Computing and ICT
Computing is offered at all levels from Junior School through to examinable subjects in Senior School. The aims in the department are to develop pupils' ability in the use of computers so that they can use them competently and confidently, transfer skills learned to other areas and kindle an interest, awareness and enjoyment of IT.
Accommodation comprises two computer suites with twenty fully-networked PCs in each. There is a wide selection of software available on each computer and this is accessible to pupils during most lunchtimes to do assignments or research in a monitored and secure environment.
The 5-14 arrangements are followed until pupils reach S1. Throughout the 5-14 course pupils are introduced to a wide range of problem-solving tools which are both hardware and software based.
From S2 onwards all pupils being the S-Grade course. They will either sit Credit/General in S3 or move across to Intermediate 1 and sit the exam in this at the end of S3. During both these courses the department aims to teach beyond the level required and pupils are exposed to application packages such as Adobe Flash and Dreamweaver.
Thereafter IT is no longer a compulsory subject. However, courses are offered in both Information Systems and Computing subjects up to and including Higher and Advanced Higher. Computing consists of three units studying Computer Systems, Software Development and Artificial Intelligence. Information Systems has been newly updated and consists of Database Systems (including Relational Databases), Using Information and Applied Multimedia.
PC Passport is also available at three levels for those who wish to continue to enhance their IT skills without the necessity of sitting an exam at the end of the academic year.