Computing Science Department

Welcome to the Computing Science Department

There are currently two members of staff in the department:

• Mr P Donaldson
• Ms J Campbell 
• Mr J Kennedy

BGE Courses:

Course Title: S1 Computing Science

Course Overview: The S1 Computing Science course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and skills required to effectively use computers and digital technology.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce students to various digital tools and technologies
• To help students develop digital literacy and competence
• To encourage students to think critically about technology and its impact on society
• To help students develop an understanding of internet safety and cyber resilience

Course Outline:

Topic 1: Graphics Editing

• Introduction to graphics editing software - Paint.net
• Basic skills in creating and editing graphics in Paint.net and Microsoft Word. Bitmapped Graphics Vs Vector Graphics
• Designing graphics for use in multimedia projects

Topic 2: Sound Editing

• Introduction to sound editing software - Audacity
• Basic skills in creating and editing sound in Audacity
• Designing sound for use in multimedia projects

Topic 3: Effective Internet Searching

• Techniques for conducting effective internet searches
• Evaluating and selecting sources

Topic 4: Multimedia Project

• Planning and executing a multimedia project
• Incorporating graphics, sound, and other media
• Design skills and sharing online

Topic 5: Scratch Maths

• Introduction to programming concepts using Scratch
• Developing mathematical skills through programming
• Creating simple games and simulations

Topic 6: Internet Safety

• Understanding online threats and risks
• Safe online behaviour and practices
• Protecting personal information online

Topic 7: Cyber Resilience

• Understanding the importance of cyber resilience
• Creating strong passwords
• Responding to online threats and attacks

Assessment: Assessment will be based on tasks and projects. Students will be expected to complete a multimedia project and demonstrate proficiency in graphics editing, sound editing, effective internet searching. Students will be expected to progress through Scratch Maths tasks.

Overall, the S1 Computing Science course aims to provide students with a strong foundation in digital literacy and technology skills, as well as an understanding of internet safety and cyber resilience.

Course Title: S2 Computing Science

Course Overview: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to Computing Science. The course will cover topics such as web design and development, software design and development, database design and development, computer systems, internet safety, and cyber resilience. The course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for further studies in Computing Science.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce students to the basics of web design and development.
• To introduce students to software design and development.
• To introduce students to database design and development.
• To introduce students to computer systems.
• To educate students on internet safety and cyber resilience.

Course Outline:

1.    Web Design and Development using the repl-it online environment

• Introduction to HTML and CSS
• Creating a simple webpage
• Adding text, images, and links to a webpage
• Styling a webpage using CSS

2.    Software Design and Development using Microsoft MakeCode - Microbit and Arcade

• Introduction to programming concepts
• Writing and testing simple programs
• Debugging programs
• Creating simple games using programming concepts learned

3.    Database Design and Development

• Introduction to databases and data modelling
• Designing and creating a simple database using Microsoft Access
• Querying and modifying data using queries
• Evaluating data as a commodity and its significance in modern society

4.    Computer Systems

• Introduction to computer hardware and software
• Understanding the components of a computer system
• Operating systems and applications

5.    Internet Safety and Cyber Resilience

• Understanding the risks and threats associated with the internet
• Safe online behaviour and protecting personal information
• Cyber security best practices and tools for protection

Assessment: Assessment will be based on ongoing class participation and projects.

Course Title: S3 Computing Science

Course Overview: This course builds upon the topics covered in S2 Computing Science and provides students with a deeper understanding of Computing Science concepts. The course will cover topics such as web design and development, software design and development, database design and development, computer systems, and level 3 cyber security. The course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for further studies in Computing Science and cyber security.

Course Objectives:

• To enhance students' knowledge of web design and development.
• To enhance students' knowledge of software design and development.
• To enhance students' knowledge of database design and development.
• To enhance students' knowledge of computer systems.
• To provide students with an understanding of Level 3 cyber security concepts.

Course Outline:

1.     Web Design and Development

• More advanced HTML and CSS concepts using repl-it
• Creation of multi-page websites

2.     Software Design and Development

• More advanced programming concepts using Python, a text based programming language
• Introduction to software testing and debugging methodologies
• Development of larger software projects

3.     Database Design and Development

• Consideration of the importance of data and the concept of big data
• Designing and implementing SQL queries in repl-it

4.     Computer Systems

• Computer hardware
• Operating systems and apps
• Networking and connectivity

5.     Level 3 Cyber Security

• Unit 1 - Personal Data Security
• Unit 2 - Device Security
• Unit 3 - Networking

Assessment: Assessment will be based on class participation and assignments. The Level 3 Cyber Security is assessed through end of topic questions and generation of evidence demonstrating knowledge and understanding.

National Qualifications

• National 4 Computing Science
• National 5 Computing Science
• Higher Computing Science
• Advanced Higher Computing Science
• NPA Levels 5&6 Cyber Security

For more information about National Qualifications click SQA Computing Science (opens new window)

Extra-Curricular Activities

BEBRAS Challenge

The BEBRAS challenge is an international computational thinking competition for students of different age groups. The challenge aims to introduce students to problem-solving and logical thinking using computers and programming languages.

It is a great opportunity for students to develop their problem-solving skills, enhance their computational thinking abilities, and gain confidence in their abilities to use technology to solve real-world problems. Participating in the BEBRAS challenge can help students to discover their passion for computer science and can lead to a variety of exciting career opportunities in the future.

Over the past two years we have had over 20 students gain a gold certificate which indicates the top 10% of participants in world wide in their age group.

CyberFirst Girls Competition

The CyberFirst Girls competition is a UK-based initiative that aims to encourage and inspire girls to consider a career in cyber security. The competition is open to girls aged between 12-13 years old and is designed to challenge and develop their problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.

The competition is organised by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of the government's intelligence and security agency. The NCSC has a wealth of experience and expertise in cyber security, and they provide valuable resources and support to the girls throughout the competition.

Participating in the CyberFirst Girls competition can help girls to discover their potential in technology and cyber security, and can lead to exciting career opportunities in the future. For the past three years Linlithgow Academy has had a team reach the final of the competition.

Digital Learning

In addition to teaching Computing Science we promote the use of Digital Technology to support learning. We have taught all of our current S1 and S2 pupils to use Teams and OneNote Class Notebook. In the Computing Science Department we use O365 applications in the following ways: