Higher Physics
Alternative certification model
The alternative certification model is how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be resulted this year, following the cancellation of the 2021 exams. It involves five different stages.
View the alternative certification model and see what will happen at each stage.
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher Physics Course Specification
September 2019
Gathering evidence (Jan 2021)
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Higher Physics Specimen Question Paper 1
September 2018 - Higher Physics Specimen Question Paper 2
September 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.
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 2021)
Additional resources session 2020-21
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Please note: For session 2020-21 there have been modifications to this course. The materials below should therefore be viewed along with the National 5 to Advanced Higher Course information for 2020-21.
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
Course assessment overview
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports
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
- 2017 Higher Physics Course Report
October 2017 - 2019 Higher Physics Course Report September 2019
- 2018 Higher Physics Course Report September 2018
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.
General marking principles
This publication replaces Physics General Marking Instructions (publication code G0924, published July 1999).
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330