S2 Digital Literacy (Computing): Reporting Window 1

S2 Topic Overview

Computer Systems.

Pupils deepen their understanding of computer systems by exploring how different parts of a system work together to process and manage information. They examine how data moves through a computer, how it is interpreted, and how meaningful output is produced. Pupils also begin to consider how system performance, efficiency, and limitations can affect real-world use. Through discussion and practical tasks, they develop a broader view of how computer systems operate and how these operations relate to everyday digital experiences.

Lightbot Championships.

Pupils develop their block-based programming skills by tackling more challenging Lightbot problems with a focus on strategy, efficiency, and algorithmic thinking. Using core programming concepts such as fixed loops and nested loops, they apply these deliberately to reduce complexity and optimise their solutions. Pupils analyse their approaches, identify unnecessary steps, and refine their code to achieve more efficient results. As they progress, they earn bronze, silver, or gold medals, each worth a set number of points. These points contribute to the Lightbot Championship Leaderboard, encouraging pupils to apply advanced problem-solving techniques to achieve the highest rankings.

Minecraft Project; Winter Festival.

Pupils deepen their understanding of a chosen winter festival by researching its cultural, historical, and global significance. They then design an extended, multi-scene Minecraft environment to communicate these ideas. Working collaboratively, pupils organise themselves to produce a well-structured video that explains the festival through narration, considered editing, and deliberate design choices. Throughout the project, they demonstrate increased independence, apply critical thinking and effective time-management, and engage in meaningful self- and peer-evaluation to refine and enhance the quality of their final product.

Web Design & Development.

Pupils build a purposeful website using Google Sites. They explore good and bad design principles and analyse why these are important for the overall user experience. Pupils evaluate a range of example websites, identifying effective and ineffective design choices, and apply these insights to improve their own work. They use key web-design vocabulary and concepts as they structure their pages, organise content, and make thoughtful decisions about how information is presented.

Physical Computing.

Pupils expand their experience with programmable devices by creating more sophisticated and more robust programs that respond to a variety of inputs. They design and carry out a small project where teams compete to solve a real-world challenge using their device. Pupils evaluate the effectiveness of their solution and their teamwork, considering how both could be improved. Through this process, they deepen their understanding of how digital systems interact with the physical world and develop their ability to collaborate effectively.

Software Design & Development.

Pupils develop their coding experience by tackling more advanced block-based programming challenges. They apply key concepts such as variables, selection, repetition, and event-driven control to create more complex interactive programs. Pupils are encouraged to think creatively and independently as they design, develop, and refine their own solutions. They test and debug their programs systematically and evaluate how well their final products meet the requirements of a given brief. Through this work, pupils strengthen their problem-solving skills, deepen their computational thinking, and gain greater confidence in developing structured digital solutions.

The majority of work covered in S2 Computing is based around CfE Level 2 outcomes. 

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S2 Computing:

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 Computing 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.