Higher Computing Science

Computing
Science National 3 National 4 National 5 Higher Adv Higher

Updates and announcements

Subject updates

October 2017 subject update (231 KB)
October 2016 subject update (286 KB)

Understanding the next steps for Computing Science

19-OCT-2017

Note for teachers and lecturers: The following guidance was published in August 2016 and details temporary measures that were put in place to reduce the volume of assessment in session 2016-17. The unit thresholds detailed in this document can continue to be applied to both units in National Courses and freestanding SCQF level 5 units from session 2017-18 onwards. However, the information on course assessment is no longer valid. Please refer instead to the most up-to-date course specification document for information on course assessment.

Understanding the next steps for session 2016-17 (144 KB)

Details of changes to Understanding Standards packs can be found here.

Updated course specification for Higher Computing Science

16-AUG-2018

We have updated the course specification for Higher Computing Science with the following amendments in the course support notes section:

In Appendix 5, we have amended the references of 'accuracy' to 'precision' in the ‘range and precision’ section
In Appendix 10 and Appendix 11, we have amended the wildcard notations from Access specific (*) and (?) to generic (%) and (_), reflecting how they will be presented in the assessment
In Appendix 12, we have replaced the distorted graphics.

Minor update to the specimen question paper for Higher Computing Science

16-AUG-2018

We have made a minor update to the specimen question paper for Higher Computing Science to correct the name of the table in Question 14.

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Essential Information

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.

Higher Computing Science Course Specification
August 2018

Course Reports

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

2018 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2018
2017 Higher Computing Science Course Report October 2017
2016 Higher Computing Science Course Report October 2016
2015 Higher Computing Science Course Report Oct 2015
Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 2 June 2017
Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
Computing Science Verification Key Messages October 2016
Computing Science Verification Key Messages October 2015

Computing Science: Quality Assurance - external verification

Assessment

Specimen Question Papers

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

Higher Computing Science Specimen Question Paper
August 2018

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

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.

Specimen coursework assessment task for Higher Computing Science (e-files)
August 2018
Specimen coursework assessment task for Higher Computing Science
August 2018
Specimen coursework assessment task for Higher Computing Science
August 2018

Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Producing and Submitting Coursework

Resources

Understanding Standards

Please note: Understanding Standards material is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date.

More examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA’s secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.

CPD

Additional CPD support

Where any particular areas of concern are identified, which are not addressed by our Understanding Standards events or support materials, we will offer free continuing professional development (CPD) training, subject to request. CPD support is subject-specific and can be tailored to cover one or more qualification level. To find out more about this service visit our CPD page.

Course support

The Web design and development exemplification can be used with reference to the following file:

Higher Computing Science example website

Reference language

Reference language for Computing Science (479 KB)
September 2016
Reference language for Computing Science (summary) (224 KB)
September 2016