Computing Science

Helping pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the role and influence of technology in changing and influencing our environment and society.

Computing Science and technology is everywhere, impacting immeasurably on our daily lives. From smart heating to cyber security, bioinformatics to goal-line technology, the benefits of Computing Science to society, business and education are clear.

There are still exciting new applications to be discovered and implemented across all disciplines, including medicine, engineering, communication and manufacturing. The need for professionals to apply computational thinking to solve problems and create solutions has never been greater.

Computing Science is an exciting, innovative and creative subject that opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, as well as providing invaluable core skills that can be applied to everyday life.In a future that is more digital and technologically focussed than ever, Computing Science is a STEM subject that helps to create critical thinkers, and develop transferable skills for digital citizens

Having taken in the basics of digital learning during their time at Junior School, timetabled Computing classes during Transitus year sees pupils study computational thinking and learn the basics of programming, with continued focus on the importance of data protection and cyber security.

First and Second Year prepares pupils for the possibility of studying Computing Science at SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level, with learners increasing their digital skills by designing and developing a basic website, increasing their programming skills, using databases to sort and search for information, and learning more about physical computer systems.

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The National 5 Computing Science course develops computational thinking skills as they are applied across a range of contemporary, real-life contexts, incorporating both theoretical and practical concepts as learners are introduced to a range of software and hardware through four main areas of study.

'Website Design and Development' allows pupils to design and implement web-based solutions, while 'Database Design and Development' explores the importance of data management in a digital world. 'Software Design and Development' sees pupils analyse programming problems and implement solutions using Python, while 'Computer Systems' looks at computer architecture, security and the environmental impact of computer systems.

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Higher Computing Science extends upon pupils' practical and theoretical learning outcomes introduced at National 5 level, with a focus once again on the four main areas of study - 'Website Design', 'Database Design', 'Software Design' and 'Computer Systems'.

Higher pupils build upon their HTML, CSS and JavaScript skills to create interactive web solutions, delve deeper into database design, study more complex algorithms, sub routines and other programming constructs, and further their knowledge of the architecture of computer systems. An assignment at this stage accounts for 30% of the overall Higher grade.

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The Advanced Higher Computing Science course provides a useful bridge towards the study of Computing Science and other related disciplines in higher education. This is achieved by consolidating and extending the depth and breadth of learning, providing the opportunity for investigative work and engaging learners in the processes of project and time management.

As well as building on software and information systems concepts, the Advanced Higher course considers the legal, ethical, environmental and social implications of the impact of technology within our digital world. Learners also have the opportunity to develop and display their burgeoning knowledge by completing a practical software development project worth 50% of the overall course award.