1. No category

Exam and Revision
Information
National 5
Higher
Advanced Higher
2015
Index:
Art and Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Design and Manufacture
Drama
English
French
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
Geography
Graphic Communication
History
Human Biology
Maths
Modern Studies
Music
Physics
Physical Education
Exam and Revision Information
2
3
4
5
6
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Page 1
Art and Design
Level
Examination Date
National 5 and Higher
29th May 2015
Important Deadlines: should have been completed already.
Revision Guidance:
Leckie and Leckie Past Art/Design Studies Papers.
Available from internet and Waterstones.
Past papers in the department.
Supplementary Literature:
Notes on Cezanne and Peploe are available from the department. Design
books are also available.
Websites:
www.scran.ac.uk - a good source of images and Art/Design questions
(available in school).
www.exploreart.co.uk - great source of Scottish paintings, short biographies
and art glossary.
www.sqa.org.uk – click on NQ at the bottom right hand corner and select Art &
Design Candidate Gallery.
Exam and Revision Information
Page 2
Biology
Level
National 5
Examination Date
13th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Don’t leave revision too late – start NOW!
 Make a revision timetable. You have seven topics to revise. Be realistic
about how long you can spend on each topic between now and May and
tick off each topic on the list when you have done it
 Use the learning outcomes for each topic to focus your revision on what is
really important. Use the textbook to find any facts you are not sure of
 Make up your own revision notes – facts, mind maps etc.
 Use the Bitesize website to test yourself a section at a time. Make a note
of things you have difficulty with
 Try past exam questions on the topic you are studying. Check the answers
and get help if you need it
 Above all come and ask for help if you don’t understand anything
Supplementary Literature:
 Official SQA Past papers, Intermediate 2 and Credit level papers will help
you prepare for the National 5 exam. Ask your teacher which you should
use
 Bright Red Study Guide, National 5 Biology
 ‘How to Pass National 5 Biology’ published by Hodder Gibson
Websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zync87h
www.sqa.org.uk./pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm
http://mrsmatheson.wordpress.com/
Exam and Revision Information
Page 3
Business Management
Level
National 5
New Higher
Examination Date
Monday 11 May 2015
Revision Guidance:
Read through your notes and try as many practice questions as you can
You are aiming to complete a paper without looking at your notes BUT if you
have to at first, then this is still revising!
Remember that you can come into school during study leave to ask
questions and get feedback on questions you have tried
If a question asks you to ‘Describe’, a few words for an answer is not enough
Remember with a Compare question, work through one point at a time
Answer the question asked - look for the command word!
Give examples from the real world whenever possible
You have three textbooks – use them for reading and practice questions
Read the purple handouts
Supplementary Literature:
Hodder and Gibson Success Guide.
Hodder and Gibson Practice papers.
Leckie and Leckie Success Guide.
Websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize - gives links to useful clips and notes.
www.sqa.org.uk - look at the old Higher past papers for questions with the
command words used in the new Higher.
www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies - there are many resources
on this site including PowerPoint presentations.
If you use a search engine you will find many resources – remember most of
these are aimed at real businesses and so they may use jargon. If you are not
sure what something means, ASK!
Exam and Revision Information
Page 4
Chemistry
Level
Examination Date
National 5/Higher
28th May 2015
Advanced Higher
Important Deadlines: Higher and Advanced Higher Assignments completed by
12th March 2015. Practical write up submitted by 2nd April 2015. All Unit
Assessments sat and passed by 24th April 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Read small chunks of textbook regularly. Intersperse this with plenty of
questions from the selection at the end of each unit. Concentrate on the
questions you get wrong or find difficult. Work on these until you
understand the problems or bring them in to your teacher
 Similar multiple choice questions have a tendency to be repeated from year
to year. Practise as many as you can
 Are you spending as much time revising your Chemistry as you are on any
other subject? You should be!
 You should be aiming to spend at least two hours a week on Chemistry
revision
Supplementary Literature:
Your most important documents, apart from your textbook, are the official SQA
arrangements – your Learning Outcomes and the list of key areas. Make sure
that you have revised each section and understood the Chemistry involved.
