National 5 Gàidhlig
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- N5 Gaidhlig Course Specification
September 2017
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).
- Gàidhlig: Reading Specimen Question Paper National 5 July 2017
- Gàidhlig: Literature Specimen Question Paper National 5 August 2023
- Gàidhlig: Listening Specimen Question Paper National 5 July 2017
- Gàidhlig: Listening (Recording) Specimen Question Paper National 5 July 2017
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
National 5 Gaidhlig question paper - listening (212 KB)
National 5 Gaidhlig question paper - reading (334 KB)
National 5 Gaidhlig question paper - writing (260 KB)
National 5 Gaidhlig listening transcript (270 KB)
National 5 25% listening audio (8.89 MB)
National 5 Gaidhlig listening audio (8.89 MB)
National 5 Gaidhlig listening marking instructions (131 KB)
National 5 Gaidhlig reading marking instructions (136 KB)
National 5 Gaidhlig writing marking instructions (125 KB)
Coursework (18/1/24)
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.
- Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher Gàidhlig coursework
January 2024 - Gàidhlig assignment writing template
September 2018 - Coursework assessment task for National 5 Gàidhlig assignment - writing
August 2017 - Coursework assessment task for National 5 Gàidhlig performance - talking
August 2017 - 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)
Understanding Standards (04/10/2023)
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.
Webinar (recording)
Assignment Writing from session 2023-2024
Overview of course assessment from session 2017-18
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (01/10/2024)
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 National 5 Gàidhlig Course Report
October 2024 - 2023 National 5 Gàidhlig Course Report
October 2023 - 2022 National 5 Gàidhlig Course Report
October 2022
Verification Reports
Guidance on use of pronouns and gender-neutral language: Modern Languages and Gàidhlig.
We are committed to ensuring our qualifications and assessments are as accessible and inclusive as possible for all learners. The following guidance on candidates’ use of pronouns and gender-neutral language aims to help teachers and lecturers of Modern Languages and Gàidhlig. This includes those delivering National 3 to Advanced Higher Modern Languages and the Modern Languages for Life and Work award.
Productive skills – talking and writing
Pronouns, nouns, adjectives and agreements
Teachers and lecturers should support learners’ ways of referring to themselves and others in the assessment of talking and writing. Using gender-neutral pronouns, nouns and adjectives is now a common feature of inclusive language – whether by creating new forms, adding punctuations, asterisks or using alternative spellings.
A candidate can use masculine, feminine or gender-neutral adjective agreements throughout their writing or performance-talking assessments, where appropriate to the language. However, candidates must use their pronouns and adjectives consistently and stick to the associated conventions of adjectival agreement where appropriate.
For the performance-talking assessment, we have already provided guidance to Advanced Higher visiting assessors and NQ verification teams on the importance of being aware of any potential implicit or unconscious bias towards a candidate’s gender identity.
Before the performance-talking, learners may indicate to the visiting assessor or their teacher or lecturer the pronouns they will use.
Marking of exams
Most exam scripts are anonymised which helps to eliminate any potential implicit or unconscious bias during marking. Markers are not aware of candidates’ gender and are instructed to look for correct and consistent use of pronouns, adjectives and agreements as indicated above.