specification overview
SQA National 5 Mathematics is the Scottish equivalent of GCSE-level Maths. The course specification organises content as numerical, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, statistical and reasoning skills. Assessed by two externally-marked question papers (Paper 1 non-calculator, 40 marks; Paper 2 calculator, 50 marks) totalling 90 marks, graded A-D or No Award.
subject content
1. Expressions and Formulae
Papers 1, 2- Fractions, surds, indices, scientific notation
- Rounding, significant figures, area/volume formulas
- Algebraic expressions: expanding, factorising
2. Relationships
Papers 1, 2- Equations, inequations, simultaneous equations
- Straight-line graphs, gradients, equations of lines
- Quadratic functions, quadratic equations, discriminant
- Trigonometry: sine rule, cosine rule, area formula
3. Applications
Papers 1, 2- Percentages (increase, decrease, compound)
- Vectors (2D and 3D), vector addition
- Statistics: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation
- Angles in circles, arcs, sectors
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Non-calculator) | All 3 areas | 1 hour | 40 | ~44% | Short-answer and structured questions across all content. No calculator permitted |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) | All 3 areas | 1h 30m | 50 | ~56% | Structured questions across all content. Scientific calculator permitted |
National 5 Maths is graded A, B, C, D or No Award. Grade A is the highest; grade C is the pass, and grade D is awarded to candidates who narrowly miss a C. A calculator may be used in Paper 2 only. Paper 1 tests fluency with mental and written arithmetic. 90 marks total across both papers.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Approximately 30-45% of the overall marks relate to algebra. | 30-45% |
| Geometry | Approximately 15-35% of the overall marks relate to geometry. | 15-35% |
| Trigonometry | Approximately 10-25% of the overall marks relate to trigonometry. | 10-25% |
| Numerical | Approximately 10-25% of the overall marks relate to numerical skills. | 10-25% |
| Statistics | Approximately 5-15% of the overall marks relate to statistics. | 5-15% |
key tips for success
Master non-calculator arithmetic
Paper 1 (~44% of qualification) is non-calculator. Drill: long multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals, percentages, surds, indices.
Learn key formulas cold
SQA provides some formulas but many must be memorised. Know: quadratic formula, sine/cosine rules, area formulas, volume formulas, discriminant.
Practise trigonometry with sine and cosine rules
National 5 tests non-right-angled triangles explicitly. Learn sine rule (a/sinA = b/sinB), cosine rule, and area formula (½ab sinC).
Master standard deviation
Statistics section tests standard deviation calculation. Learn the formula, practise calculating from a data set step by step.
Learn vector notation and operations
National 5 tests 2D and 3D vectors: addition, subtraction, magnitude, position vectors. Practise vector calculations.
Practise past exam papers under time
SQA past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for both papers. Paper 2 (calculator) at 1h 30m for 50 marks needs stamina.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Work through every point on this spec in Cognito – notes, questions, flashcards and exam practice – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
