Computing Department
The Computing Department has one full-time member of staff, Mr Paul fitzgerald (Principal Teacher).
The department has two networked computer suites each having 20 computers in each Lab. And a mobile (20 Laptops) networked system in the Junior School. An additional 10 Laptops are available for Learning Support.
S1 Syllabus
S1 pupils follow a certificatable SQA course that allows pupils to gain confidence and practical expertise using a variety of applications including: word processing, spreadsheets, database and graphics. Additionally, S1 follows the SQA Internet Safety course that covers all aspects of the safe useage of Internet resources. Course time-table follows one period per weekly cycle.
Homework will be provided on a weekly basis.
S2 Syllabus
S2 pupils follow a certificatable SQA course that allows pupils to gain confidence and practical expertise using a variety of applications including: multimedia, desktop publishing, creating electronic photograph albums, pop videos and editing movies. The course will provide a brief introduction to web page creation. Course time-table follows one period per weekly cycle.
Homework will be provided on a weekly basis.
S3 & S4 Syllabus
The Standard Grade computing course is spread over a two year period. The syllabus focuses on: Computer Applications, Computer Systems and Computer Programming. Students are guided through several practical and programming tasks. The course offers a broad knowledge of computer hardware and software. The assessable components consist of:
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Problem solving
- Practical Abilities.
All students are tested at General and Credit level.
The course content:
- Computer Applications (General Purpose Packages, Communications, Commercial Data Processing and Industrial Applications)
- Computer systems (Hardware, Systems Software, Low Level Machine and Operating Systems)
- Computer Programming (Problem Analysis, Designing of a solution, Implementation, Testing and evaluation)
Assessment
Students will undertake several academic tests each year, and will produce several practical assignments and a major project all of which contributes towards the overall practical abilities grade. A preliminary paper will be sat in S4.
Homework will be provided on a weekly basis.
S5 Syllabus
The Higher Computing course is designed to provide candidates with both the knowledge and understanding, and the practical skills that enable the students to confidently use technology in solving any given problem or scenario. The course consists of two mandatory units:
- Computer Systems
- Software Development
- And an optional unit - Computer Networking
Each unit requires a pass of NABs and practical assignments. Each NAB is supported with extended test questions. The students will undertake a major project that will account for 30% of the overall course marks. The summer examination will account for the remaining 70%.
All students will have a preliminary test in February.
Students will have several weekly homework tasks to conclude.
S6 Syllabus
All S6 students follow the SQA PC Passport at Intermediate level. This ensures that all students leave Fernhill with a computing qualification, preparing them for the future. The course provides practical expertise at a higher level using applications such as: word processing, spreadsheets, database and graphics.
Facilities
A high standard of ICT provision is available throughout the school. Computers in all classrooms, two specialised computing rooms with 40 + networked computers.
// 2 * networked computing suites - extensive upgrade August 2008
// Interactive whiteboards
// 8 mbps Internet connections
// Video-editing, web-page creation and Graphic applications
// Two banks of 'state of the art' Laptops available for P1/P2 and P3 pupils.
// Open access is usually available at lunch times.
Staff: Mr P Fitzgerald (PT Computing)
