Computing Science

Mr F Stewart (PTC Maths & Computing)

Mr Axel Ammann

Mrs Deborah Gray (Maths &  Computing)

Mrs Kimberly Jeanes

Mr Nathan McMahon (Temp PT Digital Learning) 

 

The development of computing over the last few decades has been significant in terms of speed and scope. It has had an effect on all aspects of our lives and its future path remains unpredictable.

Computing is both a science and a technology and has wide-ranging social implications. It encompasses a wide field of study merging at its boundaries with many other disciplines. It provides us with many increasingly powerful hardware and software tools.

Our society requires more and more individuals who have the skills to use these tools, who understand how they work and who have the ability to develop new and improved tools.

What skills can be developed?

· Software Design and Development: Learn how to program complex computer programs using high level programming languages

· Web Design and Development: Learn how to create sophisticated websites using HTML coding, incorporating different types of media

· Database Design and Development: Learn the importance of using complex database systems and how to query them

· Computer Systems: Learn about the structure of computers and how data is represented within, together with the environmental impact of computers and the security precautions required

Potential careers related to Computing Science

· Software Engineer

· Game Designer

· Games Developer

· Games Tester

· Network Manager

· Mobile Applications Developer

· Cyber Security Analyst

· Forensic Computer Analyst

· Web Designer

· Web Developer

· Database Administrator

· Multimedia Programmer

· Computing Science Teacher

· Ethical Hacker

· Graphic Designer

· Video Special Effects Programmer

· Artificial Intelligence Engineer

BGE Curriculum

Courses/units covered

In S1, pupils will visit the department for half of their academic year on a rotational basis. Pupils develop skills and knowledge in the Scratch programming language and learn the fundamentals of Computer Hardware through our interactive and engaging course materials.

In S2, pupils will have Computing Science on their timetables for one period each week throughout the whole year and will develop skills in areas such as Multimedia Design, Databases, Website Development and Games Development.

In S3, pupils will have Computing Science timetabled for three periods each week and will develop their skills and understanding in areas such as Programming Constructs, Environmental impact of technology, Website Design & Development, Databases and Low-Level Operations.

Assessment information

All assessments will be a mixture of Theory and Practical tasks in each unit of work.

Senior Phase

Courses/units covered

Computing Science- N3/4/5

The course helps candidates to understand computational processes and thinking. The course highlights how computing professionals are problem-solvers and designers, and the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society.

The four main areas of study are:

· Software design and development

· Computer systems

· Database design and development

· Web design and development

Exam information

At National 5 level the course assessment will be in two parts:

Practical assessment This is set by the SQA and worth 50 marks

Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 110 marks.

At N4 level, pupils must pass two units along with an added value unit assessment set by the SQA. (Modifications to assessment for sessions 2020/21 and 2021/22 are still in place. Please contact a member of the Computing Science department for further information regarding this).

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should be working at CfE level 3 for entry to N4 or level 4 for entry to N5.

Computing Science – Higher

This course introduces candidates to an advanced range of computational processes, where they learn to apply a rigorous approach to the design and development process across a variety of contemporary contexts. They also gain an awareness of the important role that computing professionals play in meeting the needs of society today and for the future.

Pupils continue from N5 to build their skills and knowledge in the following areas:

· Software design and development

· Computer systems

· Database design and development

· Web design and development

Exam information

At Higher level the course assessment will be in two parts:

Practical assessment. Set by the SQA and worth 50 marks.

Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 110 marks.

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should have achieved an N5 pass in Computing Science.

Computing Science – Advanced Higher

The Advanced Higher Computing Science course provides a useful bridge towards the study of Computing Science and other related disciplines in higher education. This is achieved by consolidating and extending the depth and breadth of learning, providing the opportunity for investigative work and engaging learners in the processes of project and time management.

As well as building on software and information systems concepts, the Advanced Higher course considers the legal, ethical, environmental and social implications of the impact of technology within our digital world. Learners also have the opportunity to develop and display their growing knowledge by completing a practical software development project worth 50% of the overall course award.

Assessment Information

The course assessment has two components totalling 160 marks:

• Component 1: Question paper – worth 80 marks

• Component 2: Assignment – worth 80 marks.

For the assignment component pupils will be given three tasks to complete, which involve solving computing science problems in the areas of software design and development, database design and development and web design and development. Pupils will gain marks for use of the following skills on each task: analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation. Both the question paper and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. (SQA).

(Modifications to assessment for sessions 2020/21 and 2021/22 are still in place. Please contact a member of the Computing Science department for further information regarding this).

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should have achieved a Higher pass in Computing Science.