National 5 Art and Design
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.
- N5 Art and Design Course Specification
September 2017
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).
- Art and Design Specimen Question Paper National 5
October 2019
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.
Coursework (August 2023)
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.
- Coursework assessment task for National 5 Art and Design - Expressive portfolio
September 2020 - Coursework assessment task for National 5 Art and Design - Design portfolio
September 2020 - National 5 Art and Design - Expressive portfolio evaluation template
August 2023 - National 5 Art and Design - Design portfolio evaluation template
August 2023 - National 5 and Higher Art and Design Evaluation Instructions
August 2018 - Guidance on conditions of assessment
The following document provides guidance on how candidates can submit more concise portfolios while still accessing the full range of marks.
Guidance on National 5 and Higher Art and Design portfolios
More information on submitting Art and Design portfolios can be found on the Art and Design Practical Assessment web page.
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 (13/06/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Question Paper Webinar
- Download webinar (132.78 MB)
Course assessment overview
- Design portfolio guidance - presentation with audio 2020-2021 (71.30 MB)
- Expressive Portfolio guidance - presentation with audio 2020-2021 (58.91 MB)
- Overview of course assessment presentation with audio (10 minutes)
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports (19/09/2023)
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 Art and Design Course Report September 2023
- 2022 National 5 Art and Design Course Report September 2022
- 2019 National 5 Art and Design Course Report September 2019
- 2018 National 5 Art and Design Course Report March 2018
- 2017 National 5 Art and Design Course Report October 2017
Verification Reports
There was no round 2 verification activity at this level in 2017.
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
External Web Links
- Flair Exhibition, featuring candidate work in Art and Design, Fashion and Textile, and Photography
- Education Scotland - Covid-19: Practical activities guidelines - Art and Design, Photography (PDF file)
- BBC resources for National 4 Art and Design
- BBC resources for National 5 Art and Design
- SCHOLAR Scotland online revision materials