National 4
There are two units: Information Systems Design and Development and Software Design and Development. Both units have a formal SQA assessment (which includes practical and theory elements) and an informal theory assessment. There is also a practical Added Value Unit that is needed to gain a pass at National 4 level.
National 5 and Higher
There are two units: Information Systems Design and Development and Software Design and Development. Both units have a formal SQA assessment (which includes practical and theory elements) and an informal theory assessment.
There is a 60 mark practical assignment which is combined with the 90 mark final exam. Together they generate a final score out of 150 and the pupils will achieve a grade A, B, C, D or No Award.
The Assignment makes up 40% of the overall award.
The SQA exam makes up 60% of the overall award.
Documents
The following Word files give a comparison of the subject content for the National 4, National 5 and Higher Computing Science courses:
Comparison of National 4 and National 5.
Comparison of National 5 and Higher.
The following PDF files also give some more information about the National 4 and National 5 courses: