National 5 Geography
Course Specification (14/05/2024)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Session 2024-25 onwards
- National 5 Geography course specification May 2024
- National 5 Geography course specification (Gaelic Translation) May 2024
Session 2023-24
- National 5 Geography course specification July 2021
- National 5 Geography course specification 2017-18 session (Gaelic Translation) April 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).
- Geography Specimen Question Paper National 5 (Gaelic Medium)
February 2018 - Geography Specimen Question Paper National 5
September 2017 - Geography Specimen Question Paper National 5 OS Map Item A Breacon Beacons
September 2017 - Geography Specimen Question Paper National 5 OS Map Item B Birmingham Area
September 2017
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
- Geography Question Paper National 5
- Geography Question Paper National 5 OS Map Item A
- Geography Question Paper National 5 OS Map Item B
- Geography Question Paper National 5 Marking Instructions
- Cruinn-eolas National 5 Question Paper (3.16 MB)
- Cruinn-eolas National 5 OS Map item A 2021 (167 KB)
- Cruinn-eolas National 5 OS Map item B 2021 (202 KB)
Coursework (31/05/2024)
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.
Session 2024-25 onwards
- National 5 Geography coursework assessment task May 2024
- National 5 Geography coursework assessment task (Gaelic translation) May 2024
Session 2023-24
- Geography coursework assessment task for National 5
July 2019 - Geography coursework assessment task for National 5 (Gaelic translation)
November 2019 - Assignment Report for National 5 Geography (Gaelic medium)
January 2018 - Assignment Report for National 5 Geography
September 2017 - Assignment Processed Information Sheet for National 5 Geography
August 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 (08/01/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Webinar (recording)
Overview of course assessment from session 2017-18
Audio Presentation
- Overview of course assessment 2023-2024
- Overview of course assessment 2023-2024 - Q and A (151 KB)
- Overview of course assessment 2017 (12 minutes)
- Question Paper - Global Issues (20 minutes)
- Question Paper - Human Environments(12 minutes)
- Question Paper - Physical Environments(15 minutes)
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (18/06/2024)
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
- 2023 National 5 Geography Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 National 5 Geography Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 National 5 Geography Course Report
October 2019
Verification Reports
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000