National 5 English

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

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.

In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.

• 2019 National 5 English Course Report
  September 2019
• English and Communication Qualification Verification Summary Report June 2019
  June 2019
• 2018 National 5 English Course Report
  August 2018
• English Verification Key Messages Round 2
  May 2018
• 2017 National 5 English Course report October 2017
• 2016 National 5 English Course Report October 2016
• English Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017

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

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.

• English Coursework Template - Microsoft Word
  July 2019
• English Coursework Template - Google Docs
  July 2019
• Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework (2019-20)
  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)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries 

Course assessment overview

• 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 understanding standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

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 text list for National 5 and Higher English courses:

• Scottish set text list 2018-19

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.

• Summary Report: Scottish set text refresh consultation