Higher Computing Science 2020/2021 (PDF format, download) [20/27E]

Complete Higher Computing Science prelim paper (110 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes).

IMPORTANT UPDATE 19/10/20: Paper has been updated for 2021 (now 80 marks, 2 hours) – Section 1 (CS and SDD – 55 marks) and Section 2 (Part A – DDD, 25 marks and Part B – WDD, 25 marks, are included). Content is outlined in SQA’s Modification Summary Report. This version is included along with the full version at no additional cost.

The question paper covers both Section 1 (25 marks: short answer questions) and Section 2 (85 marks: extended response questions).

Section 1 will allow candidates to demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and understanding from the course, while Section 2 provides an opportunity for them to use this knowledge to demonstrate their problem solving skills when faced with questions in context.

This question paper is carefully balanced and closely emulates the national standard. The paper appropriately samples from the full course to help generate valid, reliable and robust estimates. The detailed marking scheme gives likely candidate responses and full guidance on marks allocations.

P&N Computing prelim papers are drafted by setters whom we have headhunted on the basis of their considerable experience of the examination system at appropriate levels. Papers are securely trialled by professionals who “work the papers” to ensure materials are of an appropriate level of demand, balance, etc. and that marking instructions closely reflect current SQA marking standards/marks allocations. 

All 2020/2021 P&N papers fully comply with current SQA Arrangements Documents etc. valid for the next SQA examination diet (2021). Our prelim question papers contain completely new material each year and are guaranteed ‘sight unseen’. Papers are independently scrutinised to ensure a high quality, valid and reliable assessment resource which offers appropriate challenge.

Download P&N Computing Science Prelims Flyer 2020/2021

(Flyers were finalised and issued to centres before SQA’s 14/8/20 proposed modifications for session 20-21. For an update on P&N’s response, please see our updates)