Higher Biology
Essential Information
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 Biology Course Specification
May 2018
The Course Specification details the key area content (as published in the course comparison document).
The following document shows how the revised course structure from 2018-19 onwards compares with the current course structure. The key areas of the course and the depth of knowledge required for each key area can be assessed in the question paper.
- Higher Biology Course Content Change Comparison
February 2018
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.
- 2018 Higher Biology Course Report September 2018
- Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2018
- 2017 Higher Biology Course Report October 2017
- 2016 Higher Biology Course Report October 2016
- 2015 Higher Biology Course Report Oct 2015
- Biology Verification Key Messages October 2016
- Biology 2015 – 16 Key Messages Round 1 Mar 2016
- Biology Verification Key Messages Oct 2015
- Biology: Quality Assurance - external verification
Assessment
Specimen Question Papers
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
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Coursework
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.
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
Resources
Understanding Standards
- Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
- Overview of course assessment presentation with audio (25 minutes) (25.69 MB)
- Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects
Please note: Understanding Standards material is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date.
CPD
Events
Biology events
These events will focus on the revised course assessment for session 2018-19 onwards. Delegates will take part in workshops, where they will have the opportunity to review and discuss the revised course documents with colleagues. They will also have the opportunity to have their questions answered by senior examining team members.
When and where:
Friday 02 November 2018 - Inverness Saturday 03 November 2018 - Aberdeen Monday 12 November 2018 - Dunblane Friday 23 November 2018 - Edinburgh Saturday 24 November 2018 - Glasgow To book please register on our booking systemAdditional 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.