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Staff

• Mr S. Millar (PT Technology)
• Mrs L. Glen (PT Computing)
• Mr R. Burgess

Resources

Accommodation

Four rooms equipped with effective benching and power distribution provide a pleasant and stimulating environment for effective teaching. Three of the labs are interconnected. The fourth is adjacent. Each room is easily accessible from one of the others.

Hardware

At present we have 40 iMac computers and 40 PCs, 20 in each room. All have access to the school-wide Ethernet network. Within the department there are four network laser printers. There is also two SMART boards, four data projectors, a digital camera and four scanners. Central file storage and print serving is provide by a Server running Microsoft NT network operating system. BT Syntegra have provided a broadband modem link allowing school wide access to the Internet via the Edinburgh Schools Network.

Software

All workstations have a basic stock of software installed; this includes Claris/AppleWorks v5, Codewarrior Pascal, Intermodeler, MicroWorlds and HyperStudio. Some also have Microsoft Office and some have FileMaker Pro. All imacs are protected by MacPrefect.

Software is upgraded when necessary and manufacturers’ licence conditions are adhered to at all times.

Aims

1. To contribute to the aims, goals and ethos of the school.

2. To provide education in Information and Communications

3. Technology appropriate to the needs of our pupils.

4. To enhance the curriculum and teaching/learning process across all subjects by the use of computer technology.

5. To give skills and qualifications for future life.

6. To foster an interest, confidence and competence in the use of ICT.

7. To create a non-threatening, secure environment with a positive, confidence-building atmosphere.

8. To continue to develop the knowledge and skills of the teaching staff of the department, and (where possible) to participate in the training in ICT of other staff.

9. To prepare pupils for external examinations where appropriate.

Ethos / Discipline

The computing department actively promotes the current whole school behaviour policy. Staff are encouraged to be familiar with the policy. School rules and sanctions are visible in all teaching areas. Within that framework, the department is recognised by pupils and staff as being welcoming and non-threatening. Positive behaviour approaches are promoted throughout the department and staff expectations of pupil standards of behaviour are high. At all times, pupils are encouraged to produce work of their highest quality.

The department operates an open-door policy during the normal timetable to pupils from other departments requiring the use of a computer for word processing or other school related work. This policy also extends to staff from other departments who require use of a computer or merely advice on an ICT related problem.

The department is open at lunchtime and after school to pupils requiring to catch up on school work. An after school club is also available for this purpose or for those who wish merely to explore the facilities offered by a particular piece of software. At this moment in time, games are not permitted in the department. 

 Courses

Standard Grade Computing Studies

Computing Studies Access 3

Computing Studies Intermediate 1

Computing Intermediate 2

Computing Higher

Computing Advanced Higher

Information Systems Intermediate 2