S3 Computing Science
Computing Science is all about making computers do exactly what you want them to do. Whether you want to design a multimedia website to promote and sell your company’s products or to showcase your latest art work; or maybe develop a program or app to create scientific models or measure fitness, Computing Science is the subject that makes all of this possible.
You will develop your problem solving skills through a series of topics designed to allow you to work independently to produce solutions. This area will be assessed through the development of skills and an understanding of the resources. This course will best prepare you for the National course in S4.
N4/N5 Computing Science
The National 5 Computing Science course encourages candidates to become successful, responsible and creative in using technologies, and to develop a range of qualities including flexibility, perseverance, confidence, and enterprise.
The course covers a common core of concepts which underpin the study of computing science and explores the role and impact of contemporary computing technologies. It also includes a range of transferable skills, which opens up a wide range of career and study opportunities.
A N4 pupil will be internally assessed on assessment tasks as well as an Added Value Unit which will determine their overall award, there will be no external exam. A N5 pupil will be internally assessed on tasks, an internally completed assignment and also an external exam in May.
Higher Computing Science
Computing science is vital to everyday life — socially, technologically and economically; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Computing is embedded in the world around us from systems and devices in our homes and places of work, to how we access education, entertainment, transportation and communication. At this level, learners will be introduced to an advanced range of computational processes and thinking, and learn to apply a rigorous approach to the design and development process across a variety of contemporary contexts. Learners will also gain an awareness of the importance that computing professionals play in meeting the needs of society today and for the future, in fields which include science, education, business and industry.