Higher Computing Science
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 2021
2022 revision support for learners (Mar 2022)
We have updated this document to provide information on the modifications made to course assessments (coursework and exams) at the start of academic year 2021-22.
We have also updated this document as a result of ongoing feedback and quality assurance. Please use this version.
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).
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
October 2020 - Specimen coursework assessment task for Higher Computing Science
October 2020 - Specimen coursework assessment task for Higher Computing Science (e-files)
October 2020
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards
Additional resources session 2021-22
New – New materials not previously published
Updated – published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward – published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
- Carried forward - Audio presentation - Identifying A and C Marks (33.02 MB)(59 bytes)
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Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator
Course assessment overview
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
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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.
Course Reports
- 2016 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 Higher Computing Science Course Report
October 2017 - 2018 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2018 - 2019 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2019
- Computing Science: Quality Assurance - external verification
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
- Higher Computing Science 2020-21 key messages (172 KB)
June 2021
Verification Reports
- Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 2
June 2017 - 2019 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 Higher Computing Science Course Report
September 2018 - Computing Science Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - Computing Science: Quality Assurance - external verification
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 in the course support notes can be used with reference to the following file:
The Database design and development exemplification in the course support notes can be used with reference to the following file:
- Hotel Bookings (67 KB)
Reference language
- Reference language for Computing Science (479 KB)
September 2016 - Reference language for Computing Science (summary) (224 KB)
September 2016
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330