COMPUTING SCIENCE
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND UNDERSTANDING
Higher







applying computational thinking to understand problems across a range
of contexts
analysing problems with some complex aspects within computing
science across a range of contemporary contexts
designing, implementing, testing and evaluating digital solutions
(including computer programs) to problems with some complex aspects
across a range of contemporary contexts
developing skills in computer programming and the ability to
communicate how a program works by being able to read and interpret
code
communicating understanding of advanced concepts related to software
design and development and information system design and
development, clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology
investigating and evaluating the legal, environmental, economic, and
social impact of contemporary computing technologies
applying computing science concepts and techniques to create solutions
across a range of contexts
Advanced Higher







applying computational thinking to solve complex computing problems
analysing complex problems within computing science across a range of
contemporary contexts
analysing, designing, developing, implementing, testing and evaluating
digital solutions (including computer programs) to complex problems
across a range of contexts
developing advanced skills in computer programming and the ability to
communicate how a program works
communicating understanding of complex concepts related to software
design and development and information system design, development
and management clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology
knowledge and understanding of the wide role and impact of
contemporary computing technologies on the environment and society
investigating and reporting on contemporary computing technologies
COURSE STRUCTURE
Higher
Course Structure: 2 Units and Course Assessment
Software Design and Development
Information System Design and Development
Advanced Higher
Course Structure: 2 Units and Course Assessment

Software Design and Development
Information System Design and Development
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Higher
Course Assessment:
Component 1 – question paper (90 marks)
Component 2 – assignment (60 marks)
Advanced Higher
Course Assessment:
Component 1 – project (90 marks)
Component 2 – question paper (60 marks)
Higher
Advanced Higher
Question Paper
Project
The question paper will have two sections.
Section 1 of the question paper will have 20 marks. It will consist of short
answer questions will which give learners an opportunity to demonstrate
breadth of knowledge from across the Course. It will require some
calculations.
Section 2 of the paper will have 70 marks. It will consist of structured
questions which will give learners an opportunity to draw on and
demonstrate application of knowledge and understanding to answer
appropriately challenging context-based questions. Some questions will
draw on understanding from two or more topics and may require
integration of this understanding. It may require some calculations.
The purpose of the project is to assess practical application of knowledge
and skills from across the Course to develop a solution to an appropriately
challenging and complex computing-based problem. It will assess learners’
skills in planning and designing a solution to a problem, implementing and
testing a solution, and evaluating and reporting on that solution.
The project should clearly demonstrate application of significant knowledge
and skills, at an appropriate level, from across the Course.
This question paper will be set and marked by SQA, and conducted in
centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.
Learners will complete this question paper in 2 hours.
Assignment
Marks will be awarded for:
 Analysing the problem
 Building a solution (designing, developing, testing)
 Reporting on the solution
The assignment is set by SQA and conducted under some supervision and
control. Evidence will be internally marked by centre staff in line with SQA
marking instructions.
The project is set by centres within SQA guidelines and conducted under
some supervision and control. Evidence will be internally marked by centre
staff in line with SQA marking instructions.
Question Paper
This question paper will give learners an opportunity to demonstrate the
following skills, knowledge and understanding:
 the ability to apply computational thinking to understand problems across
a range of contexts
 analysing complex problems within computing science across a range of
contemporary contexts
 the ability to communicate how a well-structured, complex modular
program works
 the ability to communicate complex computing science concepts clearly
and concisely, using appropriate terminology
 in-depth knowledge and understanding of key aspects of contemporary
information system project planning and management
 knowledge and understanding of contemporary programming paradigms
The question paper will be set and marked by SQA, and conducted in
centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.
Learners will complete the question paper in 2 hours.