COMPUTING SCIENCE
SCQF LEVEL 6 - Higher
Computing Science is vital to modern life – socially, technologically and economically – shaping our world and its future. Computing is embedded all around us, from devices in the home and workplace, to how we access education, entertainment, services and communication. Understanding computational processes and thinking is vital to many other fields including science, economics, business and industry.
QUALIFICATION
Higher
DURATION
1 Year full time/
5 periods per week
COURSEWORK
An extended practical assignment done in class and marked by SQA
(31% of the final award)
EXAM
Two hours 30 minutes written examination
(69% of the final award)
COST
0
TEACHERS
Miss Collett
Mr Speirs
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
While many pupils will want to become computing professionals, all will benefit from a knowledge of computing. As a rigorous academic subject, Higher Computing Science is valued as an entry qualification, relevant to all STEM areas, by universities, colleges and employers alike.
Building on prior understanding and skills, you will revisit the same four broad areas of study covered at Nat 5, exploring these in greater detail.
Like the Nat 5 course, taught units are delivered from June to January, with the remainder of the academic year being devoted to the course assignment and revision.
Software Design & Development
In this unit pupils will explore concepts relating to software design & development including algorithms, data handling (reading and writing to files) and human/computer interaction, developing practical skills through a range of interesting programming tasks written in the Visual Basic programming language.
Web Design & Development
Pupils study web-based systems through practical and investigative tasks. Much of this topic focuses on development and formatting of websites using technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript (writing functions).
Database Design & Development
Pupils apply computational thinking skills to design, develop and interrogate sophisticated databases using complex queries written in SQL.
Computer Systems
Pupils develop an understanding of how computer systems work, including representation of programs and data, computer architecture and cyber security.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
entry requirements
To study Computing science at Higher level, pupils will be expected to have gained a minimum of a C pass at Nat 5 level.
what will you get?
An SQA Higher level qualification in Computing Science.
The course is graded
A: Band 1, Band 2
B: Band 3, Band 4
C: Band 5, Band 6
D: Band 7
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
This course is suitable for all learners who are interested in becoming a:
Web Developer
Software Engineer
IT Trainer
Astronomer
Database Administrator
Games Developer
Network Manager
Forensic Computer
Analyst
Airline Pilot
my world of work
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Adrian - S5
I choose to do computing because I thought that having the skills learnt in the subject could be helpful later on in life.
I really enjoy the programming in the course because it's also fun to do in your own time
Murray - S5
I chose higher computing science because I find it interesting to learn about how a computer works and how to use different computer programs effectively
I have enjoyed the web design and development the most as it allows you to create your own websites based on your own ideas
The higher course has a lot more content compared to the National 5 course and there is much more to remember when it comes to tests. There is a lot of working on your own and researching different problems that you face.
I would recommend this to people who are interested in learning about computers and how they work.
