Practical Electronics - National 5

Vale of Leven Academy

The National 5 Practical Electronics course has three areas of study.

Circuit design

In this area, candidates develop an understanding of key electrical concepts and electronic components. Candidates analyse electronic problems, design solutions to these problems and explore issues relating to electronics.

Circuit simulation

In this area, candidates use simulation software to assist in the design, construction and testing of circuits and systems and to investigate their behaviour.

Circuit construction

In this area, candidates gain experience in assembling a range of electronic circuits, using permanent and non-permanent methods. They develop skills in practical wiring and assembly techniques, carrying out testing and evaluating functionality.

Question paper 60 marks

The purpose of the question paper is to assess breadth, challenge and application of skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course.

The question paper also assesses inquiry skills and analytical thinking skills. The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding by:

• making accurate statements
• describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge
• applying knowledge of electronics to new situations, interpreting information and solving problems
• selecting information
• presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms
• processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)
• making predictions based on evidence/information

The question paper has a total of 60 marks.

This is scaled to 30 marks and is worth 30% of the overall marks for course assessment.

The question paper contains restricted and extended response questions. The majority of marks are awarded for demonstrating and applying knowledge and understanding. The other marks are awarded for applying inquiry and analytical thinking skills.

Practical activity 70 marks

The practical activity assesses candidates’ ability to apply electronic knowledge and skills to solve an appropriately challenging practical problem, and is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to work independently.

This component allows assessment of skills which cannot be assessed through the question paper, for example circuit simulation, construction and testing.

Practical activity overview

• The practical activity gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding:
• analysing a problem
• designing an electronic solution to the problem
• simulating a solution to the problem
• constructing a solution to the problem
• applying safe working practices
• testing the solution
• reporting on and evaluating the solution

The practical activity has 70 marks and is worth 70% of the overall marks for course assessment. The practical activity enables clear demonstration of the application of knowledge and skills from across the course.

Guidelines for the practical activity include questions/tasks/prompts which lead candidates through the task in clear stages.

Marks are awarded for:

• analysis and design
• simulating a solution
• construction using safe working practices
• testing the solution
• reporting on and evaluating the solution

Evidence must include:

• the completed solution
• a record of progress through the activity (such as an informal log or blog produced by the candidate)
• a short report on the testing of the solution (in written, electronic or oral form)