Computing Science
Welcome to the Computing Science Department. We aim to develop our pupils’ digital skills that they will need both at school and beyond, as well as develop an interest and enjoyment of Computing Science for those with aspirations to study and work in Computing.
Computing Science has an effect on all aspects of our lives at home, at school and in the workplace. Computing Science covers a wide field of study and provides us with skills and knowledge that are increasingly in demand for a huge range of careers.
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S1 Computing
The S1 IT course is designed to provide pupils with the digital skills needed to help pupils make the most of their iPads. It also serves as a general introduction to Computing Science terms and concepts. Pupils learn how to use iPads alongside the school network to facilitate learning and study Coding and various computer systems.
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S2 Computing
In S2, Computing and Art are involved in delivering the S2 iPad course which explores the creative side of iPads as well as strengthening key skills to make the best use of the devices across the school. Beyond that, the department offers National 4 and National 5 Computing Science courses for S3-6 pupils.
S3 Computing
In S3, pupils study topics which, whilst still part of their BGE, help prepare them for the SQA National 4 or National 5 Computing Science courses.
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S3 Topics
Topics studied in S3 include:
Computer Systems
Emerging Technologies
Coding
Cyber Resilience & Security
Web Design & Development
Databases
S4 -S6 Computing
In S4-S6, pupils can study the SQA National 4 Computing Science course.
National 4
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This course falls into two parts:
Information System Design and Development
Topics studied include:
Structures and links
Media types
Technical implementation (hardware requirements, software requirements, storage
requirements and networking & connectivity)
Security Risks
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Software Design and Development
Topics studied include:
Computational constructs
Data types and structures
Testing and documenting solutions
Design Notations
Low-level operations and computer architecture
Reference language
Useful Websites
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S4-6 Computing
In S4-S6, pupils can also study the SQA National 5 Computing Science course.
National 5
This comprises four topics:
Software Design and Development
Designing and creating software. Most teaching is done using the programming language Python which is widely used in many different fields. We also look at other languages. The aim is to teach generic skills pupils can transfer to other coding environments.
Computer Systems
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Pupils learn how computers store and process data. They study the hardware, software and connectivity in different computer systems from smartphones to supercomputers.
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Database Design and Development
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Databases impact on everything from online shopping to visiting the doctor. At National 5, pupils learn more about how databases work and are involved in designing and making their own relational database systems.
Pupils learn about the rights and responsibilities that relate to the use of computers and the environmental impact that computers have on the world.
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Web Design and Development
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The World Wide Web is our main source for information in the 21st century. In this part of the course, pupils build their own webpages, learning about design and how to include interactive elements in a website.
National 5 is assessed by a written exam at the end of 4th Year and a practical coursework task set by the SQA and completed in school.