Computing Science (National 5)

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MAY 2018 The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland National 5 Summary

Computing Science TECHNOLOGIES For more detailed course information: SQA: Computing Science National 5: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/56923.html Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/Documents/CfEFactfileOverview.pdf WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, evaluating progress, making independent decisions • A blend of classroom approaches including problem- solving in teams with specific roles, sharing learning through group and class discussion • Collaborative learning: the subject brings aspects of technology, science and creative digital media together, providing the opportunity for cross curricular learning and team-work • Space for personalisation and choice: learning activities can link to learners’ own interests • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information; evaluating; discussing; listening; talking; number processes; information handling.

National 5 progresses onto Higher Computing Science

ASSESSMENT • The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D. • The question paper is worth 110 marks and makes up 69% of the total assessment mark. Learners will answer questions on all four areas of study: Software Design and Development, Database Design and Development, Web Design and Development and Computer Systems. • The assignment is worth 50 marks and makes up 31% of the total assessment mark. Candidates carry out three short practical tasks, which assess the skills of analysis, design, implementation (including writing code), testing and evaluation.

What skills will my child develop? • Understanding of the technologies that underpin the digital world • Essential skills for everyday life • Understanding and applying computational processes and thinking • Knowledge and understanding of key facts and ideas in computing science • Analysing, designing, modelling, implementing, testing and evaluating digital solutions (including computer programs) to problems • Reading and interpreting code • Computational thinking • Programming skills and software and information system design • Communicating computing concepts and computational behaviour • Planning, researching, organising and problem-solving with complex features • Understanding the impact of computing science on our society • Understanding the legal and environmental implications of IT • Understanding information representation and transfer NATIONAL 5