You will also get unit summaries.
The school can lend you official SQA past papers (very important in the last
two months of the course) and a variety of revision guides on any specific part
of the courses which you can identify as causing problems – ask your teacher.
Websites:
Bitesize (Scotland)
Evans2Chemweb
SQA (Past Papers and Specimen Paper)
Scholar
One word of warning….
If you want to revise online, revise. Don’t try to use social media sites at the
same time, you’ll be wasting your time!
Exam and Revision Information
Page 5
Design and Manufacture
Level
Examination Date
National 5
Important Deadlines: 23rd March 2015
25th May 2015
There is a Theory and Homework Booklet stored on the school network. It
can be found by following the file path:
Pupils Shared-Technology-Design and Manufacture.
This booklet contains everything covered in the exam. It can be copied to a
pen drive or CD.
Drama
Level
National 5/Higher
Important Deadlines:
Practical Performance Exam:
National 5 - 11th March 2015. Higher - 19th March 2015.
Examination Date
28th April 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Attendance at after school or lunchtime rehearsals until Practical Exam is
over. Then at after school theory sessions until 27th April
 Revision questions will be given on a regular basis in class and for
homework
 Practise responses over and over
 Submit practice answers for marking then read teacher comments and use
these to improve answers
 Full attendance in school
 Learn lines for performance exam – unless you can work without the script
it will be hard to rehearse fully
Supplementary Literature:
Practice papers on SQA website.
Websites:
Bitesize Drama for terminology.
Google for research purposes regarding costume/design/staging ideas.
National Theatre website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Other theatre websites.
Exam and Revision Information
Page 6
English
Level
Examination Date
National 5/Higher
14th May 2015
Advanced Higher
15th May 2015
Important Deadlines (all levels): pupils will have undertaken most of their
Internally Assessed Units prior to the Easter break.
However, any outstanding units need to be completed before the end of May.
The Exams
The Exams at all levels will be exactly as the pupils experience in their prelim.
The Advanced Higher Exam
Each pupil will sit one exam paper which is allocated a time of one hour 30
minutes during which they will write one critical essay. Creative Writing folios
will be handed to the invigilator on the day of the exam.
The Higher English Course
There are four elements in this course all of which must be passed in order to
gain Higher accreditation.
Two are internally assessed and two are externally assessed.
Internally Assessed Units:
 Creation and Production (Writing and Talking skills)
 Analysis and Evaluation (Reading and Listening skills)
Externally Assessed Components:
 The Writing Folio: 30%
 One Creative Writing piece
 One Discursive Writing piece
 The Final Exam: 70%
 Reading for Analysis, Understanding and Evaluation in which
pupils must answer questions on two thematically-linked
passages. One hour 30 minutes is allocated for this paper.
(30%)
 Critical Reading in which pupils must read an extract from a
Scottish text previously studied and answer questions (20%);
write one critical essay on a previously studied text from a
choice of Drama, Prose, Poetry, Film and Television Drama
or Language (20%). One hour 30 minutes is allocated for this
paper.
Pupils will receive an SQA accreditation graded A – D.
Exam and Revision Information
Page 7
The National 5 English Course
There are four elements in this course all of which must be passed in order to
gain National 5 accreditation.
Two are internally assessed and two are externally assessed.
Internally Assessed Units:
 Creation and Production (Writing and Talking skills)
 Analysis and Evaluation (Reading and Listening skills)
Externally Assessed Components:
 The Writing Folio: 30%
 One Creative Writing piece
 One Discursive Writing piece
 The Final Exam: 70%
 Reading for Analysis, Understanding and Evaluation. One
hour is allocated for this paper (30%)
 Critical Reading: read an extract from a Scottish text
previously studied and answer questions; write one critical
essay on a previously studied text from a choice of Drama,
Prose, Poetry, Film and Television Drama or Language (20%
each). One hour and 30 minutes is allocated for this paper
Pupils will receive an SQA accreditation graded A – D.
Revision Guidance
 The most important revision tactic is to read as much as possible!
