The National 5 course uses an experimental and investigative approach to develop knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts amongst Third and Fourth Year learners. Pupils learn about substances as the building blocks of life and all of the materials that surround us within the main course topics: ‘Chemical Changes and Structure‘, ‘Nature’s Chemistry‘ and ‘Chemistry in Society‘.

The course helps to develop curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, with the integration and development of scientific inquiry throughout enabling pupils to become scientifically literate citizens who are able to review the science-based claims they meet. Pupils also develop their ability to think analytically and to make reasoned evaluations while covering a variety of relevant contexts including the chemistry of the Earth’s resources, the chemistry of everyday products and chemical analysis.

Assessment

Each unit has an end-of-unit assessment which is marked internally . This has two components, one of Knowledge and Understanding and one of Problem-Solving.

The examination at the end of fourth year constitutes 80% of the final grade. This consists of one paper of 2 1/2 hours with a total allocation of 100 marks, 25 marks for multiple choice questions and 75 marks for extended answer questions, some of which will be open-ended.

There is an assignment portion which constitutes 20% of the final grade. The purpose of the assignment is to assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related chemistry knowledge and understanding. This component allows assessment of skills which cannot be assessed through the question paper, for example the handling and processing of data gathered as a result of experimental work and research skills.

Both assessment portions, question paper and assignment, are marked externally.

To find out more about the national 4 and 5 chemistry course, visit the SQA website