentations can be found on SQA's secure website. You can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
- Question paper 1 - pre-recorded webinar and accompanying presentation.
- Question paper 2 - pre-recorded webinar and accompanying presentation.
Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
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.
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.
Course Reports
- 2016 National 5 English Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 National 5 English Course report
October 2017 - 2018 National 5 English Course Report
August 2018 - 2019 National 5 English Course Report
September 2019
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
- National 5 English 2020-21 key messages
June 2021
Verification Reports
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
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses:
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 courses. Based on the findings of this consultation, we have refreshed the Scottish set text list for use from session 2018-19 onwards. The report below details the findings of our consultation.
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000