In today’s world, computers are used in almost every kind of business and organisation and many people have a computer at home. New technology is advancing at a rapid rate and developments like the Internet and electronic mail are having a huge impact on industry and commerce. This course is therefore likely to be very useful to you, whatever career you decide to follow.

There are four main areas of work in this course:

• general purpose packages – learning how to use computer tools such as Databases, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Graphics, and Communication Software
• applications – learning how computers are used in industry, commerce and the communications industry
• computer systems – learning the technological aspects of computers such as Robotics and Computer Aided Design
• programming – learning how to programme the computer
• during the course students spend a large amount of time gaining “hands-on” experience on computers.

Computing Studies is assessed at Foundation, General and Credit levels

• knowledge and understanding and problem solving are assessed by an external examination, set and marked by the SQA
• practical abilities are assessed by the teacher in school, based on project work and coursework

Successful completion of this course will normally lead to study at the following levels:

• a pass at Foundation Level – Intermediate 1
• a pass at General Level – Intermediate 2
• a pass at Credit Level – Higher