National 5 Computing Science

Computing
Science National 3 National 4 National 5 Higher Adv Higher

Updates and announcements

Subject updates

October 2017 subject update (231 KB)
October 2016 subject update (286 KB)

Understanding the next steps for Computing Science

19-OCT-2017

Note for teachers and lecturers: The following guidance was published in August 2016 and details temporary measures that were put in place to reduce the volume of assessment in session 2016-17. The unit thresholds detailed in this document can continue to be applied to both units in National Courses and freestanding SCQF level 5 units from session 2017-18 onwards. However, the information on course assessment is no longer valid. Please refer instead to the most up-to-date course specification document for information on course assessment.

Understanding the next steps for session 2016-17 (144 KB)

Details of changes to Understanding Standards packs can be found here.

Changes to assessment: Questions and Answers

01-AUG-2017

This contains answers to questions we have been receiving about the changes to assessment in the National 5 Computing Science course. This is based on questions asked during the recent Computing Science webinar and direct enquiries we have received from teachers.

Changes to assessment: Questions and Answers (347 KB)

Change to database design and development for 2018-19 onwards as GDPR replaces the Data Protection Act

09-JAN-2018

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force in May 2018, when it will replace the Data Protection Act. As such, the database design and development section of the National 5 Computing Science course will be amended for session 2018-19 onwards, so that candidates will instead describe and identify the implications of GDPR. We will update the National 5 course specification and specimen question paper to reflect this change in due course.

The following document shows the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be covered in National 5 and Higher Computing Science courses from session 2018-19 onwards.

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Essential information

Course Specification

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

N5 Computing Science Course Specification 2017-18 session (401 KB)
May 2017

Course Reports

These reports provide information on the performance of candidates which it is hoped will be useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

2017 National 5 Computing Science Course Report October 2017
2016 National 5 Computing Science Course Report October 2016
2015 National 5 Computing Science Course Report October 2015
Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 2 June 2017
Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
Computing Science Verification Key Messages October 2016
Computing Science Verification Key Messages October 2015

Assessment

Specimen Question Papers

These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers learners will sit. These also include marking instructions.

Computing Science Specimen Question Paper National 5
August 2017

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Past papers are copies of exams that have been used in previous years. They can be used to help candidates revise for the live question paper.

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.

Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science
August 2017
Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science
August 2017
Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science (e-files)
August 2017
Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Producing and Submitting Coursework

Resources

Understanding Standards

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Video overview of course assessment from session 2017-18 (11 minutes)
Video overview of course assessment from session 2017-18 (17 minutes)
Introduction to Teaching SQL presentation with audio (14 minutes)
Teaching design techniques to design efficient solutions to problems presentation with audio (9 minutes)
Teaching web design and implementation presentation with audio (20 minutes)
Teaching web design and implementation lesson resources (2.64 MB)
Changes to published Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards material is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date.

More examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA’s secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.

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.

Course support

Past exam questions for revised National 5 Computing Science’ (242 KB)

Reference Language

Reference language for Computing Science (479 KB)
September 2016
Reference language for Computing Science (summary) (224 KB)
September 2016