Higher Computing Science

Practice Assignment Session

Saturday 2nd March

9.30am-12.30pm

C103

Computer Science is a very broad and relevant subject which leads to great job opportunities. Skilled computing scientists are in huge demand and the computer science starting salary can be very high.

The problem solving and IT skills that Computing Science develops are useful in many different careers such as information technology, engineering and manufacturing, construction, broadcast media and performing arts, management, journalism and publishing, and medical technology.

Higher Computing Science allows pupils to build a deeper understanding of units studied at National 5

Software Design and Development

The Software Development unit builds upon knowledge of National 5 by introducing procedures, functions and a number of new standard algorithms and pre-defined functions.

The biggest change is progressing from Python to Visual Studio in order to give pupils experience in using a variety of programming languages.

Database Design and Development

The biggest change in Relational Databases from National 5 is the introduction of more than 2 tables. The main focus of this unit at Higher is to build queries in SQL which will combine data from up to 4 related tables and make use of database functions and grouping .

We continue using Microsoft Access to create our queries.

Computer Systems

The Computer Systems unit continues to focus on Data Representation, looking at how negative numbers and graphics are stored in computer systems.

Building on knowledge of computer components from National 5, pupils will look at the factors that affect system performance and a more in-depth look how data is transfered between the CPU and Main Memory.

The final part of the course investigates the impact that intelligent systems have on the environment and different security risks that threaten our systems every day.

Course Assessment

Component 1: Question Paper - 67%

This assessment consists of questions from all 4 units of the course and will take place during the SQA Exam diet.

Component 2: assignment - 33%

This is a practical assessment which takes place during class time under exam conditions.
The assignment consists of practical tasks from Software Development, Web Design and Databases.

Higher Entry Requirements

It is highly recommended that pupils choosing Higher Computing Science have achieved a qualification in National 5 Computing Science.

This is a practical course, and pupils build a strong knowledge of the programming techniques throughout National 5.

Pupils can progress from N5 in S4 on to Higher in S5 or S6

Pupils should study National 5 in S5 and progress on to Higher in S6.

Study Resources

Pupils are encouraged to use Scholar, Achieve and BBC BItesize alongside their class notes on Google Classroom.

Scholar gives pupils access to detailed notes on all units of the course. Each topic contains a summary and a topic test to allow pupils to check their understanding. Teachers can track pupils progress through each unit.

Achieve gives pupils a quick description of different concepts throughout each unit. Pupils can read a short description and test their understanding through focussed questions. Achieve also matches up each sub-section to SQA past paper questions focussed on that area of the course.

Report abuse