Business, Computing, Psychology & Accounting

BICT cuts across all sectors of the economy and offers wide-ranging employment opportunities. The BICT department offers a wide range of courses providing pupils with experience of real-life tasks and engaging practical activities relevant to the world of work and industry.

BICT Alumni
Former pupils of our department have progressed on to have very successful careers in Finance, Technology and Management as well as having attended some of the UK top universities including Cambridge and St Andrews. For example Dr Jonathan Tweedie, Lecturer of Business, University of Manchester.

Other former pupils have successful careers having found apprenticeships in IT and Finance at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

“I like BICT because it is fun, you learn a lot of new skills on the computers and use your creativity and imagination”.

“I like BICT because it is fun learning on computers, we get to learn a variety of new skills and work with our friends. I liked learning about pivot because it was creative and enjoyable.”

Curricular Choice / Course Information

BGE Course

The BGE course in BICT aims to span the curricular subjects available in the department. The course is broken into four blocks comprising 9 week rotations. This ensures that pupils are able to make an informed choice when choosing subjects at the end of S2. This is achieved through applying their skills and knowledge in each of the curricular areas in a variety of interesting contexts.

Rotation 1 – Business – Pupils are introduced to the fundamental practices of Business in respect of Entrepreneurs, Branding, Marketing and Advertising.

Rotation 2 – Computing Science – Pupils will be able to sample Graphics, Animation as well as create a dynamic website by means of HTML and Serif Web Design.

Rotation 3 – Administration – Pupils will gain experience of using General Purpose Packages including Word Processing, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint and Databases.

Rotation 4 – IDL Project – Pupils will experience fundamental programming principles including variables and loops. Pupils will then be in a position to bring together the range of skills they have learned in the course.

Computing Science - National 5 & Higher

Computing Science – National 5 & Higher

Computing Science shapes the world in which we live and its future. The course brings together elements of technology, science and creative digital media, providing an insight into the challenge, excitement and reward to be found in these areas.

Within the faculty we offer Computing Science at National 5.

Both courses currently comprise three areas of study:

Unit 1 – Computer systems
Candidates develop their understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and factors affecting system performance. They gain an awareness of the environmental impact of intelligent systems, as well as the security risks, precautions and laws that can protect computer systems.

Unit 2 – Database design and development
Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and advanced practical problem-solving skills in database design and development. They do this through a range of practical tasks, using a minimum of three linked tables and implemented in SQL. Candidates apply computational thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools. Candidates apply interpretation skills to tasks involving some
complex features in both familiar and new contexts.

Unit 3 – Software Design and Development

Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development. They do this by using appropriate modular software development environments. Candidates develop modular programming and computational-thinking skills by analysing, designing, implementing, testing, and evaluating practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. They use their knowledge of data types and constructs to create efficient programs to solve advanced problems.

Business - National 5 & Higher

Business plays an important role in society, as it creates wealth, prosperity, jobs, and choices for consumers. It is therefore essential to have effective businesses and business managers to sustain this role. This course helps candidates understand the dynamic, changing and competitive environment of industry and commerce, and the environments that organisations operate in.

Within the faculty we offer Business Management at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Both the National 5 & Higher course consist of 3 main units which cover five areas of study:

Unit 1 – Understanding business
Candidates develop their understanding of how large organisations in the private, public and third sectors operate, make decisions and pursue their strategic goals. They analyse the impact that internal and external environments have on an organisation’s activity, and consider the implications of these factors.

Unit 2 – Management of marketing
Candidates develop their understanding of the importance of effective marketing systems to large organisations. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Unit 2 – Management of operations
Candidates develop their understanding of the importance of effective operations systems to large organisations. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve and/or maintain quality, and the importance of satisfying both internal and external customers’ needs.

Unit 3 – Management of people
Candidates develop their understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing people. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations when dealing with staff, including retention, training, leadership and motivation.

Unit 3 – Management of finance
Candidates develop their understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing finance. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations in financial situations.

