S3 BGE
Computing
Why do this course?
The course aims to broaden your computing science knowledge and skills by allowing you to:
Understand the world through computational thinking
Understand and analyse computing technology
Design, build and test computing solutions
What will you learn?
In this course you will learn how to think computationally and work with technology to analyse problems and create solutions.
The S3 course is comprised of 4 units:
Computer Systems – Understand basic computer architecture components, how machine code instructions are stored and executed within a computer system. Understand how computers communicate and share information over networks
Software Design and Development - Understand computer programming and be able to implement, from algorithms written in pseudocode, a range of programs in the Visual Basic programming language that involve the use of variables and constructs such as sequence, selection and repetition.
Database Design and Development - Analyse and design relational databases. Create data entry forms, use queries to access the data.
Web Design and Development – Design and build web pages using appropriate mark-up language that includes interactivity.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework will be given to reinforce your learning and to assess your progress. Very often it may be to read over work or notes we have been doing in class or it can be to prepare for a class test.
Assessment
Work will be assessed through
ongoing monitoring of classwork and class activities
Graded tests to help you decide whether you are confident to do National 5 in S4
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
Pupils that do S3 BGE Computing can progress to National 4/5 Computing Science in S4, then to Higher and possibly Advanced Higher in S6.
The course also offers progression to N4/5 Admin & IT, Business Management and Accounting.
There are a wide range of college courses available in Computing Science. For example, North East Scotland College offers these courses in Computing.
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
The following link will give you an idea of some of the jobs people with a computing science background might do:
Learner Experiences
Logan's Experience
I have learnt to code which is fun and use databases which is also fun and useful.
Input, process, output devices are useful to know which is which for building your own computer.
Morgan's Experience
I had a very good experience with my S3 computing science course. Database things such as queries were quite interesting and the coding at the start of the term was very fun. I think during this course I developed my applying skills with the coding at the start of the term. I quite enjoyed learning binary as well.