S1 Computing:
Reporting Window 1

S1 Topic Overview

Computer Systems.

Pupils learn about the different types of computers and consider who might use them and for what purposes. They explore how computers receive data through input devices and deliver results via output devices. Pupils also investigate common units of storage, including bits, bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes, and relate these to real-world examples such as the file sizes of text, images, and music. They then consider what these storage sizes mean in practical terms.

Lightbot Championships.

Pupils develop their understanding of block-based programming by working through a series of Lightbot challenges. They learn key programming concepts such as fixed loops, nested loops, and how to refactor code to make it more efficient. As they progress, pupils earn bronze, silver, or gold awards based on their ability to solve problems using the fewest commands. Each medal earns points, which contribute to the Lightbot Championship Leaderboard and class champions are celebrated, motivating pupils to solve as many problems as efficiently as possible.

Minecraft Project; Winter Festival.

Pupils explore a chosen winter festival by identifying its story, traditions and symbols. They plan and design a creative two-minute video to narrate and present their festival, developing their ideas throughout the project. Working in teams, pupils practise the meta-skill of collaboration and engage in self-evaluation. They then refine and improve their creations, combining creativity, organisation, and communication skills at each stage of the process.

Web Design & Development.

Pupils are introduced to the fundamentals of web design. They learn how to create a simple website using Google Sites and develop their own ‘All About Me’ site, adding personal content and applying basic design principles to present information clearly. Through these projects, pupils gain a clear understanding of how web content is structured and created, while also having their very own website to showcase the wonderful things they are doing in Computing Science.

Physical Computing.

Pupils are introduced to physical computing by exploring a programmable device and creating software solutions for a variety of digital problems. They then use the device to gather real-world data and apply technology to solve practical problems. Pupils then evaluate the strengths and limitations of their solutions, introducing the idea of making technology robust and identifying opportunities for improvement

Software Design & Development.

Pupils use block-based programming to follow guided instructions familiarising themselves with key programming concepts. This topic encourages pupils to apply the meta-skill of creativity as they design characters, digitise them, and export them as portable network graphics. Pupils then reflect on how accurately they have managed to re-create their characters,  which are then imported into a game that they have created. This process develops coding confidence, logical thinking, creativity, and allows pupils to self-reflect on their achievements.

The majority of work covered in term 1 for S1 Computing is based around CfE Level 2 outcomes. 

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S1 Digital Literacy:

Second A: Making excellent progress at CfE Level 2, performing well against all the outcomes covered. The student can apply the ICT key knowledge and skills and exhibits good competency levels and confidence using ICT. Produces an excellent standard of work and when topics allow for extension into CfE Level 3 outcomes, the student copes very well with the increased challenge.

Second B: Making good progress at CfE Level 2, performing well against most of the outcomes covered. The student copes well with the application of ICT skills and applies their knowledge and IT skills to enhance their work. Produces a good standard of work and when topics allow for extension into CfE Level 3 outcomes, copes well with the increased challenge.

Second C: Making reasonable progress at CfE Level 2, performing well against many of the outcomes covered while finding others more challenging. Sometimes needs the IT concepts broken down into more manageable chunks and a little extra support to enable the student to gain more confidence to produce a higher standard of presentation.

Second D: Making some progress at this CfE Level 2, performing well against a few of the outcomes covered while finding the majority challenging. Often needs the IT concepts to be broken down into more manageable chunks or further consolidation of the level. Often needs to revisit previously visited content to build more solid foundations and confidence before moving forward with developing their IT skills further.

At this stage in the Business, Computing and Enterprise curriculum, pupils on a pathway towards achieving SCQF Level 5 in S4 will be working at Second B or above. 

Further information, including an overview for all subject areas can be found here.