NQ Understanding Standards
SQA's Understanding Standards programme aims to support teachers and lecturers by strengthening their understanding of the standards required for assessment in National Qualifications. We deliver a range of subject-specific events, webinars and support materials to help to build confidence in preparing learners for assessment.
2017-18 Understanding Standards programme
National 5 course events
From September 2017 until January 2018, we are running a programme of subject-specific events for National 5 courses that have new or significantly revised course assessment components following the announcement of changes to assessment in National Courses. The events are aimed at subject specialists who wish to develop their understanding of the standards required.
National 5 webinars
We are running a series of subject-specific continuing professional development (CPD) webinars that focus on the requirements of the revised National 5 course assessments.
Recordings of each webinar will be published on our website within six weeks, although we aim to publish them as soon as possible following the webinar.
National 5 audio presentations
For some subjects, we are publishing National 5 audio presentations that cover the same content as webinars.
- View the list of subjects with National 5 audio presentations (25 KB) (25 KB)
Candidate evidence and commentary materials
These contain examples of candidate assessment evidence, along with a commentary that explains why the evidence has or has not been awarded specific marks. We will publish new material across a range of subjects between August 2017 and February 2018.
Available Understanding Standards materials
Candidate evidence and commentary materials
Candidate evidence and commentaries are available from the following locations:
SQA secure website
- candidate evidence and commentaries for unit assessment
- candidate evidence and commentaries for internally assessed components of course assessment
- candidate evidence and commentaries for components of course assessment which are subject to visiting verification
Understanding Standards website (www.understandingstandards.org.uk)
- candidate evidence and commentaries for externally assessed components of course assessment (including question papers).
Changes to Published Understanding Standards Materials
When there are revisions to courses any associated Understanding Standards materials will be revised or removed if no longer relevant. When revisions are made, centres will be notified through Centre News. Please use the link below to view details of any packs for your subject we may have revised or removed.