National 4/5

N5 Admin & IT

Topic

Excel functions and formula, ensuring all are correct and printed to meet SQA Standard

Theory 

Communication in Administration will be interspersed throughout the term

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage pupils to use study periods, lunch and after school to come and practice their skills in the department.

Encourage them to prepare for each lesson

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.brightredpublishing.co.uk

they can log in and access practice materials and theory questions.

https://www.wiseowl.co.uk/excel/exercises/

Free Excel exercises that can be completed in own time

Key Deadlines

Ongoing Activity with the aim for partial Unit Assessment

w/c 6 October

NPA Level 5 Business & IT

Topic

Managing People and Finance

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage pupils to watch the news at least once a week

Have discussion on the learning topic they are working at and how it can impact business.

Encourage them to read notes and prepare for each lesson

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zd6fcdm

https://www.brightredpublishing.co.uk

Key Deadlines

Unit  Assessment: Management of People and Finance w/c 6 October 2025

N4 – see personal google classrooms

N5

Topic

RUAE skills (will continue to end of Sept)

Analysing a variety of texts

Writing skills: Persuasive Language, structure, link sentences

Develop ideas for Portfolio of Writing

Group Discussion

Scottish Set Text Paper 2 – poetry; Carol Ann Duffy- Medusa, Mrs Midas, Originally, Before you were Mine, Ms Tilscher’s class, Havisham

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Check in on google classroom, use the resources uploaded

Useful external resources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqxhfg8

Key Deadlines

Literacy and English Talk assessment (Group Discussion) – by Summer (missed talks assessed in Aug)

Literacy Reading Assessment (June into August)

RUAE Reading Assessment (September)

Preparation for 1st Draft Folio (Aug – Oct)

N5 Music

Topic

Performing

Learners will continue to build a programme of music on both their instruments or instrument and voice which is level specific (Grade 3 for N5). This programme will contribute to their final grade and will be externally examined in Feb/Mar 2026 by SQA.

Composition

Learners will begin to develop ideas in composition. This may include creating music for a particular instrument along with exploring the main musical ideas such as time signature and tonality. This element will again contribute to their final grade and will be externally marked by SQA.

Understanding Music

Learners will complete a unit of work on ‘Culture in Scotland and the Wider World’. Within this unit learners will explore different genres of music and associated concepts. Learners will also begin to work through level specific aspects of music literacy. This element of the course will again contribute to their final grade in an exam question paper set by SQA.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Learners are encouraged at all stages, levels and abilities to practice their performing at home should they have access to their instruments. In some cases, the department will allow learners to borrow instruments with prior arrangement with the class teacher.

We would also encourage learners to engage with google classroom and in particular the revision resources that will support the exam question paper and any end of unit assessments.

Useful external resources

Achieve

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/user-start/?next=/&authuser=0

Key Deadlines

Performing Assessment: Week Beginning 15th September 2025

Culture in Scotland and the Wider World End of Unit Assessment: 27th August 2025

N5 Art and Design

Topic

Expressive Portfolio

Learners are beginning to build an expressive folio, focusing on drawing and painting. This folio will be sent to the SQA at the end of the year.

Critical Studies

Learners are being introduced to expressive writing techniques and the work of David Hockney.

Within the Art Department we have a dedicated senior space where learners can work on portfolio tasks out with class time. The space should be used during free periods, lunchtimes, or afterschool (pre-arranged with classroom teacher).

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Learners are encouraged at all stages, levels and abilities to pursue drawing/painting/designing at home should they have access to any materials or resources. Within Senior Phase these can be provided. This will always be supported by class teachers.

We would also encourage learners to engage with google classroom and in particular the critical studies resources that will support the exam question paper.

Useful external resources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zts3kqt

https://www.clickview.net/secondary/topics/k3eLDb9/artists-styles-and-movements

Key Deadlines

Expressive Assessment: End of Term One

Expressive Portfolio: Ongoing throughout the term.

NPA Level 5 Photography

Topic

Unit One: Understanding Photography.
Unit Two: Photographing People  

Learners are building an understanding of photographic principles as well as developing their practical skills.