 The Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation passages tend to
be extracts from broadsheet newspapers and literary fiction, therefore it is a
very good idea to read as much of this type of writing as possible
 Practice and timing are equally important! Past papers are available
through the English Department or can be purchased, complete with
answers, through most good bookstores
 Study and revision classes run at lunchtimes and/or after school and of
course, pupils can approach their English teacher with regard to anything
they are unsure of or worried about
 Don’t leave it until the last minute! Do a little and often
 Remember, the more prepared you are, the more confident you will be on
the day of the exam!
Exam and Revision Information
Page 8
Supplementary Literature:
Leckie and Leckie Past Papers.
Hodder Gibson Practice Papers.
Waterstones have a good reference selection.
The Amazon website is useful.
Websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/
www.sqa.org.uk
If you have any other concerns or questions, please contact the English
Department at the high school:
01478 614810
Exam and Revision Information
www.portreehigh.highland.sch.uk
Page 9
French
Level
Examination Date
National 5/Higher
22nd May 2015
Important Deadlines:
National 5 Unit Assessment to be completed by Easter holidays.
National 5 Speaking exams will take place in school and will be sent to the
SQA before the end of March.
Revision Guidance:
 Use Higher Still booklets: Education & Work, Lifestyles, The Wider World
 Revise reading texts and vocabulary
 Use ‘How to Pass Higher French’ for revision of all 4 skills – in particular
Listening and Writing
 Use all additional material issued in class for revision of grammar and
tenses in particular
 Complete as many past papers as you can
 Watch French films
Supplementary Literature:
Higher French course notes by Leckie & Leckie with CD.
Higher French practice papers on Reading and Directed Writing (both
available at bookshops such as WH Smith or Amazon).
How to Pass Higher French by Douglas Angus.
le Bescherelle “Hatier” can be bought from Amazon.
Websites:
www.hvic.org.uk/pupilzone/secondary subjectslinks/ModernLanguages/French
www.grantowngrammar.highland.sch.uk/Subjects/languages/main.htm/French
www.bbc.co.uklanguages/French
www.lepointdufle.net
www.linguascope.com (Ask your teacher for the username and password to
access this site.)
Exam and Revision Information
Page 10
Gaelic (Learners)
Level
Examination Date
National 5/Higher
25th May 2015
Important Deadlines:
Final Talk Assessments: National 5: 9th – 13th March
Higher: 16th – 20th March
This may change at request of SQA.
Revision Guidance:
 Carefully revise course vocabulary and practise your writing techniques.
Redraft class writing pieces until they represent your best work and try to
reproduce that quality in your exam
 Prepare thoroughly for Talk assessment. A good Talk grade can make
all the difference to your overall performance. You will receive guidance
from your teacher
 Work through past papers to improve your timing and exam technique.
Get every mark you can!
Supplementary Literature:
Revision booklets available from the department.
Specimen papers at National 5 as well as past ‘Revised Higher’ papers are
available at www.sqa.org.uk published with extended marking schemes.
Writing pack.
Websites:
www.sqa.org.uk
www.scholar.hw.ac.uk – pupils have their own login details
There are other useful pages on the BBC site:
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/higher/gaelic
For further links go to: www.learngaelic.net – try using the dictionary facilities
online – Stòr-Dàta Briathrachais Gàidhlig
Exam and Revision Information
Page 11
Gàidhlig
Level
National 5/Higher
Important Deadlines:
Final Talk Assessments 16th - 20th March.
Examination Date
26th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Prepare thoroughly for Talk assessment. This represents 30% of your
overall grade. You will receive guidance from your teacher.
 Work through past papers to improve your timing and exam technique.
Get every mark you can!
 Redraft writing pieces until they represent your best work. Reproduce
that quality in your exam.
Supplementary literature:
Revision notes on Literature.
Specimen papers at National 5 as well as past ‘Revised Higher’ papers are
available at www.sqa.org.uk published with extended marking schemes.
Writing and literature pack.
Websites:
www.learngaelic.net
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/bitesize/standard/gaelic
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/bitesize
www.sqa.org.uk
Exam and Revision Information
Page 12
Geography
Level
Examination Date
National 5/Higher
Thursday 2nd May 2015
Important Deadlines:
Complete all Unit Assessments by mid-March.
