Understanding Standards

Understanding Standards is SQA's programme of support for teachers, lecturers and other practitioners delivering National Qualifications. 

2021-22 Understanding Standards webinar series

We are once again running a series of subject-specific webinars to support you with understanding the standards for assessment in National Courses, in line with the published modifications to assessment for session 2021-22.

The webinars will run until March 2022 and are free to join. We will update this page as more webinars are announced.

Upcoming webinars

• 1 December 2021 - National 5 History question paper (4.30pm – 5.30pm) FULL
• 6 December 2021 - Advanced Higher English: project-dissertation workshop (4.00 pm – 6.00 pm) FULL
• 6 December 2021 - Higher Physical Education question paper (4.30 pm – 5.30 pm) FULL
• 9 December 2021 - Repeat of Advanced Higher English: project-dissertation workshop (9.30 am – 11.30 am) 
• 9 December 2021 - National 5 Physical Education portfolio (4.30 pm – 5.30 pm) FULL
• 13 January 2022 - National 5 and Higher ESOL: writing (4.30 pm – 5.45 pm)
• 15 January 2022 - Advanced Higher RMPS : course assessment workshop (10.00 am – 3.00 pm) 
• 17 January 2022 - National 5 Media course assessment (4.30 pm – 5.45 pm)
• 18 January 2022 - Scots Language Award and Scottish Studies Award (5.00 pm - 6.00 pm) 
• 20 January 2022 - National 5 and Higher ESOL: speaking and listening (4.30 pm – 5.45 pm)
• 22 January 2022 - Higher RMPS: question paper workshop (10.00 am – 3.00pm) 
• 24 January 2022 - Higher Media: question paper 1 (4.00 pm – 5.30 pm)
• 26 January 2022 - Higher Classical Studies (5.00 pm – 6.00 pm) 
• 1 February 2022 - Higher Media: question paper 2 (4.00 pm – 5.00 pm)
• 9 February 2022 - Higher Media: assignment (4.30 pm – 5.30 pm)

How to book on to a webinar

You can book on to a webinar using our online event booking system, where you will also find more details of what each webinar will cover. 

If you have any enquiries about the webinars, please call our Events Team on 0345 213 5580 or email sqaevents@sqa.org.uk.

CPD points

Attending a webinar can contribute to your Continued Professional Development (CPD). CPD certificates will be available on the event booking system shortly after each webinar.

Webinar recordings

We publish recordings of the webinars on our website for anyone who is unable to attend. You can access these from our NQ subject webpages and from the Understanding Standards website. 

Understanding Standards resources

We have a wide range of subject-specific resources that explain the standards required in SQA assessments and contain examples of candidate evidence. These can help you strengthen your understanding of the national standards and build your confidence in preparing learners for assessment. Understanding Standards resources include webinar recordings, audio presentations, candidate evidence and commentary materials, practical skills videos and other subject-specific guidance and materials.

Where to access Understanding Standards resources for your subject

Please refer to your NQ subject page for links to published Understanding Standards resources, which are available from the Understanding Standards website. Some Understanding Standards resources are also available from the SQA Secure website for assessments where the evidence must remain secure.