Computing

Welcome to Computing

Submitted by ctm on Fri, 30/06/2006 - 00:44

Introduction

Standard Grade computing is taught by Mr. C. McGinlay in third and fourth year. You can read a summary of the course in the S2 option book page.

Among other things, this page currently hosts computing homework and IT news. You can access these items directly from the main menu, without having to come through this page.

PHP LogoPHP Logo

A significant component of the course is programming, especially at General and Credit levels. The programming course booklet can be downloaded here.

A course summary, in draft form is attached below (licence GNU FDL). In practice, things have changed slightly, so a new summary needs to be uploaded. You'll need OpenOffice to read it.

 

Web Links

Not in any particular order:

AttachmentSize
work_planner_computing.odt92.35 KB

Computer Programming

Submitted by ctm on Wed, 01/04/2009 - 23:36

This is assessed internally (by the class teacher) through practical programming work. Most pupils learn the popular PHP programming language using the text 'PHP Coding with the Penguin' written by C. McGinlay.

All pupils will attempt at least two assessed programming exercises in third year, with the option to complete a larger programming project in fourth year.

Computing S3

Submitted by ctm on Mon, 07/12/2009 - 23:35

Current Topics

With Mr. Sinclair, the class are studying Presentation software. With Mr. McGinlay the class are ready for their first PHP programming assessment.

Computing S4

Submitted by ctm on Mon, 07/12/2009 - 23:31

Current Teaching Topics

Our next topic will be databases, beginning after the holidays.

Project and Practical

Most pupils have selected their project and everyone will continue to work on that next week.

Computing Links

Submitted by ctm on Tue, 08/12/2009 - 00:03

A small selection of links.

Programming Languages

Software Recommendations

Submitted by ctm on Sun, 01/02/2009 - 14:29

Software Recommendations for Standard Grade Computing

Parents and pupils can take advantage of some excellent software. Spending time at home becoming proficient with any of these will be of benefit to a good general background understanding in the course.

  • Graphics
    • Inkscape - powerful vector graphics
    • GIMP - photo editing
    • Krita - easy to use
  • Multimedia
    • Amarok - music organiser and player
    • Rythmbox - music organiser and player
    • VLC - video/audio player - plays just about ANY format
    • Audacity - audio editor with multitrack ability
    • k3b - excellent CD/DVD burning software

Computing in the News

Link Source
Bionic feet for amputee cat BBC
Robot used to guide surgeons through knee operations BBC
Forth Valley Royal Hospital to use robot 'workers' BBC
Seven atom transistor sets the pace for future PCs BBC
Autonomous Sliding Parking YouTube
Internet approaches addressing limit BBC
Smartphones to get novel memory material BBC
Doctor fixes heart with remote-controlled robot Reuters
Robots and gaming on the timetable at hi-tech school BBC
What is the memory capacity of the human brain? SciAm
more