S2 Computing Science
Course Overview
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 4 main units, each unit containing a number of different topics.
The topics are:
Databases
This topic 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 software FileMaker Pro and extract information in a specified layout using the search and sort features.
Web site creation
This topic allows pupils to develop knowledge and an understanding of the HTML code used to create a web page. Pupils will create web pages containing text, graphics and video, using Brackets software. The web pages will display the information using specified formats and layouts and will contain links to all other web pages. The need of standard file formats for text and audio files when creating web pages will also be explored.
Software Development
This topic allows pupils to develop knowledge and an understanding of the first 4 stages in a software development project. 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, fixed loops and conditional loops. They will also
Computer Systems
This topic allows pupils to build on the concepts taught in S1, looking not only at how information is stored inside the computer and the function of the hardware attached but also at different computer networks and how they transmit data.
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 worms, trojans and hacking and looking at how the risks to these maybe reduced with the use of anti-virus software and robust passwords.
Computers and the Law
This topic explores the Computer Misuse Act and the Copyright, Design and Patents Act.
Methodology
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.
Assessment
Pupils undertake an online test at the end of each unit.
Unit 1 – WB 28th October
Unit 2 – WB 24th February
Unit 3 – WB 16th March
Unit 4 – WB 4th May
There will also be a final S2 course online test in May WB 18th May
Practical work will be assessed throughout the year by the class teacher and by their peers.
Recording & Reporting
The online tests and practical project results form the basis for the comments in the pupil report issued to parents in May.
Miss Stalker CL .. Mr Lodge.. Mrs Zafar
S2 CfE
This course consists of 2 periods per week for each S2 class.
Topics taught
June
Introduction to the S2 course
Types of Computers
August to Feb
Data Representation
Networks including MS365
Operating systems & Applications
Test unit 1 A WB 21st October
Databases
Theory Revision
Test Unit 1 B WB 24th Feb
Jan/ Feb – March
Security Risks
Website and HTML
Media Types
Theory Revision
Test unit 2 WB 16th March
March – April
Computers and the Law
Animation:Flipbook or Styz
MS365 revision
Easter Holidays – New Timetable
Software Development Process
Programming – Livecode
Theory Revision
Test WB 4TH MAY
Easter Holidays – New Timetable
Programming – Livecode
Theory Revision
S2 Exam WB 18th May
Resources
S2 Synopsis booklet will be available on paper and an electronic copy will also be available using an S2 pupil MS365 account.
Quicktime videos of the presentations used in class will be available using an S2 pupil MS365 account.
Internet Safety:
Animation
Programming
HTML
Web Design Worksheet
We encourage students to be working on achieving their bronze IDEA award – follow this link to access the challenges.
Email : StudentNumber@ea.edin.sch.uk
Password – can be reset if forgotten at home.