Higher Economics
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.
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).
- Higher Economics Specimen Question Paper
August 2018
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.
- Higher Economics Coursework Assessment Task - Assignment Notes
September 2019 - Coursework assessment task for Higher Economics
September 2019
Assignment template
- Instructions for submitting National 5 and Higher Economics assignments (94 KB) November 2021
- Higher Economics Assignment Template (29 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 (Jan 2022)
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
- New - Assessment Resource
- New - Audio Presentation - Preparing candidates for assignment (10 minutes) (19.43 MB)
- New – Audio Presentation – Guidance on creating a Higher Question Paper
- New – Audio Presentation – Reviewing a Higher Question Paper Composition
- New – Audio Presentation (supplementary materials) – Reviewing a Higher Question Paper Composition (excel file)
- Carried forward - Audio presentation - question paper guidance (22.43 MB)
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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
Course assessment overview
- Overview of Course Assessment Presentation with audio (13.01 MB) (8 minutes)
Changes to understanding standards materials
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 Economics Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 Higher Economics Course Report
October 2017 - 2018 Higher Economics Course Report
September 2018 - 2019 Higher Economics Course Report
September 2019
- Economics: Quality Assurance - external verification
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 Economics 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.