Higher Art and Design
Course Specification (5/9/24)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher Art and Design course specification September 2024
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21.
- Higher Art and Design question paper (9.38 MB)
- Higher Art and Design marking instructions (271 KB)
Coursework (10/08/2023)
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 Higher Art and Design - Expressive portfolio September 2020
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Art and Design - Design portfolio June 2018
Evaluations
- Higher Art and Design - Design portfolio evaluation template August 2023
- Higher Art and Design - Expressive portfolio evaluation template August 2023
- National 5 and Higher Art and Design Evaluation Instructions August 2018
Help and guidance
How to submit more concise portfolios while still accessing the full range of marks.
Guidance on National 5 and Higher Art and Design portfolios
Submitting Art and Design Practical Assessment portfolios.
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (13/03/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries as well as webinar recordings can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Audio presentation
- Design portfolio guidance - presentation with audio (71.30 MB)
- Expressive Portfolio guidance - presentation with audio (58.91 MB)
- Overview of course assessment - presentation with audio (10 minutes) (9.16 MB)
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports (15/10/2024)
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2024 Higher Art and Design course report October 2024
- 2023 Higher Art and Design course report September 2023
- 2022 Higher Art and Design course report September 2022
Course support
The Higher Art and Design question paper course aims to help teachers and lecturers with their understanding of the question paper. The course provides information and guidance, and includes an interactive marking exercise where users can practice awarding marks to example responses.
There are three modules available to complete for this course.