Higher Biology

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

• Higher Biology Course Specification
  September 2019

The Course Specification details the key area content (as published in the course comparison document).

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

• 2017 Higher Biology Course Report
  October 2017
• 2019 Higher Biology Course Report
  September 2019
• 2018 Higher Biology Course Report
  September 2018

Verification Reports

• 2018 Higher Biology Course Report September 2018
• Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2018
• Biology: Quality Assurance - external verification

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

• Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper 1
  September 2018
• Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper 2
  September 2018

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.

• List of possible assignment investigations (81 KB)
• Coursework assessment task for Higher Biology
  June 2020

• 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 materials 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.