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
  September 2019

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

• 2019 National 5 Biology Course Report
  September 2019
• 2018 National 5 Biology Course Report
  September 2018
• 2017 National 5 Biology Course Report
  October 2017

Verification Reports

• Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017

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
  September 2019
• Guidance on conditions of assessment

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

• Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Changes to understanding standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards material are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Audio presentation

• Biology Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7) (22.52 MB)

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