| The world relies on computer programs of all kinds, ranging from manufacturing, advertising, architecture and civil engineering, to web design, TV, movies and games, medicine, law and business. Computing science is vital to everyday life — socially, technologically and economically; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Computing is embedded in the world around us, from systems and devices in our homes and places of work, to how we access education, entertainment, transportation and communication. |
| Who might choose this subject? |
| Pupils who studied at N4 Computing science should pick Computer Games Development at level 5.
To be successful at National 5 Computing Science you will also have to be studying Maths at National 5 level. Pupils who studied at N3 Computing in S4 could work at N4 Computing Science OR Computer Games Development at level 4, or in some cases level 5. Pupils who work at National 5 level Computing Science at C pass in S4 will mostly switch in S5 to picking Computer Games development at level 5. Pupils who have performed well at National 5 Computing Science at A or B should be able to cope with the demands of the subject at Higher level, although you will also have to be studying Maths at Higher level. Pupils in S6 can pick Advanced Higher Computing Science if they have passed Higher Computing Science at A or B. Pupils in S6 can pick Higher Computing Science with no prior experience. A pass at Higher Maths at A/B would be required. Talk to a Computing teacher for more information. |
| Additional Information |
| The National 4 exam is a pass/fail. Pupils need to complete course units and a final assignment.
The final National 5 and Higher exams are out of 150 marks. 90 marks is a traditional written exam and 60 marks are based on an Assignment. This is based on a brief that you have to produce an information systems and programming solution drawing on the skills they have learned in the course.
Understanding computational processes and thinking is also vital to many other fields including science, economics, business and industry. While many learners will want to become computing professionals, all will benefit from the development of these foundation skills and the underpinning knowledge necessary to meet the needs of society today and for the future. University subjects that will accept Higher and Advanced Higher Computing Science include: Computing Science, Business Computing, Computer Games Technology, Web Design & Communication, Digital Forensics, Digital Interaction Design, Software Engineering, Networked Systems Engineering, Cyber Security and many more – including non-computing courses. |
