Computing and IT

Mr D Hamilton BSc, MSc, CEng, MBCS, CITP (Head of Department)
Mrs P Boal BSc, MBCS
Miss K Macdonal BSc

It is essential that our pupils are aware of the applications of computers at work, in the home and in leisure time and are able to adapt to developments in information and communications technology. Our society requires individuals to be effective managers of information and to be able to make the best use of hardware and software in working collaboratively in our connected world.

An aim of the department is to provide pupils with the knowledge and understanding and the practical problem solving skills to develop the next generation of hardware and software tools.

Morrison's Academy has been among the first schools to offer new certificate courses in Computing and IS as they have become available. The department has an excellent record of success in SQA presentations. The Head of Department has considerable experience of curriculum development at both local and national levels.

S1 and S2 classes are introduced to a wide range of software applications and taught how to use them in problem solving contexts. From the outset, we stress the importance of analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation when devising a solution to a problem. National Qualifications courses in Computing are offered to pupils in S3 to S6. In addition, a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) course is offered to fifth and sixth year pupils; this is a skills-based course leading to a widely-recognised qualification in basic IT skills. Morrison's Academy is an accredited ECDL test centre.

Courses are regularly updated to reflect the rapid developments in the subject.  Extensive use is made of our VLE to enhance teaching and learning.

Courses

S1 & S2
S1 and S2 classes are timetabled for one period of Computing/IT per week. The courses are regularly updated in response to developments in technology and national initiatives.  Over the two years, pupils study topics in Computer Networks, the World Wide Web, Databases, Spreadsheets, Web Publishing,  Audio Editing, Graphics and Programming. The department works in collaboration with other departments (eg producing a radio play with the English department). 

S3 & S4
Standard Grade Computing Studies, is available to pupils in S3 and S4. This course follows on from work done in S1 and S2 and prepares pupils for the study of Comuting at Higher. The course consists of units of study in Computer Systems, General Purpose Packages, Commercial and Industrial Applications, Communications and Networks, and Programming.

S5 & S6
The units of study in Higher Grade Computing are Computer Systems, Software Development and Computer Networking.  This leads on to Advanced Higher Computing for pupils in S6.

Advanced Higher Computing treats software development more rigourously and extends pupils' knowledge and understanding in computer networking.  The units of study are, Software Development, Development a Software Solution and Computer Networking. The coursework project allows pupils to apply practical skills and knowledge in a complex practical context.

The ECDL course covers seven modules which are Security for IT Users, IT User Fundamentals, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, Presentations, Using Email and the Internet.