Page last updated on Monday 7th July 2008

Higher Computing

The development of computing has been significant in terms of speed of change and broadening of usage. Computing is both a science and a technology. It encompasses a very wide field of study and supports developments in many other fields of study.

It provides us with many increasingly powerful hardware and software tools. Our society requires more and more individuals to have the skills to use those tools, to understand how they work and to have the ability to develop new and improved tools.

The higher course is not only about learning to use current hardware and software. It is designed to provide students with both the necessary knowledge and understanding and the practical problem solving skills to enable them to become the ICT tool designers of the future.

Entry Requirements
A pass at Intermediate II Computing is required for entry.

Course Content
The course is made up of two mandatory units, Computer Systems and Software Development, and one optional unit Computer Networking.

Computer Systems
This unit develops an understanding of how a computer works. It builds on the work studied at Intermediate II level. Students will look at data representation, computer structure, peripherals, networking and computer software.

Software Development
In this unit the student will develop their skills in using Visual basic to solve complex problems. Areas taught are the software development process, languages and environments, language constructs and standard algorithms

Computer Networking
This unit is chosen as the optional unit as computer networking is becoming central to a significant number of developments in the world of computing. The Internet, home networking, wi-fi, bluetooth all impinge on the way we lead our lives. This unit develops the students' knowledge and understanding of how devices communicate, what role protocols play, how to deal with security threats and how to use the range of network applications currently available.

Assessment
Each unit involves both theoretical and practical NAB assessment. The theoretical test will be short response answers to questions and the practical test will be the completion of a practical checklist to demonstrate competence in a range of skills.

The coursework task, which the student will complete during the year, contributes 30% of the final mark

The student will sit a final examination in May. The paper, which is out of 140 marks, contributes 70% of the final mark

Progression
• to Advanced Higher Computing
• to Higher Education programmes in Computer science and related areas