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S1 Information Communications Technology (ICT)

Duration

Two periods a week in S1

Course Content

The S1 IT course aims to give every pupil the skills and experience necessary to enable them to be confident using the school network and a wide variety of software. The course covers :

Word-processing Databases
Spreadsheets Graphics
Desk Top Publishing Programming
The Internet E-mail
Multimedia software

Each unit lasts between six and eight periods, though some are re-visited during the year.

Download course outline
91KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Learning Outcomes
10KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Teaching Methods

Most of the course is practical work using computers. A comprehensive booklet is provided with detailed instructions on how to complete each unit. Extension exercises are provided for anyone who needs them. Some of the teaching materials are available on the school intranet as tutorials or help pages.

Assessment

There are four practical tasks which pupils complete as part of their assessment :

Creating a "Wanted" poster in Microsoft Word
Creating an Excel spreadsheet for ordering school uniform
Presenting information from a survey using Word and Excel
Creating an advertisement using Microsoft Publisher

These tasks cover the 5-14 strands of Text Handling, Image Handling, Information Handling and Modeling. Pupils also take an on-line test on Computer Systems which is available on the school intranet.

Homework

There is no formal homework set for this course, though pupils may be asked to plan work or collect information in preparation for a task.

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Standard Grade Computing Studies

Course Content

The Standard Grade computing course will help you understand computer systems and computer applications from the point of view of the solution of practical problems. It will introduce you to using computers to solve problems and develop your problem solving skills in both practical and abstract situations. It will give you an increased awareness of the impact of computers and information technology on society and the individual.

Topics studied in S3 include:

General Purpose Packages

This topic includes Word Processors, Electronic Mail, Databases, Spreadsheets, Spreadsheets, Graphics packages and an introduction to Desk Top Publishing and electronic publishing.

Computer systems

This topic includes Networks, Hardware and Software, Operating Systems and Data Storage techniques.

Topics covered in S4 include:

Programming

The procedural programming language Visual Basic is used, the emphasis being on structured programming. (This topic starts in S3)

Industrial and Commercial Applications

This topic includes Robotics, Computer Aided Design and Commercial Data Processing.

Downloads:

Download course outline
63KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Learning Outcomes
17KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download course arrangements
822KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Teaching Methods

The course is taught by a combination of practical activities using the school network, project work, investigations and traditional teaching.

Assessment

A: Most units are assessed by a short test. Marks are awarded for Problem Solving, Knowledge and Understanding and Practical Abilities. There are exams in November and April in S3 and a prelim exam in December in S4.

Homework

Homework should take about half an hour a week, and may be consolidation exercises, revision, research or exam preparation.

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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S3 Core Skills Information Technology

S3 Course Content

The IT Core Skills course covers the essential skills you will need to use Information Technology with confidence in school and later on when you take up paid employment.

There are three learning outcomes:

Use an IT system effectively
Perform simple processes using a range of application packages
Carry out simple searches to extract and present information

Topics studied in the IT core skills course include :

Text processing, Spreadsheets, Desk Top publishing, and searching the Internet

The course covers everything you need to know at Intermediate 1 level, but it also provides optional extension material which covers what you need to know at Intermediate 2 level

Download course outline
48KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Learning Outcomes
17KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Assessment

Outcome 1 will be covered while you complete outcomes 2 and 3
Outcome 2 will be covered using three applications packages
Outcome 3 will be covered using the Internet

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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S4 Multimedia

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements

Course Content

Presenting information using Microsoft PowerPoint.

· Linear presentations
· Inserting sound
· Inserting graphics
· Simple animation effects
· Interactive presentations

Presenting information using Microsoft Front Page Editor, and managing a web site using Microsoft Front Page Explorer.

· Simple page navigation
· Graphics formats (gif and jpeg)
· Absolute and relative page references
· Tables
· Image Maps
· Navigation bars

Computer Animation using Macromedia Flash.

· Simple stop motion animation
· Adding sound to an animation
· Using Symbols to reduce file size
· Animation using motion and shape tweening
· Interactive animations using the mouse
· Animated Buttons
· Scrolling Text
· Image maps with hyperlinks

Video Editing using Pinnacle Studio

· Recording video using the digital camcorder
· Editing, Cutting and pasting video
· Adding titles and transitions
· Video file types including MPG, MOV and Flash.
· Adding sound tracks

Download course outline
51KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Assessment

There is no formal assessment for this course, but there are practical tasks set at the end of each of the four units.

Unit Task 1: Create a PowerPoint presentation in the form of a quiz on a famous person or object. The presentation should be interactive, and should include text, sound and graphics.

Unit Task 2: Create a web site which could provide a resource of information for the PowerPoint quiz you created. The web site should include navigation bars, at least one table, and an image map.

Unit Task 3: Create a Flash animation which could be used as a tutorial or illustration for your Presentation / Web site. The animation should include at least three of the Flash techniques learned during the uint.

