SQA National 5 Environmental Science specification (X826 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 Environmental Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA National 5 Environmental Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA National 5 Environmental Science (X826 75) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The National 5 Environmental Science course aims to develop learners’ understanding of environmental issues through scientific study of the Earth's resources, ecosystems, and sustainability. It promotes awareness of how humans interact with the natural environment and encourages responsible citizenship. The course integrates knowledge and skills from biology, chemistry, geography and earth science, fostering critical thinking, data analysis and investigative abilities. It prepares learners for further study and supports engagement with current environmental challenges.
Subject content breakdown
1. Living Environment
- Investigating ecosystems, energy flow and nutrient cycles
- Human influences on biodiversity and habitats
- Population growth, resource demands, and habitat management
- Soil formation, composition, types and degradation
- Impact of pollution and methods of biological control
2. Earth’s Resources
- Structure and formation of the Earth’s surface
- Use and management of minerals, rocks and soils
- Energy resources: fossil fuels, renewables and nuclear
- Water cycle and sources; water treatment and quality
- Atmosphere: composition, air quality, weather and climate change
3. Sustainability
- Sustainable development and ecological footprint
- Urban environments and sustainable living
- Sustainable food production and land use
- Waste management and recycling strategies
- Decision making and evaluating environmental impacts
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks total
- Section 1: Multiple-choice questions (25 marks)
- Section 2: Structured and extended-response questions (75 marks)
- Assesses knowledge, problem solving and application of understanding
Assignment
- Research and reporting task completed under supervision
- 20 marks (20% of total course award)
Assesses investigative skills and use of scientific communication
- Overall grade awarded A–D or 'No Award'
- Assessment set and marked by SQA
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 Environmental Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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