National 5 Environmental Science

Course Specification (03/06/2026)

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

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).

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 (03/06/2026)

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.

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

Guidance on conditions of assessment

 

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

Understanding Standards (13/03/2024)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Audio Presentation

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

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

Course reports (30/10/2025)

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

Ushare open learning resources