Unit Task 4: Create a video clip which can be included in your web site or multimedia presentation. The video clip should include an opening or credit sequence created using Flash, a sound track and be a combination of at least two original videos.

Homework

No homework is set for this course

Further Information

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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Intermediate 2 Computing Studies

Entry Requirements

A General level award in Standard Grade Computing Studies or an Intermediate 1 award in Computing Studies.

Course Content

The Computer Systems unit is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of how computer hardware and software is organised, how data is input, stored and output, and to enable you to select computer systems to match specific requirements.

The Software Development unit is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of how software is created commercially and what is necessary in a modern software development environment. We will be using the Visual Basic programming environment developed by Microsoft, and will develop a solution to problems using the following stages of the software development process: analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation.

The Computer Networking unit is designed to develop your knowledge and extend your skills in computer networking - using both Local Area and Wide Area networks.

Download course outline
53KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download course arrangements
873KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Specimen Exam Paper
269KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Assessment

A: Regular homework is used to assess progress throughout the course.

B: Each unit is divided into two Learning Outcomes. The learning outcomes are assessed by a short end of topic test, and a practical exercises.

C: Coursework on the two mandatory units is assessed with a 10 hour practical test. The coursework counts for 30% of your final mark.

D: The examination in May covers all three units and counts for 70% of your final mark.

Homework

Homework should take about an hour a week, and may be consolidation exercises, revision, research or exam preparation.

Further Information

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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Higher Computing Studies

Entry Requirements

A Credit level award in Standard Grade Computing or an Intermediate 2 award in Computing Studies.

Course Content

Two Mandatory Units:

Computer Systems

The Computer Systems unit covers how computer hardware and software is organised, how data is input, stored and output, and to enable you to select computer systems to match specific requirements.

Software Development

The Software Development unit covers how software is created commercially and what is necessary in a modern software development environment. We will be using the Java language developed by Sun Microsystems, and will develop a solution to problems using the following stages of the software development process: analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation.

One Optional Unit:

The Artificial Intelligence unit covers the development of artificial intelligence as well as the representation and processing of knowledge. Several aspects of artificial intelligence are investigated including: expert systems, search strategies, natural language processing, neural networks, and artificial life.

The Computer Networking unit covers Local Area and Wide area computer networks. You will study the Internet, together with the ethical and legal implications of computer networking. This unit is currently the favoured option and is the one taught in class. Students may opt for other topics, but will have to work on their own for some of the time if they do so.

The Multimedia Technology unit is designed to introduce you to the software, hardware, media elements and standards which underpin multimedia. You will develop practical competence in the use of hardware and software to capture and process media elements and develop your problem solving abilities in this domain.

On-line course materials are provided by theHeriot Watt University Scholar project which can be accessed from home as well as school.

Download course outline
56KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download course arrangements
1.1MB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Specimen Exam Paper
393KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Assessment

A: Regular homework is used to assess progress throughout the course.

B: Each unit is divided into two Learning Outcomes. The learning outcomes are assessed by a short multiple choice end of topic test and a practical exercise.

C: Coursework on the two mandatory units is assessed with a 10 hour practical test. The coursework counts for 30% of your final mark.

D: The examination in May covers all three units and counts for 70% of your final mark.

Homework

Homework should take about half an hour a week, and may be consolidation exercises, revision, research or exam preparation.

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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Advanced Higher Computing Studies

Entry Requirements

A pass in Higher Computing Studies.

Course Content

Two Mandatory Units:

Software Development

The Software Development unit is designed to build upon your knowledge and understanding gained at Higher level. It covers analysis and design and applying a design methodology to a problem.

Developing a Software Solution

The Developing a Software Solution This unit requires you to demonstrate an analytical approach to a computing problem, research for information relevant to the problem and to implement a solution.

One Optional Unit:

The Artificial Intelligence unit covers problem solving, knowledge domains, search methods and expert system shells.

The Computer Networking unit covers the characteristics of network application programs and network architecture.

The Computer Architecture unit covers the architecture of microprocessors, assembly language programming and comparing operating systems.

Download course outline
64KB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download course arrangements (Valid from 2005)
1.7MB PDF file, opening in a new window

Download Specimen Paper
236KB PDF file, opening in a new window

 

Assessment

A: Regular homework is used to assess progress throughout the course.

B: Each unit is divided into two Learning Outcomes. The learning outcomes are assessed by a short multiple choice end of topic test and a practical exercise.

C: Your coursework grade is determined by your performance in the coursework project: This will draw on work from the first two units, with much of the practical work being completed as part of unit 2. The coursework project counts for 40% of the final mark

D: The examination in May covers all three units and counts for 60% of your final mark.

Homework

Homework should take about an hour a week, and may be consolidation exercises, revision, research or exam preparation.

Further information can be obtained from Mr King in Room 11, or by email from iking@kelso.scotborders.sch.uk.

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