Learners will be handling our department DSLR cameras.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Learners are encouraged at all stages, levels and abilities to enjoy photography at home should they have access to equipment. Photography does not need to be taken on a DSLR camera, a lot of smartphones now have similar camera settings. We encourage learners to tap into their camera settings and experiment with taking photographs. 

Useful external resources

https://www.clickview.net/search?query=photography

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhh4382/revision/1

Key Deadlines

Photography Assessment: Friday 19th of September.

Unit 1 (Understanding Photography) completion date.

Unit Two (Photographing People) ongoing throughout the term.

Year/Class/Level

National 4/5

Subject

Physical Education

Topic

Softball Cycle of Analysis

- Physical and Social Factors

- Methods of Data Collection

- Methods of Development

-‘Identify’, ‘Describe’ and ‘Explain’ command words

Factors Impacting Performance

How Can Help Be Given at Home

Remind pupils to submit homework on time so feedback can be given.

Encourage pupils to use Google Classroom as electronic copies of all resources, homework reminders and sample answers will be shared.

Encourage pupils to attend extra-curricular clubs and practice for practical assessments in own time throughout the year.

Useful external resources

Pupils can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

BBC Bitesize

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zctsr82

Achieve Website

https://letsachieve.co.uk/

Key Deadlines

Section 1 Portfolio Write Up: Week beginning 8th September

Section 2a & 2d Write Up: Week beginning 22nd September

Section 2b & 2c Write Up: Week beginning 6th October

Year/Class/Level

N3/4/5

Subject

Practical Cookery

Topic

·       Cookery skills, techniques and processes

·       Command words – answering questions

·       Assignment - Time planning

                       - Equipment lists

                       - Service details

·       Pastry skills – pastry, meringue, fatless sponge

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Remind pupils to submit homework on time so that feedback can be provided.

Encourage pupils to cook at home. The N5 recipe book and demonstration videos are available on Google Classroom, but any food preparation such as vegetable preparation and cooker control would be beneficial.

Set tasks for pupils to complete and give them a time target to complete the work so they become more aware of time.

Useful external resources

SQA have provided a set of demonstration videos for a variety of food preparation techniques:

https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/PracticalCookery

/PracticalCookeryVideos

Achieve website

https://letsachieve.co.uk/

Key Deadlines

Homework approximately once a fortnight – might just be pupils completing what they have started in class.

Nat 5 Maths

Topic

Surds & Indices

Gradients & Straight Line

Equations & Inequations

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Reviewing work completed in jotters, and lessons shared on google classroom. Course notes with exam questions, including solutions, have also been shared.

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.national5maths.co.uk/free-national-5-maths-2/

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/user-start/?next=/

Key Deadlines

Progress Check 1 and Unit 1 Assessment. A weeks notice will be given before any assessment is given.

National 5 Spanish

Topic 1

Society:  Free-time, Health and Wellbeing:

Vocabulary related to:

·         Opinions on Sports/Hobbies/Foods

·         Reasons for choices

·         What you can do to stay healthy

·         Health risks

Grammar

·         The present tense of common regular and irregular verbs

·         Adjective agreement

·         Negatives

·         Verb plus infinitive, including set modal verbs in the conditional tense

Topic 2

Society/Culture: Home Area and Environment

Vocabulary related to:

·         Describing your own area as a tourist destination

·         The pros and cons of where you live

·         Living in the town vs living in the countryside.

Grammar

·         Making comparisons

·         Recognition of command forms of verbs

·         Consolidation of the present tense

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage pupils to check Google Classroom to check for consolidation and extension work and to keep up to date with assessment preparation.

Listen to pupils practise speaking, using their script on Google Classroom.

Useful external resources

www.linguascope.com (beginners and intermediate sections) 

www.bbcbitesize.co.uk (practice in all skills)

www.languagesonline.org (grammar practice)

Duolingo app (not directly linked to classwork but useful practice of high frequency vocabulary)

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/ (practice in all skills and grammar as well as exam technique)

Key Deadlines

End of term:

Questions and answers on both topics written on speaking exam preparation document on Google Classroom.

