SQA National 5 History Past Papers

It’s time to start preparing for your exams and it’s never been easier with School History. We’ve got hundreds of past papers that are easy to use, come with mark schemes, and are specifically tailored to each specific examination board, so you can get the most from your revision time and enter your examination feeling confident and fully prepared.

Why use past exam papers?

The answer is simple: preparedness. As a student taking SQA National 5, exams become an important part of your assessment criteria and preparation. The use and importance of past papers, therefore, cannot be over-emphasised. The National 5 History course comprises areas of historical study, particularly events and themes from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern periods.

Familiarise with Exam Structure and Question Types:

National 5 History exams feature structured, extended-response questions. By practising with past papers, students can better understand the format and types of questions, so they know what to expect and how to approach each section.

Spot Common Themes and High-Yield Topics:

Past papers reveal recurring themes, helping students prioritise their revision on frequently appearing topics and ensuring a focused and strategic study approach.

Develop Source Analysis Skills:

The exam includes source-based questions requiring students to interpret and analyse historical sources. By working through past papers, students can practise evaluating primary and secondary sources and refining their analytical skills, which are essential for higher marks in these sections.

Enhance Time Management:

Past papers allow students to practise answering questions within a set time. This is essential for managing the extended-response sections, as it helps students pace themselves and ensures they can provide detailed answers within the exam time limit.

Build Confidence and Reduce Exam Anxiety:

The more students practise with past papers, the more comfortable they become with the exam’s demands. This familiarity can reduce stress, allowing students to approach the exam with greater confidence and a more focused mindset.

Identify and Address Weaknesses:

Students can assess their answers using official marking schemes and see where they need improvement. This helps them refine their study plans and ensure they’re fully prepared for all aspects of the exam.

Where do I find past papers?

Right here, of course! School History has hundreds of examination-style questions to help you practice for your history exams. By signing up, you’ll not only have access to past papers but thousands of resources related to what you’re studying, including notes, activities, quiz questions and more. Let’s dive in! Take a look below at the major examination boards we cover. Give yourself every advantage to excel in your exams and sign up today!

Board Exam Paper Download
SQA National 5 History 2024 Component 1 Q & A
SQA National 5 History  2023 Component 1 Q & A
SQA National 5 History 2022 Component 1 Q & A
SQA National 5 History  2019 Component 1 Q & A