National 5 Mathematics
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
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.
Gathering evidence (Nov 2020)
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.
- Mathematics Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Specimen Question Paper National 5
September 2019 - Mathematics Paper 2 Specimen Question Paper National 5 (Gaelic Medium)
February 2018 - Mathematics Paper 1 (Non-calculator) Specimen Question Paper National 5 (Gaelic Medium)
February 2018 - Mathematics Paper 2 Specimen Question Paper National 5
August 2017
Understanding Standards (Jan 2021)
Additional resources session 2020-21
- Mathematics frequently asked question
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Question paper analysis grids (published on the SQA Secure Site. You can access these through your SQA Coordinator).
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Please note: For session 2020-21 there will be no external assessment for 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
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
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
- 2017 National 5 Mathematics Course Report
October 2017 - 2019 National 5 Mathematics Course Report September 2019
- 2018 National 5 Mathematics Course Report August 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.