What Course!

The use of computing technologies changing forever the way we study, work and spend our leisure time. It makes sense then to be at the cutting edge in order to get the best jobs and to study effectively you need to be familiar with the latest technology. But technology and information technology is more than just about Computer Science.

At Johnstone High School, the dynamic and ground breaking I.T Department is leading the way in using information technology to make learning and teaching more effective and fun.

We deliver a range of courses, so look at their details below. See which one suits you. There will be one!

 

Standard Grade Computing Studies

This is a comprehensive course covering the main aspects of computing and information technology. Although the course is made from an interesting mix of theory and practical work, the main emphasis is on practical work. As a result all your time will be spent on a computer using our class leading and continually developing website. This contains all the information you need together with practical exercises, homework and hundreds of 'How to' videos. You can work along with these and watch again and again without worrying that you are holding anyone up. More than any other subject you have control over your own learning.

The course is split into five main sections.

1. General Purpose Packages: This section extends upon the skills and an knowledge you have gained in S1 and S2. It covers the use of the most common business tools (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, graphics) together with website authoring packages - no business today can exist without a website. Here, you will have an opportunity to release your creativity and develop your own multimedia website.
   

   You will learn about networking, different ways of communicating using technology and how to make your internet browsing skills even more effective. We will also look at the Laws that control what we can do with computers and examine the impact computers are having on society and the way we work.

2. Computer Systems: Technology is expensive both for yourself and business. To be sure you don't make expensive mistakes you have to know your 'drivers' from your elbow, your 'RAM' from your 'ROM', your MACOS from your XP-PRO.

   This section looks at all the different gadgets that can be connected together to make up computer systems and you will also discover what software is needed to make all the different bits and pieces work together. By the end of this section you will understand many common computer problems and how to repair them. You'll know how to get the best from your computer and maybe even feel confident of building your own at home.

3. Commercial Data Processing: Business is extremely competitative and everyone shops. This unit examines the way computers are being used to help businesses become more efficient and gain an advantage over their competitors. You will also discover the ways in which technology is being used to make shopping on-line or in the high street more enjoyable.

   At the end of this unit you will never look at shopping in the same way again and will understand why some businesses are more successful than others.

4. Automated Systems: Increasingly businesses are using robots to carry and make things. Here, you will look at different robot types, what they can do, how they find their way about together with the sensors they use to help them work. We will also look at the new developing 'intelligent' robots and the ways in which they can operate indepedently from human control. - Will Smith watch out!

   We will also spend time looking at the ways which technology can help design new products and how this can be linked with the manufacturing process. At the end you may want to be a designer, a robot builder, a maintenance engineer, a robot trainer or a systems analyst. Perhaps you will be building the intelligent robots of the future!

5. Programming: All computer systems and technology need programmes to make them work, whether its a small 'App' downloaded from an 'App Store', a complete major suite like Microsoft Office or a game like 'Call of Duty: Black Ops'. This unit will provide a solid foundation in the main programming building blocks and you will become a 'Master of the Universe' where nothing happens unless you program for it. You have ultimate control!

   Perhaps you will be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs: programmers so wealthy they need computers to count all their money. Maybe you will design the next BIG must have game? Or will you develop phone Apps that everyone will want to use?

 

Equipment Required

Only Headphones. These are essential!

 

 

Standard Grade Administration

Details to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Grade Accounting

Details to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate II Information Systems

Details to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Grade Information Systems

Details to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Grade Accounting

Details to be provided

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Grade Administration

Details to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

Use the links in the sidebar to see where you can take your studies even further. You can also see the sort of jobs that would be possible!