Computing Science:  N4/N5

Entry Requirements

Completion of the school based S3 Computing Science course is preferable.

This video explains the Computing Science, Computer Games Development and Esports Courses. Course Choice.mp4 

Course Content:

The course has four areas of study: 

  • Software design and development 

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks using appropriate software development environments. This develops their programming and computational-thinking skills by implementing practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates. They are expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate their solutions. 

  • Computer systems 

Candidates develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and basic computer architecture. They gain an awareness of the environmental impact of the energy use of computing systems and security precautions that can be taken to protect computer systems. 

  • Database design and development 

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates. 

  • Web design and development 

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate practical solutions to web-based problems, using a range of development tools such as HTML, CSS and Javascript. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.

Assessment:

  • National 4 – assessment is dealt with by 2 mandatory units: 1. Software Design and Development, 2. Information System Design and Development as well as an Added Value Assessment.  All work is internally marked but is externally verified by the SQA 
  • National 5 – The coursework assignment set by the SQA and worth 50 marks will be undertaken during the course.  External assessments:- This will consist of a single final examination worth 110 marks. 

Progression Pathway: