S5/S6 Course DescriptionComputing Studies Intermediate 1Purpose : Computing Studies Intermediate 1 provides an overview of the subject area within a broad-based Course that reflects the wide ranging nature of the subject. It provides an opportunity for candidates to acquire knowledge and skills in the use of contemporary hardware and software, and an awareness of the implications of the use of computer related technology. Recommended Entry: While entry is at the discretion of the centre, candidates would normally be expected to have attained one of the following, or equivalent:
Course Details: The course consists of three units of study (two core and one optional) and 40 hours flexible time. Core Units:
Optional Unit:
Assessment:Unit assessment Unit assessment consists of knowledge tests and a practical skills checklist. The knowledge test is a closed book test, under supervision, lasting no more than 45 minutes. The practical skills can be demonstrated through a single extended task or a number of smaller tasks. Prelim Examination Students will sit a prelim examination during this course which will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding as well as problem-solving skills to that point in the course. This may provide a rough guide as to how students are likely to perform in the final examination at the end of the course. The examination result should highlight areas of the course students are strong in as well as areas which perhaps require remediation. Homework A variety of regular homework can be expected during this course. Progression For pupils who have successfully completed this course, progression to the Intermediate 2 computing course may be possible. COMPUTING Intermediate 2
Recommended Entry: The course provides progression for students who have achieved an award at General level at Standard Grade or who have passed the computing systems course at Intermediate 1. Students may also be considered if they have component units or other equivalent experience. Course Details: the course comprises 2 compulsory units and one optional unit. Each unit is 40 hours in length. DF2X 11 Computer Systems (Intermediate 2) 1 creditThis Unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems and practical skills related to computer systems through the use of contemporary hardware and software. This knowledge, understanding and these practical skills may then be applied by the candidate to solve practical problems related to computer systems. It is designed for candidates undertaking the Intermediate 2 Computing Course, but is also suitable for anyone wishing to develop a basic understanding of computer systems and computer terminology DF2Y 11 Software Development (Intermediate 2) 1 creditThis Unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of software development and to develop practical skills in software development through the use of a high level language within an appropriate software development environment. In particular, it will develop familiarity with standard language constructs in the context of short programs. It is not intended that candidates should develop complex programs involving sub-programs and combinations of constructs. Optional Unit: DF32 11 Multimedia Technology (Intermediate 2) 1 credit
Assessment: Internal Assessment: Unit assessment consists of knowledge tests and a practical skills checklist. The knowledge test is a closed book test, under supervision, lasting no more than 45 minutes. The practical skills can be demonstrated through a single extended task or a number of smaller tasks.
Practical coursework task Candidates will undertake a practical coursework task provided by SQA. The task may be undertaken in ‘open book’ conditions, but under supervision, to ensure that the work presented is the candidate’s own work. The task will be marked using a marking scheme provided by SQA, but be subject to moderation. The marking scheme will provide a mark out of 30, which will be submitted directly to SQA. Question paper The question paper will comprise a single paper of 1 hours and 30 minutes duration. The total marks available will be 70. The examination will be set and marked by SQA. Prelim Examination Students will sit a prelim examination during this course which will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding as well as problem-solving skills to that point in the course. This may provide a rough guide as to how students are likely to perform in the final examination at the end of the course. The examination result should highlight areas of the course students are strong in as well as areas which perhaps require remediation. Homework Homework will be given at least once a week. The type of homework will include: Progression For pupils who have successfully completed this course, progression to the Higher computing course may be possible.
