The development of computing over the last few decades has been significant in terms of speed and scope. It has had an effect on all aspects of our lives and its future course remains unpredictable.
Computing is both a science and a technology and has wide-ranging social implications. It encompasses a very wide field of study merging at its boundaries with many other disciplines. It provides us with many increasingly powerful hardware and software tools.
Our society requires more and more individuals who have the skills to use these tools who understand how they work and who have the ability to develop new and improved tools.
What skills can be developed?
Potential careers related to Computing
BGE Curriculum
Courses/units covered
In S1 and 2 Computing is covered as part of the ICT course. Pupils develop skills and knowledge in areas such as E-safety, programming, web design and databases.
Assessment information
All assessments will be practical and will cover areas such as Spreadsheets, Database, Web Page creation and Programming.
Senior Phase
Courses/units covered
Computing Science- N4/5
The course helps candidates to understand computational processes and thinking. The course highlights how computing professionals are problem-solvers and designers, and the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society.
The four main areas of study are:
Exam information
At National 5 level the course assessment will be in two parts:
Practical assessment This is set by the SQA and worth 50 marks
Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 110 marks.
At N4 level, pupils must pass two units along with an added value unit assessment set by the SQA.
Certificate course requirements
Candidates should be working at CfE level 3 for entry to N4 or level4 for entry to N5.
Computing Science – Higher
This course introduces candidates to an advanced range of computational processes, where they learn to apply a rigorous approach to the design and development process across a variety of contemporary contexts. They also gain an awareness of the important role that computing professionals play in meeting the needs of society today and for the future.
Pupils continue from N5 to build their skills and knowledge in the following areas:
Exam information
At Higher level the course assessment will be in two parts:
Practical assessment. Set by the SQA and worth 50 marks.
Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 110 marks.
Certificate course requirements
Candidates should have achieved an N5 pass in Computing Science.
NPA Games Development – Level 4/5
Computer games are being used increasingly for leisure, in education and work-based training with players interacting via personal computers, consoles, PDAs, mobile devices and web browsers. Computer gaming is now a growing industry, with Scotland one of the global leaders. In Scotland there are more than 50 companies, mostly based in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. These companies rely on a range of creative skills such as art, design, animation, audio and programming. Employers increasingly expect candidates to have critical thinking and problem solving abilities, to be good communicators and able to work within a group/team, as these are essential skills for working in a modern business environment.
This award, at SCQF levels 4 and 5, is designed to enable candidates to:
Exam information
Pupils must complete each of the three units in this course to gain the course award
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Certificate course requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Extracurricular opportunities
Study classes for S4-6 pupils are at the following times:
Monday after school 3.30 – 4.30 Higher
Tuesday after school 3.30 – 4.30 S4 N5
Wednesday Lunchtime – S4 N5
Members of Computing Department
Mrs M McGovern
Mr P Beards (Principal Teacher)
