S1 – S2 follow an ICT course delivered by Computing and Business Education teachers.
S1
S1 learners follow a ‘Theme Park’ course. Throughout the year they learn how to use various software applications whilst working in a group to develop a new theme park for Scotland.
Activities include:
- Writing a location report using geographical information
- Branding products – Creating logos, uniforms and a mascot for the theme park
- Communication – learning how to use email effectively, creating business cards
- Budgeting and Pricing – using database and spreadsheet software to select rides and facilities for the new theme park
- Roller coaster simulator – using No Limits software to create a simulation of a roller coaster
- Presenting Information – learners present their ideas for the new theme park to a panel of judges.
S2
S2 learners start to develop skills required to progress into S3 Computing Science
Areas covered include:
- Programming – introduction to computer programming with Scratch and LiveCode
- Web Design – introduction to web design using a text editor to write HTML and CSS code
- Database Design – introduction to database design using Open Office Base to design and create databases, including tables and forms
- Computer Systems – introduction to the internal workings of computer systems including the processor, memory and storage devices
S3 Computing Science
S3 learners will be prepared for progression to National Progression Awards (NPA), National 5 and Higher qualifications in the senior school
- Programming – computer programming with LiveCode including the use of variables, arrays, repletion and selection programming constructs, with an introduction to standard algorithms used in senior school programming
- Web Design – programming with HTML and CSS to create multimedia web pages with formatted content, an introduction to JavaScript programming
- Database Design – design and creation of relational databases including validation techniques, an introduction to SQL database programming
- Computer Systems – key concepts of computer systems including processor architecture, RAM and ROM, data flow with an introduction to the fetch execute cycle
The new Computing Science qualifications develop knowledge and understanding of key facts and ideas in computing science, enabling learners to apply skills and knowledge in analysis, design, implementation and testing to a range of digital solutions.
Learners communicate computing concepts clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology, and develop an understanding of the impact of computing science in changing and influencing our environment and society.
Learners in the senior school can study Computer Science at the following levels:
NPA Computer Games Development (Levels 5 and 6)
Games Development NPA contains three mandatory units
- Design – researching current trends in game design, creating a game plan for an original game
- Media Assets – creating the multimedia assets required for a computer game includes use of graphics and audio editing software
- Development – creating the game, using Scratch, GameMaker or Java Greenfoot (Level 6 only) to develop and test the computer game designed in game plan
Assessment of this NPA is ongoing teacher assessed assignments – there is no final exam
NPA Web Design (Level 5)
Web Design NPA contains three mandatory units
- Design – planning, implementing, and testing a multimedia web site
- Graphics – develop practical understanding of file types used in web design, creation and optimising graphics for use in a web site, includes use of graphics editing software
- Interactivity – adding interactivity to web pages using JavaScript
Assessment of this NPA is ongoing teacher assessed assignments including multiple choice tests at the end of each unit – there is no final exam
The course has two mandatory units. Each of these units listed below are designed to provide progression from the related content studied in S3 Computing Science and to the corresponding unit at Higher
Software Design and Development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks using appropriate software development environments. This develops their programming and computational-thinking skills by implementing practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates. They are expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate their solutions.
Candidates develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and basic computer architecture. They 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.
Information Systems Design and Development
Database design and development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.
Web design and development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates 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. Tasks involve some complex features
Assessment: To gain the award for this course learners will complete a coursework and final exam:
Coursework assignment is worth 40% of learners’ final grade
Written examination (2 hours) is worth 60% of learners’ final grade
Higher
Entry into the Higher course requires an A or B grade at National 5 Computing Science. For students who have not previously studied Computing Science, please see department staff, consideration to grade achieved in Maths will be required. The course has two mandatory units listed below.
- Software Design and Development
Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development. They do this by using appropriate modular software development environments. Candidates develop modular programming and computational-thinking skills by analysing, designing, implementing, testing, and evaluating practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. They use their knowledge of data types and constructs to create efficient programs to solve advanced problems.
Candidates develop their understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and factors affecting system performance. They gain an awareness of the environmental impact of intelligent systems, as well as the security risks, precautions and laws that can protect computer systems.
Information Systems Design and Development
Database design and development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and advanced practical problem-solving skills in database design and development. They do this through a range of practical tasks, using a minimum of three linked tables and implemented in SQL. Candidates apply computational thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools. Candidates apply interpretation skills to tasks involving some complex features in both familiar and new contexts.
- Web design and development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and advanced practical problem-solving skills in web design and development. They do this through a range of practical and investigative tasks. Candidates apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions to web-based problems, using a range of development tools including HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript. Candidates apply interpretation skills to tasks involving some complex features in both familiar and new contexts.
Assessment: To gain the award for this course learners will complete a coursework and final exam:
Coursework assignment is worth 40% of learners’ final grade
Written examination (2 hours 30 minutes) is worth 60% of learners’ final grade
