Computing
The Department of Computing has two broad goals within the school: to meet the general Information Technology needs of the school community; and to provide a platform for pupils to gain technical expertise in an ever-changing subject.
Increasingly pupils are called upon to use computers, networks, and electronic resources throughout their academic and non-academic lives. The department provides courses on a range of office and Internet applications to support them in their studies across the school curriculum, and beyond into Further Education and the workplace. In Form 6, these courses can result in PC Passport course accreditation.
In Forms 3 and 4 pupils are offered an Intermediate 2 Information Systems course which is aimed at further developing generic transferrable skills, while building up a solid knowledge of the concepts behind creating and managing information resources.
In Forms 5 and 6 pupils can opt to study Higher, and then Advanced Higher, Computing. These courses provide a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of the structure of computer systems and networks, as well as developing programming skills. Advanced Higher Computing includes a significant software project, with recent pupils having developed products as diverse as a web-based appointment scheduling system, an card game for the iPhone, and a 3D game targeted at the Xbox 360 games console
The department provides structured independent learning across all year groups and courses, with pupils being supported to make the most of their own potential.
For further information, please see the curriculum pages.