The computing department is lead by Miss S Bell (Director of learning for Computing and Business), she is supported by Mr J Lally (teacher of KS3 and KS4 computing) and Mr S Giblin (teacher of KS3 computing).

Computing Intent

The Computing Department looks to offer a well-rounded curriculum that provides the best experience for all pupils. As part of the new computing curriculum, students can learn computing theories, whilst developing key digital literacy skills that will benefit them across all curriculum areas throughout their school lives.

The Curriculum

Key stage 3

Students in Key Stage 3 receive two lessons per fortnight and are taught in mixed ability groups. Students receive a wide variety of digital literacy and skill-based topics throughout key stage 3 which is tracked and monitored by the department to provide additional support and intervention. Pupils work to develop their understanding of how Computers function and develop programming skills, whilst not overlooking key digital literacy skills, providing students the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge with a range of application packages.

What does computing look like for a year 7 student?

Students in year 7 receive two 60-minute lessons per fortnight. Students study a wide range of computing skills including:

• Esafety
• Spreadsheets
• Computers past, present and future
• Binary and logic
• Scratch programming

What does computing look like for a year 8 student?

Students in year 8 receive two 60-minute lessons per fortnight. Students study a wide range of computing skills including:

• Cyber security
• Advanced spreadsheets
• Computing components
• Python programming
• Careers

What does computing look like for a year 9 student?

Students in year 9 receive two 60-minute lessons per fortnight. Students study a wide range of computing skills including:

• Python programming
• The ethics of computing
• Networking and the internet
• Digital graphics and animation

 

Key stage 4

OCR GCSE Computer Science

The Computer Science GCSE qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 program of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application.

The course consists of:

Component 01: Computer Systems

This component focuses on the theoretical understanding of Computer Science.

This unit is out of 80 marks

The examination is 1 hour 30 minutes

This unit is 50% of the overall grade

 

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

This component focuses on the practical application of Computer Science: program/problem design, writing testing and refinement.

This unit is out of 80 marks

The examination is 1 hour 30 minutes

This unit is 50% of the overall grade

Useful Links

http://www.teach-ict.com A great resource for all things computing and ICT

http://www.codecademy.com A great site to learn basic programming skills

http://www.ictworkout.co.uk/login.php Revision site for KS4

http://www.kizoa.com/Collage-Maker A Useful site allowing the creation of collages

http://my.dynamic-learning.co.uk/Default.aspx?cid=15691  KS3 Learning Resources