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DURATION
DURATION
1 Year / 160 Hours
COURSEWORK
COURSEWORK
N4: Unit Assessments & Added Value Unit
N5: Practical Assignment 32% of course award
EXAM
EXAM
N4: No Exam
N5: Question Paper 68% of full course award
COST
COST
N4: No Cost
N5: No Cost
What will you learn?
What will you learn?
The Course enables learners to develop an extended range of computing and computational thinking skills, including skills in analysis and problem-solving, design and modelling, developing, implementing, testing and evaluating digital solutions across a range of contemporary contexts.
Units of Study for National 4 are:
Information Systems Design and Development
Software Desingn and Development
Added Value Unit: Language Tutors
This course is internally assessed. By combining unit assessments pupils will generate evidence from a range of practical computing science activities.
Units of Study for National 5 include:
Computer Systems
Software Design and Development
Web Design and Development
Database Design and Development
Within National 5 pupils have to further extend skills by working at a fast pace, using more complex coding structures and creating more complex solutions to problems.
Why do this course?
Why do this course?
There will be a wide range of skill development starting with practical skill development and progressing to computational thinking skills of abstraction, decomposition, tinkering, debugging and problem solving.
What will you experience?
What will you experience?
Pupils will be involved in the completion of both theory and practical based tasks. They will be creating digital solutions to real-world problems. Teaching strategies will include direct teaching through demonstration, on-line video and other digital resources.
Key Facts
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs. Activities set may include practice of a practical skill, preparation for assessment or research for an assignment.
Assessment
Assessment
Knowledge and practical skills will be assessed in different ways, depending on the unit being studied; this will include portfolio work, class tests (theory and practical). Pupils will use assessment to set achievable short term targets. Practical assessment is worth 32% of full course award which is an assignment set by the SQA. Written external exam set by SQA worth final 68% covers course knowledge
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, E&ICT However, as a guide:
A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for National 5, a pass at National 4.
Completion of BGE S3 Course
*Please note that a level of numeracy is required to be successful with National 5 Computing Science.
Progression and Employment
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
Progression
From National 3 to 4 to 5 Computing Science.
Also the possibility of moving to National 4, 5 or Higher Computing Science.
Employment
Employment
This course is suitable for all learners who are interested in becoming a:
Web Developer
Software Engineer
Database Administrator
Games Developer
Network Manager
Forensic Computer Analyst
Learner Experiences
Learner Experiences
Haydn's Experience
Haydn's Experience
In my computing science experience so far in S4, I have learned many new and important skills through the tasks completed.
One of these is problem solving - implementing difficult designs in Python is a good way to test your skill and find new ways around problems; this is very beneficial for wider life experiences, and everyday tasks in the world of work.
Attention to detail is also very important in computing science, as (for example) when analysing the design for a website you must carefully consider what and how you are going to complete the task - this is a very useful skill for all jobs, especially physical ones.
The computational thinking process is a very good way of introducing a logical way of completing tasks, which is again very useful and builds an awareness of the importance of a planned approach to tasks.
As for the learning process, at Kemnay Academy both teachers are helpful, willing to answer questions and obviously experienced and acquainted with the course, which is put into small, easy-to-understand segments, each covered in one or two lessons.
Pupils are also kept aware of their ability and understanding through progress checks and practice assessments, which allows the teachers to notice problems pupils are having and how to solve them.
In conclusion, computing science is a thriving subject in the school; it teaches not only skills about computers, but also skills for later life and future employment.
Isaac's Experience
Isaac's Experience
My experiences in National 5 Computing Science have been positive. I have improved significantly this year, in terms of HTML skills, knowledge of computer systems and python skills.
Programming in general also helped my determination in identifying errors in code. This also increased my patience as this process can often take a while.
Gavin's Experience
Gavin's Experience
My Experience with the National 5 computing science course has been positive as I have been able to refine my skills after receiving feedback from the progress checks. Using the feedback, I have received I have been able to improve my knowledge of computer systems and improve my Python skills. The course has taught me skills such as patience and determination as my program may not work as expected and I need determination to fix the problem, this will help me in my future as I know to never give up. 🙂
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