Understanding Standards

SQA's Understanding Standards programme consists of a range of subject-specific events, webinars and support materials that focus on the standards required in our assessments. Aimed at teachers and lecturers who deliver National Qualifications, Understanding Standards can help you build your confidence in preparing learners for assessment. 

Candidate evidence and commentary materials

We regularly publish examples of candidate assessment evidence (including media files where appropriate to the subject) , along with written commentaries that explain why the evidence has or has not met the required assessment standards . These materials are available from our Understanding Standards website for externally marked assessments. Additional material, including material for internally marked assessments and some of those subject to visiting assessment, are available on the SQA Secure website

NQ Understanding Standards webinar programme 2020–21

We are running a programme of subject-specific webinars to support you to deliver and assess National Courses in session 2020–21. The webinars will run from November 2020 until March 2021. The following sessions are now confirmed

• 16 November 2020 – Health and Food Technology, Fashion and Textile Technology, Practical Cookery and Practical Cake Craft (all levels)
• 18 November 2020 – National 5 History
• 19 November 2020 – Advanced Higher Health and Food Technology
•  23 November 2020 – Scottish Baccalaureate
•  02 December 2020 – ESOL units (all levels)
•  09 December 2020 – ESOL units (National 2 - National 4) 
•  13 January 2021 – National 5 ESOL 
•  20 January 2021 – Higher ESOL 

All webinars start at 4.30 pm and last around an hour. We will announce more webinars in the coming weeks and we will include updates in SQA News to advise when booking is open. 

How to book a place

You can book on to a webinar using our online event booking system where you will find more information on what each webinar will cover.

If you have any enquiries about the webinars, please call our Events Team on 0345 213 5580 or email sqaevents@sqa.org.uk.

About Understanding Standards webinars

Understanding Standards webinars are for subject teachers and lecturers who wish to develop their understanding of the standards required for assessment in National Courses. This year’s programme has a particular focus on the requirements for assessment in session 2020-21, including subjects with modified assessments.

Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. There will be a maximum of one delegate place per centre per subject.

Attending a webinar can contribute to your Continued Professional Development (CPD). CPD certificates will be available on the Events Booking System shortly after each webinar.

Available Understanding Standards materials