Computing

The Computing Department has 2 permanent members of staff George Crawford (PT) and David McCallum.

Computing Staff

G Crawford Principal Teacher of Computing

D McCallum Teacher of Computing

The computing equipment is based around modern PCs within a departmental network using a dedicated file server for central storage of files.

Software is based around the Microsoft Office suite. The programming language is Visual Basic 6.0

A range of courses is provided by the Computing Department from S3 to S6:

1. 6Introduction to ICT

2. 6Standard Grade

3. 6Intermediate 1

4. 6Intermediate 2

5. 6PC Passport

6. 6Higher Grade

7. 6PowerPoint Presentations

Introduction to ICT
Offered in S1 and S2 to all pupils, this is a short course delivered by the Computing Department and the Business Education Department.

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Standard Grade
Offered in S3, this continues to S4 and is the traditional route to Higher in S5.
As well as the final examination, there are compulsory practical tasks, including a project. The course comprises a mix of practical work and theory, built around 3 main sections:

• Computing Applications

  • General Purpose Packages

  • Word processing

  • Web page creation

  • Databases

  • Spreadsheets

  • Desk top publishing

  • Multimedia

  • Expert systems

  • Communications

    • The use and theory of the Internet and e-mail

  • Commercial Data Processing

  • The use and theory of Computers used in a business environment

  • Industrial Applications

    • The use and theory of automated systems and robotics for design and manufacture.

• Computer Systems

  • Hardware

  • Systems Software

  • Operating Systems

• Computer programming

  • Designing & writing programs in Visual Basic 6.0

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Intermediate 1
If taken in S3, this course could lead to Intermediate 2 in S5, and possibly Higher in S6. The Intermediate 1 course can also be taken in S5. It comprises 3 units and a project, with a final examination. The 3 units are:

• Computer Applications

• Multimedia Applications

• Computers and the Internet

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Intermediate 2
This course can lead to Higher in S6. It comprises 3 units and a project, with a final examination. The 3 units are:

• Computer Systems

• Software Development

• Computer Networking

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PC Passport (Beginner)
A simpler course than the others for S4 and S4, this comprises 3 units. There is no formal examination, but there are several unit assessments, both practical and multiple choice.. The 3 units are:

• Introduction to IT Systems

• Introduction to IT Systems and Presenting Information

• Introduction to the Internet and on-line Communications

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Higher Grade
The Higher course comprises 3 units and a major piece of coursework, with a final examination. The 3 units are:

• Software Development

• Computer Systems

• Computer Networking

Higher Computer Systems PowerPoint Presentations

Buses and Registers I CS Software I Interfaces I Performance

Higher Software Development Lessons

Software Development I Languages and Environments

Higher Computer Networking

Network Protocols I Data Transmission

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