S2 Computing Science
This year, pupils will build on the skills they learned in S1 by exploring how computers work, creating programs, and developing problem-solving skills. Throughout the course, pupils will learn about coding, web design, cyber security, and digital technologies that are used in everyday life. They will also have opportunities to work creatively, collaborate with others, and become confident and responsible users of technology.
In S2 pupils will complete 4 units of work:
| Introduction to Programming | Website Design and Development | Computer Systems and Cyber Security | Database Design and Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch | HTML | Architecture | Database Design |
| Python | CSS | Malware | Database Development (Flat File) |
| Design Techniques | Security Risks and Prevention |
S3 Computing Science
Pupils are then given the opportunity to select Computing Science in S3 during their course choice. Throughout S3 pupils will engage in 3 periods of Computing Science. This year will help lay the foundations for continuation to the National 5 course. S3 is a mix of theory and practical work during which pupils will begin the National 4/5 Curriculum to prepare them for S4.
| Software Design and Development | Website Design and Development | Computer Systems and Cyber Security | Database Design and Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Types | HTML | Architecture | Database Design |
| Conditional Statements | CSS | Malware | Database Development (Relational) |
| Fixed Loops | Design Techniques | Encryption | Structured Query Language (Select) |
| Conditional Loops | Data Representation |
National 5 Computing Science
During National 5, pupils will continue to progress in the topics they began in S3 Computing Science.
| Software Design and Development | Website Design and Development | Computer Systems | Database Design and Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Types | HTML | Architecture | Database Design |
| Conditional Statements | CSS | Malware | Database Development (Relational) |
| Fixed Loop | JavaScript | Encryption | Structured Query Language (Select, Insert, Update, Delete, Join) |
| Conditional Loop | Standardised File Formats | Prevention | Entity Relationship Diagrams |
| Pre-Defined Functions | Data Dictionaries | ||
| Standard Algorithms | |||
| Data Structures (1D arrays) |
National 5 is split into two seperate assessments.
- Practical assignment (33% of overall grade) - During this assignment, pupils are asked to create two seperate practical pieces of work. Pupils must create a program using the language Python, and they must also choose between creating a website or creating SQL queries to interact with a database. Pupils are given 6 hours to complete both tasks which is done during class time.
- Exam (67% of overall grade)- Pupils will sit an hour and a half exam where they will be asked to answer questions on programming, computer systems and either database design or web design.
Higher Computing Science
During Higher Computing Science, pupils will continue to progress in the topics they completed in National 5 Computing Science.
| Software Design and Development | Website Design and Development | Computer Systems | Database Design and Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedural Programming | HTML | Architecture | Database Design |
| Standard Algorithms | CSS | Database Development | |
| Pre-Defined Functions | JavaScript | Structured Query Language (Select, Insert, Update, Delete, Join) | |
| File Handling | HTML Forms | Wildcards | |
| Aggregate Functions | |||
| Group By |
The qualification is split into two seperate assessments, similar to National 5.
- Practical assignment (33% of overall grade) - During this assignment, pupils are asked to create two seperate practical pieces of work. Pupils must create a program using the language Python, and they must also choose between creating a website or creating SQL queries to interact with a database. Pupils are given 6 hours to complete both tasks which is done during class time.
- Exam (67% of overall grade)- Pupils will sit an hour and a half exam where they will be asked to answer questions on programming, computer systems and either database design or web design.
Computer Games Development level 6
In S5/6 pupils who have previously completed the National 5 Computing Science course will have the chance to study the Level 6 in Computer Games Design and Development.
Computer Games Development consists of 3 units with 10 assessments between them. There is no external exam for this course and passing is instead determined by completing internally assessed portfolio work.
A checklist containing each assessment can be found below.
|
Games Development Checklist | [docx 15KB] |
|
