Advanced Higher Computing Science

Computing
Science National 3 National 4 National 5 Higher Adv Higher

Subject updates

October 2019 subject update (196 KB)
October 2018 subject update (271 KB)

National 5 to Advanced Higher Course information for 2020-21

07-OCT-2020

National Course modification summary: Computing Science

Information on National Course changes for session 2020/21

Course information 2021-22

23-JUN-2021

The following modification decisions are valid regardless of the agreed approach to assessment in session 2021-22.

National 3

There will be no modifications for session 2021-22.

National 4

Modifications for session 2021-22 will remain the same as session 2020-21.

There will be no requirement to complete the added value unit assessment.

National 5

Modifications for session 2021-22 will remain the same as session 2020-21.

Question paper: 80 marks

Assignment: 40 marks

Optionality between database design and development (DDD) and web design and development (WDD) will remain in both the assignment and the question paper.

Higher

Modifications for session 2021-22 will remain the same as session 2020-21.

Question paper: 80 marks

Assignment: 40 marks

Optionality between DDD and WDD will remain in both the assignment and the question paper.

Advanced Higher

Question paper: we will retain the modification that removed computer systems (CS) from the question paper and introduce an option of WDD or DDD, which will reduce the total marks for this component. Note: we will confirm the structure and total marks when available.

The option of WDD* or DDD in the question paper will reduce the depth of learning required in one of these topics, and allow teachers and lecturers to focus on the practical skills across the course. This will give centres some flexibility to deliver the course in the way that best suits their candidates.

*At Advanced Higher level, much of the WDD content will require an understanding of database-driven websites. Marks will focus on WDD content (for example PHP). There will be no requirement to assess the database aspect of the question, but it will provide context to the scenario.

Project: for session 2021-22, we will reinstate 'Evaluation' into the project, which will return to 80 marks. The project is open book, over an extended period of time.

Manage MyAlerts

Alternative certification model

The alternative certification model is how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be resulted this year, following the cancellation of the 2021 exams. It involves five different stages.

View the alternative certification model and see what will happen at each stage.

2021 Key Messages

The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021. SQA appointees reviewed and provided feedback on a selection of assessment evidence from SQA centres. Subject-specific feedback has been provided to those centres for each course and level they were selected for.

The key messages report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted and reviewed across all the selections. This report is provided for all delivering centres to reflect upon and make any appropriate adjustments.

Advanced Higher Computing Science 2020-21 key messages
June 2021

Course Specification

Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Advanced Higher Computing Science Course Specification
August 2019

Gathering evidence (May 2021)

Guidance

Advanced Higher Computing Science: Guidance on gathering key evidence in session 2020-21

SQA Academy course

Determining provisional results for session 2020-21

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Specimen Question Papers

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Advanced Higher Computing Science Specimen Question Paper
February 2021

Coursework

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Coursework Assessment Task for Advanced Higher Computing Science June 2019

Guidance on conditions of assessment

Coursework for External Assessment

Understanding Standards (Apr 2021)

Additional resources session 2020-21

Audio presentation - Gathering evidence (33.55 MB)
Audio presentation - Identifying A and C marks (33.11 MB) (59 bytes)
Candidate evidence and commentaries - Project (these examples have been published on the SQA secure site, you can access these through your SQA coordintaor).

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Please note: For session 2020-21 there will be no external assessment for this course. The materials below should therefore be viewed along with the National 5 to Advanced Higher Course information for 2020-21.

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries