Higher Computer Science
Our Nutshell Series gives the key facts about National Qualifications. In this document you'll find our about Higher Computer Science including the details of course assessment. The nutshell will explain what your child will learn in the course and what his or her experience will be.
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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. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org
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parentforumscot For course information, specimen question papers and past paper guidance visit: Higher Computer Science: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/56924.html Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Further Information for Parents and Learners Information on assessment, skills, progression, revision resources and summaries of National Qualifications www.parentforumscotland.org HIGHERS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Higher Summary Computing Science TECHNOLOGIES OCT 2018 Content The course has four areas of study: • Software design and development. • Computer systems. • Database design and development. • Web design and development. Skills Learners will be able to: • develop and apply aspects of computational thinking in a range of contemporary contexts • understand advanced concepts and processes in computing science • analyse, design, implement and evaluate a range of digital solutions with some complex aspects • communicate advanced computing concepts and explain computational behaviour clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology • develop awareness of current trends in computing technologies and their impact in transforming and influencing our environment and society Opportunities for Learners Learners will be able to: • understand the central role of computing professionals as creative problem-solvers and designers, able to design, implement and operate hardware and software systems • understand the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society • develop and strengthen skills in analysis and problem-solving, software and information system design, development, implementation, testing and evaluation 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. • The assignment (50 marks) makes up 31% of the total assessment mark. There are three distinct development tasks: software design, database design and web design. Learners gain marks for skills including: analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation. Question PaperSection 1: Short answer questions (25 marks) Section 2: Context-based questions requiring the application of knowledge and understanding (85 marks) 2 hours 30 minutes 110 marks Specimen Paperwww.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm Assignment The assignment is completed under supervision and must be carried out within 8 hours. 8 hours 50 marks Progression Higher courses can stand alone or follow on from National 5 qualifications and may lead to Advanced Highers, the Scottish Baccalaureate and a range of qualifications within Further and Higher Education. HIGHER