Computing
Computing is taught as a discrete subject from the start of Senior School and the department also provides specialist ICT teaching in Primaries Six and Seven in the Junior School. The department has three up-to-date suites where practical work is integral to the curriculum, offering courses in Computing up to Advanced Higher level and Information Systems at Higher. Participation in trips and visits is encouraged as well as contribution towards the School’s extensive programme of extra-curricular activities.
Computing: Staffing
Mr Jeremy Scott (Head of Department)
Mr Scott joined Heriot’s as Head of Computing in 2001. As well as teaching Computing and Information Systems, he serves on the School’s ICT committee. Mr Scott is the developer of the School’s in-house tracking & reporting software HERTS and applies experience in publishing to produce several of the School’s publications. Mr Scott also runs the Digital Photography Club and the Computer Building Club.
Mr Clark Finlay
Mr Finlay is responsible for after-school Robotics where pupils have the chance to build and program robots using the Lego Mindstorms kits. He also assists with the more technical aspects of the Film Making after-school activity which is open to pupils in S4-6.
Ms Judith McColgan
Ms McColgan joined Heriot’s in August 2003, having taught in Edinburgh and Glasgow schools as well as Glasgow University. She is joint housemistress of Greyfriars House. A qualified archery instructor, she is also responsible for the Heriot Hurricanes cheerleading squad and is involved in running a P7 – S3 indoor rock-climbing club.
Mr Semmler joined Heriot's in August 2000 having previously taught in London and NSW, Australia. He is a graduate of the University of New England in Armidale, Australia. As well as teaching Computing, he is the Director of IT and is responsible for the School's IT infrastructure. Mr Semmler is also involved in extra-curricular Rugby and Cricket at S2 level.Mr Adrian Semmler
Computing: Curriculum
S1 Computing
The P6–7 ICT provides the foundation upon which we build in S1–2, providing a stepping stone into secondary Computing and Standard Grade, should the pupil choose the latter. By the end of S2, all pupils are equipped with a solid base of skills which complements the broader curriculum, proving invaluable in whatever course of study they choose from S3. Assessments (practical and/or written) are given at the end of each topic.
In S1, pupils receive a single period of specialist Computing teaching per week. The course in S1 focuses on three major topics: The Internet (including effective searching, Internet history and safety), Spreadsheets and Computer Graphics.
S2 Computing
The S2 course focuses on Databases, WWW Page Creation, Multimedia and Programming. In Databases, pupils learn to structure information for storage on a database system and to use databases to solve problems. In WWW page creation, pupils learn the basics of HTML coding before moving on to use an authoring package such as Dreamweaver. Finally, in Multimedia, pupils work in groups to produce a multimedia web site, combining graphics and video editing skills, with WWW page design and creation skills.
S3/4 (Standard Grade Computing Studies)
This course seeks to equip pupils with an understanding of how and where computers are used in today’s society. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop practical ICT skills and awareness of the implications of the ICT revolution. Topics studied fall into 3 main categories: Computer Applications, Computer Programming and Computer Systems.
Hands‑on experience is an important element of the course. Pupils will use a wide variety of programs and the Internet to consolidate their practical ICT skills. This practical activity also serves to underpin the theory and is formally assessed throughout the course (see above).
S5/6 Higher Computing
The purpose of Higher Computing is to introduce pupils to the principles and practice of computer systems together with the stages in developing a software product. The course is aimed at anyone seeking a firm grounding in Computing and is particularly suitable for those wishing to pursue a career or further study in this field.
The course consists of three units: Computer Systems, Software Development and Artificial Intelligence, each containing unit assessments which cover both practical and theory work. Practical coursework makes up 30% of the final grade. The exam is theory only and makes up the remaining 70% of the grade.
Candidates undertaking Higher Computing are registered with the SCHOLAR on-line learning programme provided by Heriot-Watt University, providing support in the form of comprehensive on-line materials as well as a set of course notes.
S5/6 Higher Information Systems
Information Systems was introduced to Heriot’s in session 2006-07 and has already become firmly established. The course seeks to develop candidates’ database and information skills and allows them to focus on specific aspects of Information Systems such as data-driven systems and multimedia. It is particularly suitable for candidates seeking a firm grounding in applied Computing, but who do not wish to pursue the more Computer Science-oriented Higher in Computing.
The course consists of three units, comprising Using Information, Relational Database Systems and Applied Multimedia. Unit assessments cover both practical and theory work Coursework makes up 30% of the final grade. The exam is theory only and makes up the remaining 70%. Candidates undertaking Higher Information Systems are also registered with the SCHOLAR on-line learning programme.
S6 Advanced Higher Computing
Advanced Higher Computing is aimed at pupils who are seeking to pursue a university course or career in Computing or broader IT. The course Software Development and Computer Architecture, with a major focus being a coursework project, which contributes 40% of the final award. The final exam is theory only and makes up the remaining 60%.