COURSE

The Computing Science course will allow learners to develop their  knowledge and understanding of contemporary computing concepts.

CONTENT 

The course is broken down into 4 units:

Computer Systems (10%)

Pupils will develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and basic computer architecture. They will 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.

Software Design and Development (40%)

Pupils will develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks using Python. This develops their programming and computational-thinking skills by implementing practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. Pupils will be expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate their solutions.

 Web Design & Development (25%)

Pupils will develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows pupils 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.

Database Design & Development (25%)

Pupils will develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows pupils to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL.

TYPICAL LESSON

Lessons in Computing Science will adopt a number of different strategies and activities designed to challenge pupils and develop their computational thinking skills.    Pupils will predominately be completing computer practical work.  This will be reinforced by class theory work.  Investigations and problem solving activities will be carried out in pairs, teams and individually.

HOW WILL IT BE ASSESSED?

A continued assessment approach will be employed to track progress with practical computer work.  Summative assessments will also take place at the end of each topic.  Homework exercises will be used to track pupil’s knowledge and understanding of course concepts.

At National 4 level, the Course Assessment involves an Added Value Unit.  This is an internally assessed practical task that pupils will complete during class time.

At National 5 level, the Course Assessment involves both an Assignment and Exam.  The assignment is approximately 33% of a pupil’s overall grade and is internally assessed.  The Exam counts for the remaining 67%.

CAREERS/PROGRESSION

All career paths require computing skills.  Computing Science provides skills that could be used in many careers.  Computer Science specific careers include:

• App Developer
• Computer programmer – in multiple areas and languages
• Graphic Designer
• Database Manager
• IT Support
• Network Support
• Web Site Designer/Creator
• Web Master
• Systems Analyst
• Teacher