Computing Science is taught by Mrs Forbes and Mr Brown.  All pupils study Computing Science in S1 and S2 and they can choose to study it from S3 onwards.

S1 Computing Science

In S1 pupils have two periods of ICT each week.  The topics that they work on are:-

• Presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint
• Word processing using Microsoft Word
• Staying safe on-line
• Databases using Microsoft Access
• Choosing a computer
• Programming using Scratch
• Stop-frame animation using SerifDraw Plus
• Personal finance using Microsoft Excel

S2 Computing Science

In S2 pupils have one period of Computing Science each week.  The topics that they work on are:-

• Webpages using Serif WebPlus X6
• Malware and computer care
• Programming using Scratch
• Keyframe animation using SerifDraw Plus
• Researching emerging technology

S3 Computing Science

In S3 pupils may choose to study Computing Science for three periods each week.  The topics that they work on are:-

• Programming using Visual Studio
• Creating a website using WordPress
• Computer systems
• Databases using MicroSoft Access
• Impact of computers on how we live
• Media types & stop-frame animation using MonkeyJam
• Programming using Javascript

 

Senior Phase

Pupils who are in S4, S5 or S6 may choose to study Computing Science for five periods each week.  National 3, 4 ,5 or Higher may be studied depending upon the ability of the pupil.

 

National 3 Computing Science

Content

• Building digital solutions, which covers; designing, creating and testing interactive games using Scratch and Trackmania
• Information Solutions, which covers; designing and creating websites, databases and wikis; internet security and copyright

Assessment

• Assessment tasks for each unit involves both practical and written tasks.

Progression

• Pupils who have passed National 3 can progress to study National 4.

 

National 5 Computing Science

Content

• Software Design and Development, covering; designing programs using pseudocode, structure diagrams and flowcharts; writing programs using Visual Studio 2012 or Scratch; testing and evaluating programs
• Computer Systems, covering; the use of binary to store numbers, text, instructions and vector and bit-mapped graphics; the translation of programs into machine code; computer architecture i.e. processor, memory, buses; environmental impact; security precautions
• Web Design and Development, covering; designing, creating and testing websites; using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; comparing standard file formats 
• Database Design and Development, covering; designing databases using data dictionaries and entity relationship diagrams; creating databases using Microsoft Access and SQL; testing and evaluating databases 

Assessment

• Assignment that covers knowledge and skills from all four units and contributes towards 31% of the pupils final grade. There is also a final exam that contributes 69% towards the pupils final grade.

Progression

• Pupils who have passed National 5 can progress to study Higher.

 

Higher Computing Science