The National Computing Science Course develops knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes in Computing Science, enabling learners to apply skills and knowledge in analysis, design, implementation and evaluation to a range of digital solutions.
Learners communicate computing concepts and explain computational behaviour clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology, and develop an understanding of the role and impact of computing science in changing and influencing our environment and society.
Progression is made in the level of response required and no external examination in National 4. National 4 has the same core units but in lieu of an exam and coursework, an added value unit is undertaken in class time.
Unit 1 – Information Systems Design and Development
The aim of this Unit is for the learner to develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills related to information system design and development through a range of practical and investigative tasks
This will involve:
•designing and using an Information System (Such as a Relational Database or Website)
•Multimedia formats and Applications covering calculations on file size, standard formats issues and advantages
•Network topologies and operation such as cloud computing.
•Computer laws.
National 5 pupils will be expected to understand more advanced concepts in networking and database and will program in JavaScript and HTML when creating websites.
Unit 2- Software Design and Development
The aim of this unit is for the learner to develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development through appropriate software development environments.
This will involve:
•Understanding and Working through the Software Development Process
•Using the Software Development Process when solving problems in High Level Languages
•Understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form, and how the computer architecture handles program execution
•Knowledge and description of Computer architecture and peripherals inclusive of current and emergent technologies
•Awareness of different contemporary software development languages/environments and trends in the development of them.
National 5 candidates will learn to program in Visual Basic and will learn another language for comparison (Python or Livecode), and be expected to use better programming techniques to maintain readability coupled with more advanced data structures.
National 4 candidates will learn to use Scratch/Kodu and Visual Basic.
Unit 3 – Value Added/Assignment Unit
This consists of an extended project which assesses practical and written aspects of Unit 1 and 2. It is normally attempted around Christmas of S4, started at that time for National 4 pupils to be completed later.
This will contribute 40% on the National 5 award.
Unit 1 and 2 have both practical and written assessments. These will be done at the end of each unit in a block of 4/5 weeks.
If a pupil fails an assessment they will be given 1 re assessment on the assessment failed after a period of remediation.
Pupils will also sit a written test at select points to track their progress.
To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (Course Assignment and Question Paper) .The Value Assignment is worth 60 marks and the written paper is worth 90 marks.
National 5 pupils will be given a pass grade A to D
