Broad Description
As well as allowing pupils to develop their generic skills in Numeracy, ICT and Thinking these courses develop specific Computer Science skills.
Computational thinking skills include the ability to:
- See a problem and it’s solution at many levels of detail
- The ability to design a step-by-step strategy to solve a problem
- Break down a task and explain it to someone else
- Recognise patterns.
NATIONAL 3
There are 2 units:
There are 2 units:
- Building Digital Solutions
- Information Solutions
NATIONAL 4
There are 3 units:
There are 3 units:
- Software Design and Development
- Information System Design and Development
- Added Value Unit
NATIONAL 5
There are 3 units:
This assessment has 2 components: Component 1: question paper, 110 marks, 2 hours. Component 2: assignment, 50 marks.
There are 3 units:
- Software Design and Development
- Information System Design and Development
- Course Assessment
This assessment has 2 components: Component 1: question paper, 110 marks, 2 hours. Component 2: assignment, 50 marks.
PROGRESSION PATHS
Computational Thinking Skills are applicable in a variety of other subjects and post school contexts.
- National 4 to National 5
- National 5 to Higher
- Higher to Advanced Higher
Computational Thinking Skills are applicable in a variety of other subjects and post school contexts.
HIGHER COMPUTING
Software Design and Development
Learners will develop programming and computational thinking skills by designing, implementing, testing and evaluating practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. They will also develop an understanding of computer architecture and the concepts that underpin how programs work. Through investigative work, learners will gain an awareness of the impact of contemporary computing technologies.
Information System Design and Development
Learners will apply their computational thinking skills to implement practical solutions using a range of development tools and to develop an understanding of the technical, legal, environmental, economic and social issues related to one or more information systems.
ASSESSMENT
Unit
Units will be assessed by a task combining a practical task and a report.
Course
Component 1 — Question Paper 90 marks (exam)
Component 2 — Assignment 60 marks (Coursework task)
- N5 Computing Science.
- S5/6 with good Maths would be considered.
Software Design and Development
Learners will develop programming and computational thinking skills by designing, implementing, testing and evaluating practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. They will also develop an understanding of computer architecture and the concepts that underpin how programs work. Through investigative work, learners will gain an awareness of the impact of contemporary computing technologies.
Information System Design and Development
Learners will apply their computational thinking skills to implement practical solutions using a range of development tools and to develop an understanding of the technical, legal, environmental, economic and social issues related to one or more information systems.
ASSESSMENT
Unit
Units will be assessed by a task combining a practical task and a report.
Course
Component 1 — Question Paper 90 marks (exam)
Component 2 — Assignment 60 marks (Coursework task)
ADVANCED HIGHER
Entry requirements
Higher Computing Science
Units
Software Design and Development
This Unit explores a range of advanced concepts and processes relating to software design and development, including complex algorithms, data structures and high-level programming. Learners will develop skills in designing, developing, testing and evaluating well-structured, modular programs.
Information System Design and Development
This Unit explores a range of advanced concepts and processes relating to the design and development of complex information systems.
Course assessment structure
Component 1 — project 90 marks Component 2 — question paper 60 marks
Progression
Entry requirements
Higher Computing Science
Units
Software Design and Development
This Unit explores a range of advanced concepts and processes relating to software design and development, including complex algorithms, data structures and high-level programming. Learners will develop skills in designing, developing, testing and evaluating well-structured, modular programs.
Information System Design and Development
This Unit explores a range of advanced concepts and processes relating to the design and development of complex information systems.
Course assessment structure
Component 1 — project 90 marks Component 2 — question paper 60 marks
Progression
- a range of computing-related Higher National Diplomas
- degrees in Computing Science or related disciplines
- careers in computing, IT and/or related areas