What is the course?
S3 Computing is a practical skills and research based course where as an individual and collaboratively you will:
- Understanding how new technologies have changed how businesses operate and the modern workplace and its impact of society
- Apply knowledge and understanding of key computing subjects
- Understanding the importance of responsible information research and processing and apply skills in handling and presenting information
- Communicating how to ensure the safety and security when working online
- Apply skills in analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of digital solutions to practical problems
How will I learn?
Learning will be a combination of whole class direct teaching , work on research based topics and practical skills development.
Practice makes perfect—working through practical problem solving tasks will consolidate skills whilst introducing new skills.
You will undertake self—directed research projects in order to develop your own knowledge and understanding of theory based topics.
What topics will I learn?
- Computational thinking
- Creating algorithms
- Digital design methods
- Python programming
- Scratch programming
- MS Access Database
- Web design using HTML and CSS
- Personal digital awareness
- Cyber security
- Ethical and environmental concerns
As part of the BGE, your S3 personalisation will help build the knowledge and skills required for a successful senior phase. Completing the S3 Computing course will cover a wide range of the Technologies outcomes for Digital Literacy, Technological Developments and Computing Science which will develop skills used across the curriculum whilst also providing a platform for progression onto National 5 Computing Science.
What skills are developed?
Skills that are relevant to both the modern workplace and continuing on in education after school such as:
- Numeracy—arithmetic calculations, percentages, currency, binary, dimensions
- Literacy—keywords and punctuation for coding
- Problem solving—designing solutions to practical problems
- ICT—using familiar and new packages
- Presenting research findings in a variety of formats
How will I be assessed?
Your progress will be assessed on a continual, informal basis through verbal and written feedback.
There will be opportunities for some pupils to complete units to N4 standard during the course.
What might this help me with when I leave school?
There are a large number of college/university courses and apprenticeships in a wide range of IT disciplines. As most workplaces rely on IT, skills and knowledge will be extremely helpful across all career paths and are highly sought after by employers.
