Advanced Higher Biology



Alternative certification model

The alternative certification model is how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be resulted this year, following the cancellation of the 2021 exams. It involves five different stages.

View the alternative certification model and see what will happen at each stage.

2021 Key Messages

The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021. SQA appointees reviewed and provided feedback on a selection of assessment evidence from SQA centres. Subject-specific feedback has been provided to those centres for each course and level they were selected for.

The key messages report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted and reviewed across all the selections. This report is provided for all delivering centres to reflect upon and make any appropriate adjustments.

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.

Gathering evidence (May 2021)

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

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.


Understanding Standards (March 2021)

Additional resources session 2020-21

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Please note: For session 2020-21 there will be no external assessment for this course. The materials below should therefore be viewed along with the National 5 to Advanced Higher Course information for 2020-21.

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

Changes to understanding standards materials

Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

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

 

Course reports

Course Reports

Verification Reports

In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.

 

Twilight session event material

SQA is working in partnership with Glasgow University to deliver twilight sessions to support the delivery of Advanced Higher Biology.

Access the Advanced Higher Biology materials used at the events