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.

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.

We have also updated this document as a result of ongoing feedback and quality assurance. Please use this version.

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.

 

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

Understanding Standards

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

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.

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

Webinar (recording): Overview of Course specification appendices

Changes to understanding standards materials

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

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

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.

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.

Course support

Reference Language

Ushare open learning resources