The Dept is very well equipped with 2 rooms each containing 21 networked workstations. Each room also has various laser and colour printers, data projectors, scanners and other ICT equipment such as digital cameras and CD/DVD burners.
S1/S2 - 5-14 Information Technology
Pupils follow the 5-14 Information Technology course taught in conjunction with the Business Studies Dept. The six strands taught are;
| Using the technology |
| Creating and presenting |
| Collecting and analysing |
| Searching and researching |
| Communicating and collaborating |
| Developing informed attitudes in relation to ICT in society |
A number of software packages are used to teach these strands including the Microsoft Office suite of programs - Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Powerpoint and Outlook, Mediator, Audacity and Mozilla Firefox.
Pupils who complete the 5-14 course sit the assessments for the Information Technology Core Skills unit and are awarded a Higher level or Intermediate 2 level pass as appropriate and receive certificate from the SQA.
S3/S4 - Standard Grade
Standard Grade Computing Studies is taught for 3 x 55 minute periods per week. The broad areas of content are:
1. Computer Applications (70 hours) |
| General Purpose Packages (40 hours) - word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, email, internet, expert systems |
| Communications and networks (10 hours) - electronic communications, local and wide area networks, telecommunications, world wide web, video conferencing |
| Commercial Data Processing (10 hours) - banking, shopping, data processing cycle, e-commerce, computer crime, data legislation |
| Industrial Applications (10 hours) - robotics, CAD/CAM, industrial process control |
2. Computer Systems (20 hours) |
| Systems Software - high level languages, translators |
| Operating Systems - file types, hierarchical filing systems, interactive and real-time systems, random/direct data access |
| Low level machine - memory size, machine code, processor structure, addressability |
| Hardware - main memory, backing storage, input and output devices, virtual reality |
3. Computer Programming (20 hours) |
| COMAL is used because it is user-friendly and its structured nature is excellent for beginners. |
| A major aim of the course is to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of ICT and so new topics such as Virtual Reality and the Internet have been recently introduced. |
S5/S6 - Information Systems (Advanced Higher, Higher and Intermediate 2)
1. Higher
Content ; The course is made up of 3 units:
|
Relational Database Systems (40 hours) - this unit looks at the theory of databases by analysing contemporary non-computerised databases, designing corresponding computerised databases and implementing these using Microsoft Access software. |
| Using Information (40 hours) - this unit looks at the value of information to the individual and organisations, investigates the organisation of contemporary information systems such as the Internet, and explains the social, economic, ethical and legal implications of these information systems. |
| Expert Systems (40 hours) - this unit is designed to introduce students to the more advanced characteristics of expert systems and expert system shells. Students will analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate expert systems using Intermodeller software. |
An additional 40 hours is available for induction, support, consolidation, remediation and re-assessment and preparation for external assessment.
Assessment - To achieve a course pass candidates must pass each of the 3 unit NABs, the coursework element and the final exam.
The Coursework will be done on completion of the Using Information unit as knowledge from both Relational Database Systems and Using Information is required to successfully complete the assessment. The coursework is worth 60 marks (30%) of the final assessment. The exam is out of 140 marks and is of 21/2 hours duration.
The notes are very much student-centred and of the investigative type and whole class teaching will only be done where appropriate. As such students are encouraged to use the resources (Scholar notes, the Internet and, to a lesser extent, CDs) at hand, to find the required information.
Entry requirements - Students would normally be expected to have attained a Credit pass at Standard Grade. However any 5th or 6th year student who shows a reasonable academic ability will be accepted.
2. Intermediate 2
Content - The content and assessment of the course mirrors the Higher course in most aspects, the difference being that each unit does not go into the same subject width and depth as the Higher course.
Assessment - To achieve a course pass candidates must pass each of the 3 unit NABs, the coursework element and the final exam. The coursework is worth 30 marks which is 30% of the final assessment. The exam is worth 70 marks and is of 11/2 hours duration.
Entry requirements - Students would normally be expected to have attained a General pass at Standard Grade. However any 5th or 6th year student who shows an interest in the subject will be accepted.
3. Advanced Higher
Content - The course is made up of three units:
|
Database Analysis and Design (40 hours) - this unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of systems analysis and design and to develop practical skills in applying analysis and design techniques to database related problems. |
| Database Implementation and Testing (40 hours) - this unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding and practical skills in the implementation, testing, evaluation, documentation and maintenance of database systems. |
| On-line Database Systems (40 hours) - this unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles, development and uses of on-line database systems, in the context of server side databases, and provides an opportunity to apply this knowledge to solve problems through the use of contemporary hardware and software. |
To achieve a course pass candidates must pass each of the 3 unit NABs, the coursework element and the final exam.
Assessment - A coursework project will be undertaken by the candidates which will provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate and integrate the practical skills, knowledge and understanding from the Database units, and apply these in a more complex practical context. The coursework is worth 80 marks (40%) of the final assessment. The exam is out of 120 and is of 21/2 hours duration.
Entry requirements - Students would normally be expected to have obtained a good pass in Information Systems at Higher level.
S5/6 Enrichment - PCPassport
An IT enrichment class in PC Passport is also taught at Intermediate level to those members of S5 and S6 who would otherwise not obtain an IT qualification in any of their other subjects.
The units followed are:-
|
Word Processing |
| Spreadsheets |
| Internet |
| Presentations |
Pupils must pass a National Assessment Bank(NAB) test at the end of each unit. There is no coursework or final exam to take.
This course is highly vocational, focusing on industry standard software and skills. However, they are not directly related to a specific software manufacturer - instead they seek to teach transferable skills that can be used in a range of environments.
Entry requirements - None.
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