Welcome to the Computing webpage. Here you will find information about our Computing staff and the range of courses on offer to our young people, from Broad General Education through to the Senior Phase. Our courses are designed to develop digital literacy, problem-solving, creativity and computational thinking, preparing learners for further study, the world of work and an increasingly digital society.
Mr Sands - Teacher of Computing (left)
Mr Mossie - Teacher of Computing (right)
Computing in S1–S3 forms part of the Broad General Education phase and provides learners with a wide range of digital skills and experiences. These courses help pupils build confidence with technology while introducing key concepts that can be developed further in the Senior Phase.
In S1, pupils are introduced to a range of core ICT skills that form the foundation of their learning in Computing.
Using Glow and Google Classroom effectively
Word processing and creating a hierarchical file structure
Cyber safety and responsible online behaviour
Programming using Scratch
Introduction to spreadsheets
In S2, pupils continue to develop their digital skills while being introduced to more technical aspects of Computing.
Databases
Web Development with HTML
Coding with Micro:Bit
Introduction to Python Programming
Cyber Safety
Computer Systems
In S3, learners build on prior knowledge and begin working at a higher level in preparation for National Qualifications.
Databases
Programming using Python
Web Development with HTML, CSS & JavaScript
Micro:Bit Programming
Cyber Fundamentals and Internet Safety
National 4 Computing Science is an internally assessed course with no final exam. The course is made up of 24 SCQF credit points and allows pupils to develop their practical and problem-solving skills at an appropriate pace.
Pupils will study three main areas:
Software Design and Development, where learners create and test programs while developing logical thinking skills.
Information System Design and Development, focusing on how data is collected, stored and processed to solve real-world problems.
The Added Value Unit, which allows pupils to apply their knowledge and skills in a meaningful practical task.
National 5 and Higher Computing Science both consist of 24 SCQF credit points and include time for preparation for course assessment.
The assessment is split into two components. Pupils complete a question paper exam (1 hour 30 minutes at National 5 and 2 hours at Higher) and an assignment, which allows them to demonstrate their practical skills and understanding.
Across both courses, pupils study three key areas:
Software design and development
Computer systems
Web design and development
These courses develop strong analytical, programming and problem-solving skills and provide excellent preparation for further study or careers in Computing and related STEM fields.
The NPA Computer Games Development course consists of three units and provides 18 SCQF credit points. Pupils develop their understanding of computer games through hands-on design and programming tasks.
The course builds skills in problem solving, computational thinking and programming, while also encouraging creativity and teamwork. It supports progression into Computer Science and other STEM-related pathways.
At Levels 4 and 5, pupils complete their project using Scratch, while at Level 6 they use Greenfoot. Assessment is carried out through a portfolio of student work, rather than a final exam.
PC Passport qualifications help pupils develop a strong foundation in essential IT skills that are highly relevant to further education, training and employment.
Across the course, learners develop skills in:
Word processing
Creating and delivering presentations
Using spreadsheets effectively
The qualification provides 18 SCQF credit points and focuses on practical, real-world IT skills that are valued in the workplace.
All students have the opportunity to complete the Bebras Challenge in November of each year.
Access key Computing Science tools, tutorials, and revision resources from the links below:
Irvine Royal Academy,
Kilwinning Road, Irvine, Ayrshire KA12 8SJ
Telephone: 01294 278 756
Fax: 01294 312 636
Email: irvineroyal@ea.n-ayrshire.sch.uk