COMPUTING Higher
Purpose: The purpose of this course is to build upon students' experiences at Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 regarding the principles and practice of computer systems, combined with a further study of software development. Flexibility is built into the course by the presence of a third optional topic, which reflects local needs or interests. Recommended Entry: Minimum Grade 2 at Standard Grade or a pass at Intermediate 2. Students may also be considered if they have component units or other equivalent experience. Course Details: The course consists of three units of study (two core and one optional) and 40 hours flexible time. Core Unit - Computer Systems (40 hours):This unit develops students' knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge through the use of contemporary hardware and software. Core Unit - Software Development (40 hours):This unit develops students' knowledge and understanding of the software development process and of a software development environment. Students will have the opportunity to implement features of the development environment, use its facilities and apply a systematic approach to software development. Optional Unit - Multimedia Technology (40 hours):This unit introduces students to the software, hardware, media elements and standards, which underpin multimedia. Practical competence in the use of hardware and software to capture and process media elements along with problem-solving skills will all be developed.
Internal Assessment: Each unit involves assessment within the school. Credit is given for each unit passed. These assessments are defined in the national assessment bank and a student must pass all assessments to pass the unit. Each assessment consists of twenty multiple choice questions. External Assessment: This is split into two parts -
Prelim Examination Students will sit a prelim examination during this course which will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding as well as problem-solving skills to that point in the course. This may provide a rough guide as to how students are likely to perform in the final examination at the end of the course. The examination result should highlight areas of the course students are strong in as well as areas which perhaps require remediation. Homework A variety of regular homework can be expected during this course involving written and practical exercises, problem solving and research activities as well as report writing. These are essential and will reinforce / extend the work within the class. Progression An advanced higher course in computing is available to pupils who have gained a B pass at Higher.
COMPUTING Advanced Higher
Computing at Advanced Higher builds upon the knowledge and understanding of computing concepts gained at Higher level, allowing candidates to extend the breadth and depth of their knowledge. Candidates further develop their problem-solving skills in a practical context through undertaking a substantial project which involves the development of a solution to a real computing problem. Computing at Advanced Higher level allows candidates to make the transition from a structured learning and teaching environment to more independent, flexible learning. Emphasis is placed on developing personal study skills and on encouraging an analytical approach to problem-solving. The course develops practical competencies and an understanding of generic computing concepts which are applicable to a range of contexts and activities. This provides the opportunity for candidates to consolidate and extend their experience and to prepare for further study or for a career involving computing. Recommended Entry Students entering this course would have C or better at Higher Computing. Course Content The course consists of three units (two core and one optional) of study and 40 hours flexible time. Core units: DF2Y 13 Software Development (AH) 1 creditThis unit develops students' knowledge and understanding of the software development process and of a software development environment. Students will have the opportunity to implement features of the development environment, use its facilities and apply a systematic approach to software development. DM43 13 Developing a Software Solution (AH) 1 creditIn the Developing a Software Solution Unit, the student will draw on the knowledge and understanding and practical skills developed through previous study, extend these through investigation, and then analyse, design and implement a solution to a significant computing problem. This solution must then be tested and evaluated, and a project report produced. Optional Unit: DF30 13 Computer Networking (AH) 1 creditThis unit develops the ability of the candidate to analyse the hardware, software and systems associated with computer communication and use computer hardware and software to perform data communications. Assessment Internal Assessment. Each unit involves assessment within the school. Credit is given for each unit passed. These assessments are defined in the National Assessment Bank and a student must pass all assessments to pass the unit. The style of these assessments generally includes knowledge recall, practical application of skills, or problem solving within suitable contexts. External Assessment Your award for Advanced Higher Computing is based on two Course assessments: (a) the Question Paper (examination), contributing 120 marks, and These two marks are added together to give a mark out of 200, on which your overall grade (A, B, C, D or fail) is based. Coursework Project The purpose of the Coursework Project is for you to be able to: (a) demonstrate practical skills and knowledge that you have developed through study of the mandatory units (Software Development and Developing a Software Solution) and through your own investigation, in a more complex and extended context, and You will begin work on your Coursework Project while studying the Developing a Software Solution unit. You will keep a Record of Work or Log Book as evidence that you have demonstrated the skills (analysis, design, implementation and testing) required to pass the unit. You are likely to spend around 30 hours on this. Your Coursework Project mark will be based on a report and your teacher/lecturer's observation of your work on the project. You are likely to spend around 10 hours on preparing this report. Prelim examination Students will sit a prelim examination during this course, which will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding as well as problem-solving skills to that point in the course. Homework A variety of regular homework can be expected during this course involving written exercises, involving problem-solving and research activities as well as report writing. These are essential and will reinforce/extend the work within the class. Project work is also a major source of homework. Progression Advanced Higher prepares pupils for various courses at college or university involving computing as studied in the units of the course. DIGITAL MEDIA COMPUTING UNITSPurpose: Digital Media Computing is to provide an opportunity for pupils of all abilities to investigate specific topics which may be of interest to them. Their reasons could simply be the enjoyment of using digital media or something more serious, perhaps the first steps to a college course in Digital Media Computing. Recommended Entry: While entry is at the discretion of the centre, candidates would normally be expected to have S1/2 ICT experience.
