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Why Computing?
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Why Computing?

 

       
 

Have you ever wondered how computers are able to recognise speech? Or why a machine is capable of beating any grand master at chess? In today's world, computers are used in almost every kind of business and organisation and many people have a computer at home. New technology is advancing at a rapid rate and developments like the internet and electronic mail are having a huge impact on industry and commerce. This course is therefore likely to be very useful to you, whatever career you decide to follow. It is impossible to ignore the incredible advances in Computing Technology in recent years. Being ‘computer-literate’ has become an essential and invaluable skill in the modern world.

  
 

Computing studies, however, is about more than using the technology – alongside learning these skills, pupils will learn about how to develop the technology themselves, understand what goes on ‘under the bonnet’ of the machine, and create their own software. Pupils will experience a very 'hands on' course with a large practical element - meaning much of their time will be spent using machines.

 

   

Pupils will also learn about key concepts involved in robotics, covering robotic arms, mobile robots and intelligent robots. Pupils will explore how machines can be used to solve real-world problems, and adapt to new situations. The subject consists of some very specific problem solving skills, such as the ability to think logically, algorithmically and recursively. Computer Science brings all of these skills together. Pupils will learn how to work in teams to overcome challenges and will gain an appreciation of how the technology in the world around us, which is often taken for granted, uses clever techniques to harness the power of incredibly fast microprocessors in order to make our lives easier. 
    
 

A qualification in Computing is hugely beneficial to pupils considering a career involving science, technology or engineering. The world of Computing is rapidly changing, therefore the courses offered aim to prepare pupils to adapt to new developments, and to solve problems which we haven't yet encountered, using technologies that have not yet been invented.
 
  Careers / Further Development  
     
  There are a huge number of careers and scientific pursuits that can emerge following a grounding in Computing. There are few jobs that do not involve the use of computers in some way. Some careers / pursuits that may emerge from a Computing background are listed below:  
     
 
  • Computer Scientist
  • Software Engineer
  
 
  • Computer Games Design
  • Web Design
  
 
  • Network Engineer
  • Artificial Intelligence
  
 
  • Robotics
  • Mobile Phone Software
  
 
  • Telecommunications
  • IT Technician
  
 
  • Systems Analyst
  • Computer Animation
  
 
  • Computer Graphics
  •  Information Technology
  
  Related Links:  
     
  www.scratch.mit.edu  
     
  Scratch is a media rich programming environment developed by  Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It allows you to create and develop your own computer games and program them to do what you want. You can then share your creations on the web for the whole world to see and download - so a game you create could be played by other people all around the world! Creating games in Scratch introduces pupils to thinking logically and gives an excellent introduction to computer programming. It is free to download and there are versions available for Windows PC's and Macs.  
     
  www.cs4fn.org  
     
  "Computer Science 4 Fun" is a great website for all matters relating to Computer Science and how it is affecting the world around us. There are lots of interesting stories, games and concepts centred around the world of Computing.  
 
  Course Description - Standard Grade  
     
  This is a two year course, and pupils will come to Computing three times per week. The course combines practical work with the study of Computing Theory. During this course, pupils will study three main areas:  
     
 
  • Computer Applications
 
 

This involves the study of General Purpose Packages, the Internet, Electronic Communications, Computer Networking, Commercial Data Processing and Industrial Applications of ICT.

  
     
 
  • Computer Systems
 
 

This involves the study of the hardware which makes up computer systems and the software used to control it.

 
     
 
  • Computer Programming
 
 

This involves learning how to plan the solution of problems and then implement the plan by writing programs in Visual Basic.

  
     
  Assessment  
     
  Assessable Elements Method of Assessment Percentage of Award  
         
  Knowledge and Understanding Examination 20%  
  Problem Solving Examination 40%  
  Practical Abilities Coursework 40%  
     
  Coursework  
     
  During the two years of the course, pupils will compile a coursework folio of practical work completed. This must include:  
     
 
  • 2 items of programming work
  
 
  • 2 items of Computer Applications work
  
 
  • A project issued by the SQA
  
  Homework  
     
  In addition to regular written exercises, pupils will have to carry out preparatory research and planning.  
     
  Courses available in S5 / S6  
     
  Hyndland Secondary offers Computing at Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher level. Please note that this is subject to practical constraints, and therefore may be changed.