Administration & IT – National 5

Administration and IT develops candidates’ administrative, organisational and IT skills. Candidates develop an understanding of administration in the workplace and the IT skills required for the role.
Within the faculty we offer National 5 Administration and IT.

The course comprises two areas of study:

Theory
Candidates are introduced to the responsibilities of organisations, the skills/qualities and tasks (duties) of the administrative support function, and the impact of these in the workplace.

IT applications
Candidates develop skills in IT, problem-solving, organising, and managing information. They select IT applications to create and edit business documents, gather and share information, and develop skills to communicate information.

Psychology - National 5 & Higher

Within the faculty we offer Higher & National 5 Psychology.

Higher

This course develops candidates’ ability to analyse psychological explanations for individual and social behaviour. Psychology provides candidates with opportunities to find out about some of the ways that thoughts and emotions can affect how we feel and behave. Candidates use appropriate psychological concepts, theories, research methods and evidence to investigate and analyse internal and external influences on human behaviour in a range of contexts. Psychological knowledge of individual and social behaviour can support candidates in personal and professional relationships, and can enable them to understand some of the factors that influence behaviour.

The course consists of three areas of study:

Unit 1 – Individual behaviour
Candidates analyse individual behaviour, investigate topics and learn how these topics can be explained using psychological theories and research evidence. Candidates evaluate and apply theories to show an understanding of individual human behaviour.

Unit 2 – Social behaviour
Candidates analyse how interaction with others shapes social behaviour. They investigate psychological explanations for social behaviour, and use research evidence to analyse how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by their social environment. Candidates apply psychological knowledge and understanding to explain examples of everyday social behaviour.

Unit 3 – Research
Candidates understand and apply the research process and research methods used in psychology. They develop the skills required to conduct and evaluate psychological research. Candidates also develop numerical skills and an understanding of psychological terminology. This area of study is not assessed in a separate section of the question paper, however questions relating to research can be asked in the individual and social behaviour sections of the question paper. In addition, candidates must carry out research for the assignment.

National 5

The National 5 Psychology course develops candidates’ knowledge and understanding of psychological explanations for individual and social behaviour. There is no National 4 in this subject.

Studying psychology enables them to find out some of the ways that thoughts and the environment can affect how we feel and behave.

Candidates use appropriate psychological concepts, theories, research methods and evidence to investigate and explain human behaviour in a range of contexts.

Psychological knowledge of individual and social behaviour can support candidates in personal and professional relationships and enable them to understand some of the factors that influence behaviour.

As candidates develop research skills in psychology, they learn about the ethical implications of research. Explanations for behaviour promote thinking, reasoning and communication skills. Candidates also develop numeracy skills, which are important to research.

Course units:

Conformity

Phobias

Non-verbal communication

Sleep and Dreams

Assessment:

70 mark question paper

30 mark assignment submitted to the SQA for external assessment

Accounting - Higher

Studying Accounting will enable you to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for understanding and taking part in the world of business. Even if you are not planning a career in accounting, this subject helps to improve your personal effectiveness by developing your ability to think logically, work accurately, make decisions and solve problems

Unit 1 Financial Accounting

You will learn how to prepare routine and complex financial accounting information. You will learn about current financial accounting regulations and apply them to a range of business structures.

Unit 2 Management Accounting

You will learn about internal accounting procedures, where you will learn how to prepare information using a range of routine and complex accounting techniques.

Achievement Policy – Business, Computing Science & Psychology

Identifying achievement – day to day

We recognise achievement across all year groups in BICT & Psychology. A set of qualities have been identified which demonstrate excellence. Pupils will be rewarded where they are already displaying the characteristics, or are showing evidence of working towards excellence.

Respect
Ambition
Acts of kindness

These qualities are recognised as and when class teachers see fit. Students that qualify for an achievement are presented with a golden pencil.

A list of achievers are posted on the faculty twitter/website at the end of each month.

These names are displayed on the faculty achievement noticeboard each month.

