National 5 Biology

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 2018
• N5 Biology Course Content Change Comparison
  July 2017

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.

• 2018 National 5 Biology Course Report
  September 2018
• 2017 National 5 Biology Course Report October 2017
• 2016 National 5 Biology Course Report October 2016
• 2015 National 5 Biology Course Report October 2015
• Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
• Biology Verification Key Messages October 2016
• Biology Verification Key Messages October 2015

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

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 Biology
  October 2018
• Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
• Video overview of course assessment from session 2017-18 (33 minutes)
• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards material is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date.

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.

SSERC, in partnership with SQA, have produced teacher/technician guides that provide background information to teachers/lecturers. Candidate guides containing protocols have also been produced. These are available via the following link:

National 5 Biology Assignment SSERC Resources