Staff:
Mrs K Brown
Mr C Meechan
Mr C Roderick
Staff:
Mrs K Brown
Mr C Meechan
Mr C Roderick
Computing Science shapes the world that we live in through the development of innovative software that enhances our lives. In an ever-changing digital world, most industries rely on their staff having the skills necessary to create digital solutions, collaborate and make use of digital technologies. Through learning Computing Science pupils will have the opportunity to develop their computational thinking and digital literacy skills to ensure they are prepared to work in a digital environment.
In S1 pupils will undertake a common ICT course for one period a week. This will develop their digital literacy skills to ensure that they can make appropriate use of digital technologies during their time at James Gillespie’s High School. This involves developing their skills in using Office 365, keeping safe online and participating in cross-curricular projects.
In S2 pupils will undertake a distinct Computing course for one period a week to continue developing their digital literacy skills as well as introducing some computational thinking skills. Pupils will begin developing their programming skills using Python, Kodu and Scratch. They begin designing and creating information systems such as a website and a database to display information in a meaningful context. Finally, pupils will investigate how computers work and the components that allow a computer to function.
Entry Requirements: Evidence of satisfactory progress in achieving the Level 3 Computing Science experiences and outcomes during the BGE phase.
In S3 and S4 pupils will be expected to deepen their understanding of the concepts covered during the BGE phase and continue developing practical skills to allow them to achieve a National 4 or 5 qualification.
During this course pupils will complete work on the following topics:
National 4 pupils will be assessed by completing two unit tests during the course and by completing an Added Value Unit at the end of S4.
National 5 pupils will be assessed by complete a piece of coursework (30%) at the end of S4 to assess their knowledge and skills across the Website, Database and Software topics followed by an external exam (70%).
Entry Requirements: A minimum of a C pass at National 5 for returning pupils. Pupils who are new to this subject must provide evidence of appropriate academic ability.
During the Higher course, pupils will be expected to develop their knowledge and skills of the concepts covered across the four topics from National 5 as well as understanding new concepts that are introduced.
Higher pupils will be assessed by complete a piece of coursework (30%) at the end of the course to assess their knowledge and skills across the Website, Database and Software topics followed by an external exam (70%).
Entry Requirements: A minimum of a C pass at Higher.
During the Advanced Higher course, pupils will be expected to develop their knowledge and skills of the concepts covered across the four topics from National 5 & Higher as well as understanding new concepts that are introduced.
Advance Higher pupils will be assessed by completing a project (50%) throughout the year followed by an external exam (50%).
The project that the pupils complete allows them to design, implement, test, and evaluate a digital solution to a complex problem by demonstrating advanced skills. The project can be selected from a pre-generated list or, if the pupils have an appropriate idea that fulfils the requirements of the assessment, the pupils can choose their topic. The project can be based on the creation of a website, database or software.
The NPA Computer Games Development course (levels 4, 5 and 6) introduces pupils to the computer games industry by allowing them to design and create a computer game. The computer games industry is growing at an alarming rate and is estimated to become a £300 billion industry by 2025. Scotland currently has multiple strong and growing game development companies who have created popular games such as GTA and Bloons. Pupils will have the opportunity to explore the different stages and creative roles involved with developing a video game. The course consists of three main topics.
Computer Games Development pupils will be assessed throughout the course by completing their classwork to provide evidence of them achieving the set outcomes for each topic.
The NPA Cyber Security course (levels 4, 5, 6) introduces pupils to the cyber security industry which ensures that companies and individuals can safely use the internet. Companies and governments from around the world are investing a huge amount of time and money into cyber security. There is currently a global shortage of cyber security experts due to our ever-growing reliance on technology. The course consists of three main topics.
Cyber Security pupils will be assessed throughout the course by completing classwork, coursework and tests to provide evidence of them achieving the set outcomes for each topic.
To access Computer Science course resources on SharePoint, click here.
Please note, this is only accessible to JGHS staff and students with their school log-in information.