National 5 English
Course Specification (13/09/2023)
Explains the 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
September 2023
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).
- English: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Specimen Question Paper National 5 June 2018
- English: Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper National 5
October 2018
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 (22/09/2023)
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.
Instructions
- Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework (104 KB)
September 2023
Template
Task
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 (27/11/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Course assessment overview
National 5 English webinar (changes to course assessment from academic session 2017-18 onwards)
- Download webinar
- Overview of Course Assessment Presentation with audio (2 minutes)
- Overview of Question Paper Presentation with audio (4 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
Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website
Course reports (14/09/2023)
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 English Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 National 5 English Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 National 5 English Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 National 5 English Course Report
August 2018 - 2017 National 5 English Course report
October 2017
Verification Reports
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses:
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.
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000