Higher Photography
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher Photography Course Specification
September 2020
2022 revision support for learners (Mar 2022)
We have updated this document to provide information on the modifications made to course assessments (coursework and exams) at the start of academic year 2021-22.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
Coursework (13/12/2021)
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 Higher Photography
September 2020 - Higher Photography submission guidelines (28 KB)
Flyleafs
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
Additional resources session 2021-22
New – new materials not previously published
Updated – published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward – published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
- Carried forward - Audio presentation - Modifications and gathering evidence session 2020/21 (this audio presentation can be found on the SQA secure site, you can access this through your SQA co-ordinator)
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Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
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Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Course assessment overview
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Overview of course assessment - presentation with audio (8 minutes) (8.91 MB)
Changes to understanding standards material
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports
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
- 2016 Higher Photography Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 Higher Photography Course Report
October 2017 - Photography Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2018
- 2018 Higher Photography Course Report September 2018
- 2019 Higher Photography Course Report September 2019
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
- Higher Photography 2020-21 key messages
June 2021
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.
Photography Resources
These videos have been created to help support teachers, lecturers and candidates with their understanding of basic camera concepts. More videos will be added to this list over the coming months and we will notify centres when new videos have been published
- Photography basics: Lenses
- Photography Basics: an Overview of Focus
- Photography Basics: Exposure
- Photography Basics: Shutter speed
- Photography Basics: Aperture
- Photography Basics: ISO
- Photography Basics: Outdoor Portrait
- Photography Basics: Studio Still Life
- Photography Basics: White Balance
- Photography Basics: Composition
- Photography Basics: Properties of light
- Photography Basics: Image Quality
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330