National 5 Biology
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 Biology Course Specificaton
October 2021
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.
- Biology Specimen Question Paper National 5
September 2017
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.
- List of possible assignment investigations (83 KB)
- Coursework assessment task for National 5 Biology
June 2020 - 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 (Dec 2020)
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
- Carried forward – Guidance on assessment construction and marking assessments
- Carried forward – Question paper analysis 2014 - 2019
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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.
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Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio presentation
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards material 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
- 2019 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2018 - 2017 National 5 Biology Course Report
October 2017 - 2016 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2016
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 Biology 2020-21 key messages (139 KB)
June2021
Verification Reports
There was no round 2 verification activity at this level in 2017.
- Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - Biology Verification Key Messages October 2016
- 2016 N5 Biology Course Report October 2016
- Biology: Quality Assurance - external verification
- July 2014
- Biology Verification Key Messages
- Biology 2015 - 16 Key Messages Round 1
- Biology Key Messages (October 2015)
- 2014 National 5 Biology Course Report
- 2015 National 5 Biology Course Report
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.
National 5 Biology Assignment SSERC resource
SSERC, in partnership with SQA, have produced teacher/technician guides providing background information to teachers/lecturers. Candidate guides with protocols have also been created.
Ushare open learning resources
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000