Computer Education Department Policies
DEPARTMENTAL AIMS
We all live in an Information Society where being able to use information and communication technology is becoming more and more important. Bearing this in mind, the department has the following aims (which are to be taken in conjunction with the School Aims):-
- To develop students’ skills in using information and communication technology.
- To make students aware of the kinds of task which benefit most from using information and communication technology.
- To make students aware of the uses to which information and communication technology is put in society as a whole.
- To develop a planned approach to all work.
TEACHING AND LEARNING POLICY
Effective teaching is essential if students are to achieve their maximum potential.
There are many factors which can contribute to providing a good framework for learning. The following points represent ways in which this can be achieved.
- Teachers should employ a variety of teaching methodologies.
- Teaching resources should be appropriate to the level being taught.
- Praise should be an integral part of all lessons.
- Teachers should create an organised and disciplined learning environment.
- Students should be encouraged to plan, implement and evaluate their work.
- There should be regular assessment (formal or informal) with remediation if necessary.
- All homework should be directly relevant to the course objectives and should be marked.
- There should be regular course evaluation.
- Teachers should be familiar with “confidential lists” (behavioural, learning and health problems) which are issued by learning support department.
- Teachers should liase with learning support staff, guidance staff and when appropriate with parents.
ASSESSMENT POLICY
Students are regularly assessed at appropriate points in the various courses offered. Classroom teachers are responsible for making sure that students have at least one week’s notice of formal tests and receive their results promptly.
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
S1 Information Technology
Students are assessed by classroom observation, project work and by various end of topic tests. Students are graded using 5-14 criteria.
S2 Information Technology
Students are assessed by classroom observation, project work and by various end of topic tests. Students are graded using 5-14 criteria.
S3 Standard Grade Computing Studies
| KU/PS | Students complete end of topic tests at either C/G of F/G level. Test results are graded using Standard Grade criteria. |
| PA | Students complete practical assessment tasks and projects according to their ability. The following is a list of tasks normally undertaken in S3 : F/G
C/G
|
S4 Standard Grade Computing Studies
| KU/PS | Students complete end of topic tests at either C/G of F/G level. |
| PA | Students complete practical assessment tasks and projects according to their ability. The following is a list of tasks normally undertaken in S4 : F/G
C/G
|
Intermediate 2 Computing
Students complete a multiple-choice test and various practical activities during each Unit (see Student Guide for more detail). Students also complete a piece of practical coursework.
Homework is either graded A-D with appropriate comments or given a mark.
Higher Computing
Students complete a multiple-choice test and various practical activities during each Unit (see Student Guide for more detail). Students also complete a piece of practical coursework.
Homework is either graded A-D with appropriate comments or given a mark.
Advanced Higher Computing
Students complete a multiple-choice test and various practical activities during each Unit (see Student Guide for more detail). Students also complete a practical coursework project.
Homework is either graded A-D with appropriate comments or given a mark.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| S3 S4 S5/6 S5/6 |
April exams November/December prelim exams Intermediate 2, Higher, Advanced Higher – January/February prelim exams Intermediate 2, Higher, Advanced Higher – April/May mini prelim exams |
SQA EXAMS - These are held in May/June of each year. |
|
HOMEWORK POLICY
Taken in conjunction with School Policy - Homework Guidelines.
Homework is an important feature of education and contributes greatly to the development of students. Homework allows reinforcement, remediation, and encouragement of study skills and positive working habits.
A homework policy is important since it allows consistency and continuity throughout the department, and so students are aware of what is expected of them by the department.
In general terms homework should be issued on a regular basis as outlined below.
As per school policy, one week’s notice should be given for homework. In addition, no homework should be issued two weeks prior to prelim exams.
Suggested time allocation for courses:-
S1/S2 3C/G 3F/G 4C/G 4F/G Intermediate 2 Higher Advanced Higher |
1 hour per topic (each topic lasts about a month) including revision for tests 1 hour every fortnight including revision for tests 1 hour every fortnight including revision for tests 1 hour every fortnight including revision for tests 1 hour every fortnight including revision for tests 1 hour every week including revision for tests 2 hours every week including revision for tests 2 hours every week including revision for tests |
If homework is not submitted then the following course of action should be taken each time:
- Question student and record in folder.
- If homework is still not submitted the next day (or next lesson) - question student, record in folder and give Departmental homework letter to be signed. A copy of homework letter should be filed in Staff Base for Guidance Teacher. Make sure signed homework letter slip is returned.
- If problems persist, contact Principal Teacher who will then decide on an appropriate course of action, such as completing a Student Concern Form.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
This policy has been formulated to link with the whole school policy on discipline and to lay out the standards of behaviour expected from students in the Computer Education Department.
All students are expected to observe the School Code of Conduct.
The following Code of Conduct is specific to the Computer Education Department:
1. Students will arrive in class on time and be ready to work.
2. Students will not interrupt or speak when their teacher is speaking in class.
3. Students will respect and be responsible for their own work and the equipment they use.
4. Students will be allocated a workspace by the teacher at which they must always work (unless otherwise specified).
5. Students will only use their own name to log on to the computer network.
6. Students will be allowed to move between their workspace and printer if it is in direct connection with their work.
7. Students will carry out instructions given by their teacher.
8. Eating and drinking are forbidden in the classroom.
HIERARCHY OF SANCTIONS
1. The class teacher will use their own professional judgement to decide which sanction to use when dealing with any discipline matters. However indiscipline involving computer equipment should be immediately referred to the Principal Teacher.
A list of commonly used sanctions is given (for guidance only).
(a). Verbal warning
(b). Punishment exercise
(c). Removal from classroom to outer office of Computing 2
(d). Removal from classroom to Principal Teacher’s room (Principal Teacher should be contacted in advance and written work should be given)
(e). Detention
Any major punishment given should be recorded by the class teacher for future reference.
2. If a problem still exists after the class teacher has made every effort to resolve it, a referral should be made to the Principal Teacher using the Yellow Card.
N.B. Serious offences such as swearing at a teacher; assault on a student or a teacher; serious acts of vandalism should result in the use of “Timeout”. (Principal Teacher should be contacted and student should be sent to the Principal Teacher)
3. If a problem still exists after the Principal Teacher has made every effort to resolve it, a referral should be made by the Principal Teacher to the Head of House using the Red Card.
For more detail and other sanctions refer to the School Discipline Policy.
