National 4/5 Computing Science

What will I study?

This course aims to help you understand key computing concepts and processes. You will learn basic computing, logical and problem solving skills. You will learn how to solve a variety of computing problems, through designing, developing and testing in real life situations. And, you will look at the impact of computing technologies on the environment or society.

The course has two compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.

Software Design and Development (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• learn, understand and solve problems in software design and development

• develop basic computational thinking and programming skills through practical tasks

• learn how data and instructions are stored in binary form and how programming supports computer applications.

Information System Design and Development (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• learn, understand and solve problems in information system design and development

• use suitable development tools to create databases, web-based information systems or multimedia information systems

• learn about basic computer hardware, software, connectivity and security issues through a range of practical and research tasks.

Added Value Unit: Computing Science Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

•  investigate and find a solution to a computing problem

•  produce a short report on how you tested the solution.

How will I be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by your teacher or tutor on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:

• practical work – producing web pages, blogs, games or digital presentations

• class-based tests – online or electronic tests or a producing a short written report.

You must pass all units plus the added value unit to gain the course qualification.

What will I study?

This course aims to help you develop a range of computing and computational thinking skills. You will learn how to analyse and solve problems. And, you will develop skills in design and modelling, developing, implementing and testing digital solutions across a range of contemporary contexts. You will also look at the legal and environmental impact of computing technologies.

The course has three areas of study.

Software design and development

You will:

• develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks using appropriate software development environments

• develop your programming and computational-thinking skills by implementing practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by you

• be expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate your solutions.

Computer systems

You will:

• develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and basic computer architecture

• gain an awareness of the environmental impact of the energy use of computing systems and security precautions that can be taken to protect computer systems.

Database design and development

You will:

• develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks.

• apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL

• carry out some tasks involving some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by you.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has two components totaling 120 marks:

• Component 1: question paper – worth 80 marks

• Component 2: assignment – worth 40 marks.

For the assignment component, there are 3 tasks. Task 1 is mandatory, and you have the option of completing either Task 2 or Task 3.

• Task 1: Software design and development - 25 marks

• Task 2: Database design and development - 15 marks

Your assignment will be set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and marked by a visiting SQA assessor.

The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D.