Our S2 course follows the Experiences and Outcomes outlined in A Curriculum for Excellence – Technologies Curriculum Area.

Computers play an important part in today’s society.  The course aims to develop skills and confidence in the use of computers and broaden the pupil’s understanding of the wide range of applications available.

The course is divided into the following units of work:

Web Site Creation

This unit allows pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of the HTML and CSS code used to create web pages.   Pupils will create multimedia web pages using Brackets software.  Some of the tasks will allow pupil choice and give them an opportunity to design and create web pages on topics that interest them.

Computer Systems/Media Types

This unit allows pupils to build on the concepts taught in S1, looking at computer architecture, how to convert between denary and binary and the different ways to store media in computers

Animation

This unit explores the history of animation and Pivot Animator  software is used to create animations that have been designed using storyboards.

Security Risks and Precautions

This topic addresses the many issues that may arise with the increasing use of computer systems in day-to-day life.  It focuses on protecting the data held on computing devices with particular emphasis on the effect of malware and hacking and looking at how the risks to these maybe reduced with the use of anti-virus software and robust passwords.

Databases

This unit allows pupils to develop knowledge and an understanding of how a database can be used store and extract information.  Pupils will create databases using the Microsoft Access and extract information using searching and sorting features.

MicroBits

This unit uses BBC MicroBits to look at the relationship between computer hardware and software.  Pupils program MicroBits using a variety of languages such as Blocks Programming, JavaScript and/or Python.

Software Development

This topic allows pupils to develop knowledge and an understanding of the first 4 stages in a software development process.  They will be able to identify the tasks involved in these stages and put this knowledge into practise during practical tasks.  Pupils will use LiveCode software to create programs containing assignments, conditional statements, and fixed loops.

Teacher-led discussion, cooperative group work and formative assessment strategies are used to give pupils the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their knowledge, practical skills and skills for learning, life and work.

Pupils undertake an online test at the end of each unit.

Unit 1 – WB 28th October

Unit 2 – WB 2nd March

Unit 3 – WB 30th April

There will also be a final S1 course online test in May WB 11th & WB 18th

Practical work will be assessed throughout the year by the class teacher and by their peers.

The online tests and practical work form the basis for the pupil tracking reports issued to parents.