F1JY 10 Digital Media: Still Images Acquisition (SCQF level 4) 1 creditThe overall aim of this Unit is to enable candidates to undertake the acquisition of digital still images to meet the requirements of a specified brief. The Unit is largely practical and provides candidates with the knowledge and understanding to identify the image requirements of the specified brief and plan a strategy for the acquisition of the images. The Unit provides opportunities for candidates to develop basic skills in the capture, storage and presentation of images in a range of formats. Candidates should use the skills outlined to create a portfolio of images. This Unit is designed for candidates who require knowledge and practical experience of still image acquisition from a variety of sources. F1JW 10 Digital Media: Video Acquisition (SCQF level 4) 1 creditThe purpose of this Unit is to allow candidates to undertake the acquisition of a short digital video sequence to meet the requirements of a specified brief. Candidates will be required to devise a script or storyboard to meet the requirements of the brief, plan a strategy for the acquisition of digital video material and then acquire it. They will edit and present the edited sequence in a format appropriate to the specified brief. This Unit is suitable for candidates with an interest in digital video wishing to acquire skills in the acquisition and editing of digital video. F181 11 Computing: Web Design Fundamentals (SCQF level 5) 1 creditThis Unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the main technical and design considerations in developing websites. The Unit also develops practical skills in the creation of web pages and graphics for use on the World Wide Web. This Unit is aimed at candidates who have an interest in using graphics in webpage design. While the Unit is suitable for candidates who have no prior experience of web design, it would be of benefit to candidates to have some experience of using computer application software and familiarity with managing computer files. F0H5 10 - Internet Safety (SCQF level 4) 1 creditThe Unit is designed to enable candidates to make safe and legal use of the Internet. The Unit will provide candidates with information about the safety factors and legal considerations which need to be taken into account when using the Internet, and give candidates practical experience in taking safety precautions and operating within legal constraints. The contents of this Unit include dealing with unwanted e-mail, protecting against identity theft, and protecting systems against viruses and other threats. This free-standing Unit is suitable for a wide range of candidates and is particularly appropriate for young people. F1K4 10 - Computer Games: Digital Gaming Design (SCQF level 4) 1 creditThis Unit is designed to enable users to acquire an understanding of underlying concepts and fundamental principals involved in digital gaming. The candidate will learn how to recognise and distinguish differences in numerous gaming platforms, environments and genres. Candidates will be introduced to methods used to evaluate different gaming genres through active game play. This Unit is appropriate for anyone who wants to make considered use of multimedia-based systems.
Unit assessment Unit assessment consists of a multiple choice knowledge test and a practical skills checklist. The knowledge test is a closed book test, under supervision, lasting no more than 45 minutes. The practical skills can be demonstrated through completion of set tasks.
There is no prelim exam and no external exam in May. All assessments are carried out in school and are subject to the same moderation procedures as any other SQA exam. Homework Homework will not be theory based but more preparation for practical work. Progression For pupils who have successfully completed this course, progression to complete a college Digital Media Computing course may be possible.
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