Revision Guidance:
 Refer to the clear exposition is given on the requirements of the course
elements
 Make use of exemplar answers in class
 Learn key points / terminology in all topics
 Make a revision timetable and ensure you stick to it
 Be active in your revision by carefully condensing notes
 Practise with past papers under exam conditions
 Ask staff for help / advice / to mark past papers and give you feedback
 How to Pass N5 Geography books available for loan (£3 deposit)
 Revision class on Thursday 3.30 – 5.00pm
Supplementary Literature:
How to Pass Higher / N5 Geography.
(Hodder Gibson)
Bright Red Study Guide – N5 or Higher Geography. (Bright Red)
N5 Geography – Practice Papers.
(Leckie and Leckie)
SQA Past Papers and Marking Instructions.
Websites:
http://www.georesource.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/video
http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers
http://coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA%20GCSE.htm
Exam and Revision Information
Page 13
Graphic Communication
Level
Examination Date
National 5/New Higher
30th April 2015
Advanced Higher
Important Deadlines: IP Folio for all examinations – 23rd March.
Revision Guidance:
This is a practical subject where pupils require specialised equipment or
software to complete coursework or revision.
There are various materials stored on the school network. It can be found by
following the file path: Pupil Shared-Technology-Graphic CommunicationNat5. This can be copied to a pen drive or CD.
Pupils are encouraged to attend class as often as possible.
A revision class runs on Tuesday and Thursday after school.
Pupils were issued with a Knowledge and Interpretation Guide.
Websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/standard
Exam and Revision Information
Page 14
History
Level
National 5/Higher
Advanced Higher
Important Deadlines:
Higher Extended Essay
March 30th
Examination Date
Friday 1st May 2015
March 16th and Advanced Higher Dissertation –
Revision Guidance:
 Make a revision timetable and ensure you stick to it
 Be active in your revision by carefully condensing notes
 Practise with past papers under exam conditions to improve timemanagement
 Use of exemplar answers
 Learn the key points of all topics
 Revision tutorial offered during pre-arranged lunchtimes/after school
Supplementary Literature:
Revision worksheets and notes.
SQA past papers and marking instructions.
How to Pass National 5 textbook.
Websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/hist
www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers
www.ltscotland.org.uk/higherscottishhistory/index.asp
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/Nat5/history/
www.schoolhistory.co.uk/diagrams/
www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/3309.html
Exam and Revision Information
Page 15
Human Biology
Level
Higher
Advanced Higher
Examination Date
13th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Don’t leave revision too late – if you haven’t already done so, start NOW!
 Make a revision timetable. You have four topics to revise. Be realistic
about how long you can spend on each topic between now and May and
tick off each chapter on the list when you have done it.
 Use the learning outcomes for each topic to focus your revision on what
is really important. Use the textbook or monograph to find any facts you
are not sure of.
 Make up your own revision notes – facts, mind maps, etc.
 Use the websites below to test yourself a section at a time. Make a note
of things you have difficulty with.
 Try past exam questions on the topic you are studying. Check the
answers and get help if you need it.
 Above all come and ask for help if you don’t understand anything.
Supplementary Literature:
Official SQA past papers, available for all levels.
How to pass Intermediate 2/Higher/Higher Human Biology – all published by
Hodder Gibson.
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/higher
http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/courses/html
www.sparknotes.com/biology
www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm
Exam and Revision Information
Page 16
Maths
Level
Lifeskills Maths National 5
Examination Date
29th April 2015
National 5
19th May 2015
Higher/Advanced Higher
20th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Don’t delay
- if you haven’t already done so, START NOW!
 Be organised
- make a revision timetable and stick to it.
 Don’t just read notes - work through examples past papers.
 Get help
- attend supported study session groups.
 Be prepared
- have all the correct equipment for your exam.
 Be disciplined
- use your Study Leave time effectively.
Final Tip:
Don’t just practise until you get it right – practise till you never get it
wrong!
Additional Materials:
Check your Glow groups for revision material.
