National 5 History
Course Specification (07/08/2024)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
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).
- National 5 History specimen question paper August 2024
- National 5 History specimen question paper (gaelic translation) August 2024
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 History question paper (405 KB)
- National 5 History marking instructions (1.09 MB)
- National 5 Eachdraidh question paper (280 KB)
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.
- History Coursework assessment task for National 5
July 2019 - History Coursework assessment task for National 5 (Gaelic Translation)
November 2019 - History Assignment Resource Sheet for Printing (Gaelic Medium)
January 2018 - History Assignment Resource Sheet (Gaelic Medium)
January 2018 - History Assignment Resource Sheet
October 2017 - History Assignment Resource Sheet for Printing
October 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 (05/12/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Course assessment overview
Webinar (recording 1 November 2024): course assessment from session 2024-2025
- Download webinar
- Webinar Q and A (138 KB)
Webinar (recording 1 December 2021): Question Paper from session 2021-2022
- Download webinar
- Webinar Q and A (138 KB)
- Webinar Reference Library (8.67 MB)
Audio Presentation
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
Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (27/11/2024)
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 History course report November 2024
- 2023 National 5 History course report September 2023
- 2022 National 5 History course report September 2022
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000