National 5 Computing Science
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.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers learners will sit. These also include 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.
- Specimen Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science
August 2018 - Specimen Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science (e-files)
August 2017 - Specimen Coursework assessment task for National 5 Computing Science
August 2018 - 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)
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.
Course Reports
- 2017 National 5 Computing Science Course Report
October 2017 - 2019 National 5 Computing Science Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 National 5 Computing Science Course Report
September 2018
Verification Reports
- Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 2
June 2017 - Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 1March 2017
- Computing Science Verification Key MessagesOctober 2016
- 2016 National 5 Computing Science Course ReportOctober 2016
- Computing Science Verification Key MessagesOctober 2015
- 2015 National 5 Computing Science Course Report
- 2014 National 5 Computing Science Course Report
- Computing Science Verification Key MessagesJul 2014
Understanding Standards
Please note: For session 2020-21 there will be no external assessment for this course. However, the materials detailed below remain a useful illustration of the standards required. These should 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
- Webinar (recording): course assessment from session 2017-18 (17 minutes)
- Webinar (recording): Overview of Course specification appendices (11 minutes)
- Presentation with audio: Introduction to teaching SQL (14 minutes)
- Presentation with audio: Teaching design techniques to design efficient solutions to problem (9 minutes)
- Presentation with audio: Teaching web design and implementation (20 minutes)
- Lesson resources: Teaching web design and implementation (2.64 MB)
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
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 (November 2020) (219 KB)
Reference Language
- Reference language for Computing Science (479 KB)
September 2016 - Reference language for Computing Science (summary) (224 KB)
September 2016
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330