National 5 French

Topic 1

Learning: School and Education

Vocabulary related to:

·         Opinions on school subjects / teachers / homework / school building / school rules / uniform

·         Reasons for opinions

·         Descriptive language regarding school

Grammar

·         The present tense of common regular and irregular verbs

·         Adjective agreement

·         Negatives

·         Verb plus infinitive, including set modal verbs in the conditional tense

·         Using il faut / il ne faut pas

·         Using essay language

Topic 2

Directed Writing (12.5% of the final exam)

·         Draft the first 4 bullet points of your DW essay for the exam and learn it!

·         All resources will be on Google classroom as well as a paper copy

·         Draft essay to be done on Google Classroom

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage pupils to check Google Classroom to check for consolidation and extension work and to keep up to date with assessment preparation.

Listen to pupils practise speaking, using their script on Google Classroom.

Useful external resources

www.linguascope.com (beginners and intermediate sections) 

www.bbcbitesize.co.uk (practice in all skills)

www.languagesonline.org (grammar practice)

Duolingo app (not directly linked to classwork but useful practice of high frequency vocabulary)

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/ (practice in all skills and grammar as well as exam technique)

Key Deadlines

Prelims

Questions and answers on topic written on speaking exam preparation document on Google Classroom.

Directed Writing draft written and marked using the Correction Code on Google Classroom doc too.

National 5 Physics

Topic

This term we will continue our work on the Dynamics Unit of the Course (before the holidays we covered speed, acceleration, speed-time graphs and began looking at vectors and scalars) completing Vectors and Scalars, studying Newton’s Laws of Motion (including rocket motion and weight), Energy and Projectile Motion.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

The classes have sat a Dynamics Check Test in June; you should discuss this with them using the Reflection Sheets they fill in after every assessment. All PowerPoints are shared on Google Classroom at the end of the day (or week, depending on the content) and it is part of our homework criteria that all young people use the PowerPoints to create their own notes; this activity should also allow the young person to identify any misunderstandings from the lessons this week and they should be encouraged to ask their teacher for any further support. Encourage your young person to talk about their learning; at the end of each week ask them to summarise the key concepts they have covered in class and perhaps quiz them on their learning (use the PowerPoints to help).

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with these topics using the following external links:

You-Tube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4ViYiFUc7GQZBLHieq0dX_gLrc-Dcdtf

Speed:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zydyxfr/revision/4

Acceleration:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zch83k7/revision/1

Speed-Time Graphs:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxrtw6f/revision/2

Vectors:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zydyxfr/revision/3

Newton’s Laws:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgn82hv/revision/1

Energy:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zq2csrd/revision/1

Projectile Motion:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zrsdmp3/revision/1

Key Deadlines

End of Unit test – (approx.) week of 6th October

National 5 Chemistry

Topic

1.2 – Atomic Structure and Bonding

1.3 – Acids, Bases and Chemical Calculations

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage your young person to talk about their learning.

At the end of every subtopic a short quiz is given

You could check it is completed and quiz them on the knowledge.

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with these topics using the following external links:

National 5 Chemistry - BBC Bitesize

Key Deadlines

End of Unit assessment – week beginning 6th October

N5 Biology

Topic

This term we will be concentrating on completing Life on Earth.  We will also start Cell Biology in this unit.

During this time we will be delivering practical outcomes and laying groundwork for the assignment.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Speak to the young person about their learning.

Ask them to show you Google Classroom and ensure they are using these resources to consolidate learning.

Make sure that if they are revising they are doing more than reading.  Eg, making mind maps to summarise information.

Useful external resources

The pupil can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

Achieve

Google Classroom

BBC Bitesize

Key Deadlines

Life on Earth Test:  Mid September.

NPA/ FA Scientific Technologies

Topic

2. Structure of the Atom

3. Bonding, structure and properties

4. Chemical symbolism

5. The mole

6. Acids and Bases

7. Salt Preparation

8. Fuels

How Can Help Be Given At Home

Encourage your young person to talk about their learning.

You could check it is completed and quiz them on the knowledge.