The department offers a wide range of weekly clubs including:

Day	Club
Monday	S1 Business Club
Tuesday/Wednesday	Nintendo Switch Club
Wednesday	Retro Gaming Club
Thursday	Marvel Club
Fridays	Star Trek Club

Skills for Life, Learning and work

Computing Science

The following provides a broad overview of the skills for life, learning and work and how it is developed in the course:

NUMERACY

Number Processing
Candidates could be given opportunities to develop their number processing skills, by practicing problem-solving in numeric-based contexts, e.g. creating programs that calculate hotel bills or wages.

Information Handling
Information handling skills could be developed by setting problem-solving contexts where candidates are required to interpret data in different structures, e.g. flat-files or linked tables in databases, visual layout and navigation for web pages, including appropriate file formats.

EMPLOYABILITY, ENTERPRISE & CITIZENSHIP

Information & Communication Technology
Throughout the course, candidates should be continuously interacting with the technology around them. This should give plenty of opportunities to extend their ICT skills.

THINKING SKILLS

Applying
Candidates should be given plenty opportunity to analyse a wide range of problems, apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in developing information systems, and then test and review their solutions.

Analysing & Evaluating
Candidates should develop skills in analysing and evaluating through the process of creating software solutions to problems.

This course is designed for learners who are considering further study or a career in computing science and related disciplines. It provides opportunities to enhance skills in planning and organising, working independently and in teams, critical thinking and decision making, research, communication, and self and peer evaluation, in a range of contexts.

Business

The following provides a broad overview of the skills for life, learning and work and how it is developed in the course:

LITERACY

Creating structured responses to questions
Watching news updates
Reading newspapers
Looking at media
Communicating when working in groups, during discussions, question and answer sessions, and through presentations
Carrying out mini investigations
Carrying out self and/or peer evaluation
Listening to business radio broadcasts or podcasts
Listening to guest speakers
Attending lectures
Presenting findings from research in a structured format to convey ideas, thoughts and information

NUMERACY

Carrying out calculations, for example when completing cash budgets, financial records and calculating ratios
Gathering and interpreting numerical information from a range of sources and presenting it in a table, graph or diagram interpreting and extracting information from tables, charts, graphs or diagrams to help make informed decisions

EMPLOYABILITY, ENTERPRISE AND CITIZENSHIP

Investigating how commercial businesses work, particularly when looking at working practices, business structures and customer satisfaction.
Encouraging autonomy and initiative through personal research
Accessing the world of work, for example exploring career opportunities
Improving ICT skills for a technology-driven society
working with others
using initiative and innovation, and displaying creativity, flexibility and resourcefulness, for example when developing new and enhanced products and working in groups
meeting deadlines, being proactive in roles and being part of a team

THINKING SKILLS

using business vocabulary in the correct setting
using case studies/scenarios
setting concepts in real-life examples
personal research and teamworking
sharing information and explaining its importance
using information to solve problems
planning, organising and completing a task

The course is suitable for candidates who are interested in entering the world of business, as a manager, employee or self-employed person, and exploring the activities of different types of business.

Literacy

The following provides a broad overview of the skills for life, learning and work and how it is developed in the course:

WRITING

Candidates develop communication skills throughout the course and writing has been identified as an important communication skill to be developed within psychology. For the individual behaviour area of study, candidates may develop their ability to select important information and write this in a concise way to compile an academic poster, or use electronic media to present information.

NUMERACY

Information Handling
Candidates develop numeracy skills throughout the course, for example, when they calculate, explain and analyse measures of central tendency and dispersion, create tables, graphs and charts of numerical information, and explain and analyse information from graphs and charts.

THINKING SKILLS

Applying
Candidates develop thinking skills when they are involved in planning research, based on information they have gathered.

Analysing & Evaluating
Candidates develop the skill of evaluation as they identify and explain strengths and weaknesses of theories, concepts and studies based on valid criteria. Candidates develop the skill of analysis when they compare and contrast theories, concepts and studies, and when they provide implications, applications and conclusions based on their understanding of psychological topics.

The course is suitable for all candidates with an interest in finding out more about the human mind and behaviour. Candidates should be interested in developing their thinking, research and communication skills. They do not need to have prior experience of studying psychology.