Course Content

Unit 1: Software Design and Development

The purpose of this unit is to develop skills in programming and computational thinking through designing, implementing, testing and evaluating practical tasks. Pupils also develop an understanding of computer architecture and the concepts that underpin how programs work. Through investigative work, pupils will gain an awareness of the impact of contemporary computing technologies.

Unit 2: Information Systems Design and Development

Pupils will apply their computational thinking skills to implement practical solutions using a range of development tools. These include Web Design with HTML/CSS and associated scripting languages and relational databases. Pupils also develop an understanding the technical, legal, environmental, economic and social issues related to one or more information systems.

Assessment

Each of the units are internally assessed throughout the course. The assessments are mainly practical based activities and some written responses. All pupils must achieve the standards set out for each unit at Higher level.

The course is assessed with a formal examination (60%) and a coursework assignment (40%). The assignment is a project-based task that covers a broad range of skills developed in the mandatory units.

Career Pathways

A Computing Science qualification can lead to exciting careers such as:

• Systems analyst

• Multimedia programmer

• Software developer

• Social media manager

• IT consultant

• Database administrator

• Web developer

• Games developer

• Information systems manager

• Cyber security consultant

• Network engineer

• Web content manager