Computing Science - National 5

Vale of Leven Academy

The course has four areas of study:

Software design and development

Candidates 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. This develops their 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 candidates. They are expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate their solutions.

Computer systems

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

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.

Web design and development

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate practical solutions to web-based problems, using a range of development tools such as HTML, CSS and Javascript. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.

Question paper 110 marks

The question paper has a total mark allocation of 110 marks. This is 69% of the overall marks for the course assessment.

Marks are distributed across all four areas of study:

• software design and development approximately 40%
• computer systems approximately 10%
• database design and development approximately 25%
• web design and development approximately 25%

The question paper has two sections

Section 1 has 25 marks and consists of short-answer, restricted response questions from across the four areas of the course.

Section 2 has 85 marks and consists of structured questions consisting of restricted and extended response questions from across the four areas of the course.

Candidates have 2 hours to complete the question paper.

Assignment 50 marks

The assignment gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding:

• applying aspects of computational thinking across a range of contexts
• analysing problems within computing science across a range of contemporary contexts
• designing, implementing, testing and evaluating digital solutions (including computer programs) to problems across a range of contemporary contexts
• demonstrating skills in computer programming
• applying computing science concepts and techniques to create solutions across a range of contexts

The assignment has a total mark allocation of 50 marks. This is 31% of the overall marks for the course assessment. The assignment has three distinct tasks, with marks distributed across the following areas of study:

• software design and development 25 marks
• database design and development 10–15 marks
• web design and development 10–15 marks

The assignment is set on an annual basis and is conducted under open book conditions. It is marked externally by the SQA. The assignment must be carried out within 8 hours.