National 5 Geography

Topics

Learners have studied an Urban area (Glasgow with map skills) Pupils will also study coasts and glaciation.

How can help be given at home?

Use the National Geography google classroom page to support your child – all key resources are on this site.

Use SQA past papers (available from Mrs Carlson) to test and revise with your child.

Encourage your child to make flashcard notes of key topics and questions

Revision booklets and examples answers will be issued to all learners.

Useful external resources

Learners can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.youtube.com/@royalscottishgeographicals9915

(search for National 5 Geography Chalk Talks)

https://quizlet.com/gb/64659902/geography-national-5-flash-cards/

Key deadlines

Check the National 5 Geography google classroom page for information on key deadline this term. Any details/date of assessments and revision tasks will be uploaded to the classroom site.

Key assessment dates will be sent home via the school messaging system.

National 5 History

Topic

This term we will be focusing on the World War One section of the National 5 History course. Pupils will learn about the experience of Scottish soldiers in the Western Front and the impact of WW1 on life in Britain.

How can help be given at home?

Use the National 5 History google classroom page to support your child – all key resources are on this site.

Use SQA past papers (available from Mr Shanks and Mr Fleming) to test and revise with your child.

Encourage your child to make flashcard notes of key topics and questions

Useful external resources

Learners can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z8phvcw

https://studyrocket.co.uk/revision/national-5-history-sqa

Key deadlines

Check the National 5 History google classroom page for information on key deadline this term. Any details/date of assessments and revision tasks will be uploaded to the classroom site.

Key assessment dates will be sent home via the school messaging system.

N5 Modern Studies

Topic

This term we will be focusing on the US section of the National 5 Modern Studies course. Pupils will learn about US politics – how the government operates and how citizens can influence politics in the US. Learners will also learn about the influence of the US in the world and the causes/impact of social and economic inequalities.

How can help be given at home?

Use the Modern Studies you tube channel (with videos) to support your child.

Use google classroom to test and revise with your child – all revision resources are uploaded to google classroom.

Speak to your child about key events and examples in the US today – knowledge of current affairs is important

Encourage your child to make flashcard notes of key topics and questions

Useful external resources

Learners can find extra help with this topic using the following external links:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zdhtyrd

https://www.youtube.com/@SFleming-q2z

https://www.brainscape.com/subjects/national-5-modern-studies

Key deadlines

First US Assessment – week beginning 01/09/25

Second US Assessment – week beginning 03/11/25

Key assessment dates will be sent home via the school messaging system.

Year/Class/Level - N4/N5

Subject - Practical Woodworking

Topic

Practice Joints

Pupils will be assessed on the practice joint work they have completed for both flat-frame and carcass construction. These assessments are designed to reinforce accuracy when measuring, marking out, cutting and shaping.

Spice Rack Project

Pupils will begin their first assessed unit model: a spice rack project based on carcass construction, machining and finishing skills. This extended make task will allow pupils to further develop their skills in:

• Measuring and marking out

• Cutting and shaping

• Machining and finishing

• Assembly of components

The spice rack project is a key part of the course and will be formally assessed as part of the unit work. It provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to build confidence and precision in practical woodworking tasks as they prepare for future models and the final course assessment model.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

A Google Classroom has been set up for N4/N5 Practical Woodworking [code: lmibofwr].

Although the Spice Rack Project is completed in school using specialist tools and equipment, there are still ways for parents and carers to support learning at home.

All pupils have access to a Google Classroom, where they will find:

• Working drawings for both the practice joints and the Spice Rack project

• Marking Instructions for practical work

Useful external resources

BBC Bitesize further study:

Manufacture Assignment:  National 5 Design and manufacture - BBC Bitesize

-          Materials

-          Measuring and marking-out

-          Using hand tools

-          Using machine tools

-          Assembling components

-          Finishing

Key Deadlines

Practice Joint Assessment: Early September 2025

Year/Class/Level - N5

Subject - Graphic Communication

Topic

Term 1 & 2 Project – Practice Design assignment

Approx. 40% of the graphic communication course marks come from a Design Assignment that is issued and marked by SQA. The remainder of the course award comes from the final exam.

