Computing Science - National 4

SCQF Framework

SCQF Level: 4

SCQF Credit Points: 24

Skills Framework

Delivering Centre

Vale of Leven Academy

Purpose and Aims

Computing science is vital to everyday life — socially, technologically and economically; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Computing is embedded in the world around us, from systems and devices in our homes and places of work, to how we access education, entertainment, transportation and communication. Understanding computational processes and thinking is also vital to many other fields, including science, economics, business and industry. While many learners will want to become computing professionals, all will benefit from the development of these foundational skills and the underpinning knowledge necessary to meet the needs of society today and for the future.

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:

introduce and develop aspects of computational thinking across a range of contemporary contexts
develop knowledge and understanding of key facts and ideas in computing science
apply skills and knowledge in analysis, design, implementation and testing to a range of digital solutions
communicate computing concepts clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology
develop an understanding of the impact of computing science in changing and influencing our environment and society

Recommended Entry

It would be beneficial if candidates have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

National 3 Computing Science Course or relevant Units
National 3 Numeracy

Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

other qualifications in Computing Science or related areas
further study, employment and/or training

Career Options

My World of Work

planitplus

Further Information

BBC Bitesize

Khan Academy

Code.org

Course Content

The Course has three mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.

Software Design and Development

The aim of this Unit is for the learner to develop basic knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development. Learners will develop basic computational thinking and programming skills through practical tasks using appropriate software development environments across a range of contemporary contexts. These tasks will involve simple features and straightforward contexts. They will also develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and how programming underpins computer applications.

Information System Design and Development

The aim of this Unit is for the learner to develop basic knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in information system design and development. Learners will implement practical solutions using appropriate development tools to create databases, web-based information systems, multimedia information systems (and/or hybrids of these). These tasks will involve simple features and straightforward contexts. Learners will also develop an understanding of basic computer hardware, software, connectivity and security issues through a range of practical and investigative tasks.

Computing Science Assignment

This Unit requires the learner to apply skills and knowledge from the other Units to analyse and solve an appropriate challenging computing science problem.

Course Assessment Structure

To achieve the National 4 Computing Science Course, learners must pass all of the required Units including the Added Value Unit.

National 4 Courses are not graded. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within the school.

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