Buy a set of past papers / specimen papers.
Use the free past papers from the SQA website – see below.
Websites:
www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers
www.mathsrevision.com
www.mathsroom.co.uk
www.highlandlearning.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education
www.scholar.hw.ac.uk (Higher and Advanced Higher)
www.hsn.uk.net (Higher)
www.portreehighschoolmaths.weebly.com
Exam and Revision Information
Page 17
Modern Studies
Level
National 5/Higher
Examination Date
Wednesday 27th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Make a revision timetable and ensure you stick to it
 Be active in your revision by carefully condensing notes
 Practise with past papers under exam conditions
 Revision tutorial offered during pre-arranged lunchtimes
 PHS website has all main question types and exam guidance
 Use of exemplar answers
 Learn the key facts in all topics
 Revision classes
Supplementary Literature:
Included on school website.
Websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/mod/studies
http://www.portreehigh.highland.sch.uk/ku-practice.html
http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers
Exam and Revision Information
Page 18
Music
Level
National 5
Higher
Advanced Higher
Examination Date
Advanced Higher
Listening: 7th May 2015
National 5
Listening: 8th May 2015
New Higher
Listening: 11th May 2015
Important Deadlines
17th/18th March: Practical Exams – except Advanced Higher (usually late
April/May)
March: Composition and Programme notes to be completed
March: (Early March) AH Commentary - completed
April: Listening assessments completed and passed
Supplementary Literature:
How to Pass National 5 Music - by Joe McGowan
How to Pass Higher Music, Hodder and Gibson, with CD. (Ignore the section
on arranging as part of the composition unit. Some of the concepts in this
book are no longer relevant for the New Higher – so use your checklist
for clarification.)
Websites:
www.same.org.uk/newlisteningrevision/index.htm
www.ltscotland.org.uk/ng/resources/learninglisteningonline/
bbc.co.uk/music.classical/guides/classical/
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/
www.liberton.edin.sch.uk/music/new/Online_Music/index.htm
www.revisemusic.org.uk
www.essentialsofmusic.com/
www.duckmusic.free-online.co.uk/index/htm
Exam and Revision Information
Page 19
Physics
Level
National 5/ Higher
Advanced Higher
Examination Date
5th May 2015
Revision Guidance:
 Make a revision timetable. Use your notes, summaries, textbook and
websites to go over a section at a time – for about 20-30 minutes
 Make up your own revision notes – facts, formulas, ‘Mind Maps’ etc.
 Try questions you have done before and old exam questions. Check the
answers – get help if you keep getting them wrong. Come and ask for
help if you don’t understand anything
 Revision exercises will be put on the blog site (see below)
 Don’t leave revision too late – START NOW!!
For the exam:
Bring your scientific calculator – be sure you really know how to use it!
Have a ruler and protractor in case you need to do scale drawings – spare
pencils, rubber and pens too.
Take your time over the questions – read them carefully and have a think
about what you are being asked before you start to write anything. Stop and
go onto the next question if you are taking too long; you can come back to it
later.
Try to give clear explanations when asked for them; use a diagram if this
helps.
Supplementary Literature:
Leckie and Leckie past paper exam questions.
“How to Pass National 5 Physics published by Hodder Gibson.
Physics Revision notes for Higher.
Websites:
www.hvlc.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland.education/subjects/z6fsgk7
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/higher/physics
www.helpmyphysics.co.uk
www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers
Scholar website: http://courses.scholar.hw.ac.uk/vlr/scholar/login.jsp
www.mrmackenzie.co.uk
www.wattphysics.wordpress.com
Exam and Revision Information
Page 20
Physical Education
Level
National 4/5
Higher
Examination Date
No final exam
1st June 2015
Please note this is an ‘inset day’. Pupils MUST
check that they have transport available to them
both to and from school.
Important Deadlines: National 4/5
All written work to be completed by Easter holidays.
Revision Guidance:
Text book and Course notes issued to all pupils.
Additional revision notes.
Websites:
www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers - past papers and marking instructions for ‘new’
Higher.
Exam and Revision Information
Page 21