During term 1 & 2 the class will concentrate on completing previous assignments to reinforce their knowledge and practice of both Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) and Desk top publishing (DTP) techniques.

Pupils will also need to ensure that they stay on top of their revision for the design elements and principles as well as the DTP principles and will be issued with previous exam questions as homework to aid in this.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

A Google Classroom has been set up for N5 Graphic Communication [code: 4d65jlx].

On the Classroom, you will find:

·         Practice SQA Past Paper exam questions.

Ensure pupils are completing any homework issued and answers are written out in full as would be expected in an exam paper. This will help when it comes to their exams.

Useful external resources

BBC Bitesize further study:

Graphic Communication: National 5 Graphic communication - BBC Bitesize

Achieve web site:

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/

ACHIEVE is a great online revision site where pupils can work independently to learn concepts, revise and self-assess.
Please note, when getting pupils to sign up for an ACHIEVE account, they should enter the School Code: 3fe4tNK3

Key Deadlines

Week beginning 6th October

Pupils will have an end of term test on all topics covered in the course up to this point.

This will allow robust tracking to take place prior to the build up to the Prelim exams in December.

Year/Class/Level - N5

Subject - Design & Manufacture

Topic

Design Work
Pupils will complete the initial ideas stage of a mock assignment, where they will respond to a chosen design brief by generating a range of ideas that are both creative and diverse. This task is designed to prepare pupils for their final assignment, due in Term 3, and helps pupils build the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Practical Work
In the workshop, pupils will manufacture a woodwork toolbox as part of a skill-building exercise. This project introduces them to a range of traditional wood joints, the use of hand and machine tools, and includes experience on the wood lathe. The emphasis is on building a level of independence, pace and accuracy.

Theory and Homework
Pupils will also complete weekly homework tasks to support the theory component of the course. These will cover:

• Practical workshop knowledge and safety

• The design process and design theory

• Commercial and mass manufacturing theory

How Can Help Be Given At Home

A Google Classroom has been set up for N5 Design & Manufacture [code: vltb7km4].

On the Classroom, you will find:

• Data sheets and theory booklets covering all aspects of the exam content

• SQA past paper and marking instructions for the course

Pupils are strongly encouraged to begin revising early and regularly using the range of resources available on the course Google Classroom. These include past papers, marking instructions, revision booklets, and topic-specific guides to support independent study.

Early and consistent revision helps pupils build confidence, identify areas for improvement, and avoid last-minute stress. By building strong study habits now, pupils will be well prepared not only for the prelim exam, but also for their final SQA exam later in the session.

Parents and carers can play a key role by helping pupils create a manageable study routine and by encouraging regular use of the revision materials provided.

Useful external resources

BBC Bitesize further study:

Design & Manufacture: National 5 Design and manufacture - BBC Bitesize

Achieve web site:

https://achieve.hashtag-learning.co.uk/

ACHIEVE is a great online revision site where pupils can work independently to learn concepts, revise and self-assess.
Please note, when getting pupils to sign up for an ACHIEVE account, they should enter the School Code: 3fe4tNK3

Key Deadlines

Initial Ideas Mock Assignment:  Early September 2025

Weekly Theory Homework: See Google Classroom

Subject - NPA Bee Keeping

Topic

Due to the nature of this course, the pupils will spend as much time as possible at the hives during the summer months.

At this time they will learn about checking the hives to protect against disease and to ensure that the bees have enough stores.

During this time, their confidence should build so that they are able to open and check the hives unsupervised.

As and when the weather prevents us from going to the hives, the pupils have 3 units of theory work to complete.

The booklets for this work are available on the google classroom as well as the hard copy that pupils will complete in school.

How Can Help Be Given At Home

There are many videos and resources available online for the beginner beekeeper and these should be used as an aid to learning.

Useful external resources

Google classroom code: 7pnz54pu

If youtube or other online resources are being referred to, it is worth noting that any material produced outside the UK does not always directly relate to beekeeping in the UK due to differences in climate as well as forage.

A useful youtube source is “The Norfolk honey co.”