Mr P Bates
Head of Computing
|Mr S Copeland||Second in Department|
|Mr S Campbell||Teacher of Computing|
Introduction to the Department:
In the Computing Department, we aim to help students to improve their knowledge and understanding of
Mr P Bates
Head of Computing
|Mr S Copeland||Second in Department|
|Mr S Campbell||Teacher of Computing|
Introduction to the Department:
In the Computing Department, we aim to help students to improve their knowledge and understanding of this key subject. We have a responsibility to prepare them for a world where digital skills are in high demand, and considered by the Government, employers and other leading individuals as being of strategic importance.
In Computing the subject is divided into three strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Our curriculum has been designed to provide students with a good experience in all three, with the hope they will choose a Computing related subject as an option at Key Stage 4 and 5.
Key Stage 3 Information:
Year 7, we follow the school’s Mastery model for our Year 7 curriculum. There are five foci in Computing: Problem Solving; Coding; Using Data; Presenting Information; and E-safety. All lessons focus on these and it helps students secure their understanding of these fundamental areas and support them towards greater success in the future. Some of the projects we study are Micro:bits, website development and spreadsheets.
Year 8, building on from Year 7, we continue to follow the Mastery model and our schemes of work focus on the same five foci. The lessons will provide students with the opportunity to study algorithms, flow charts, text-based programming, binary and computer hardware & networks.
Year 9, students will extend their knowledge from the previous two years, by studying another text-based programming language, computer systems, software and more HTML. The year will focus on areas to help students make an informed choice about Key Stage 4 options.
Students have two options if they wish to continue studying computing at Key Stage 4:
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Computer Science is a fast-paced, engaging course aimed at those students who are interested in developing their knowledge and understanding of how computers work and how to code using a text-based programming language. It is a subject that allows students to not only study the infrastructure, hardware and software that contribute to today’s networks, but also the structure of the data itself and how it is stored. It also provides students the opportunity to consider the impact technology has on individuals, society and our planet.
Students study the Edexcel 2016 (9-1) specification. This specification will require students to complete two written examinations, worth 50% of the qualification each. In addition, they will complete and a non-examined assessment (NEA) that will support the development of their algorithm, programming and testing skills and help prepare them for their exams.
BTEC First in Information and Creative Technology
Our Level 2 BTEC IT qualification is a course that allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding about IT. It is the equivalent of one GCSE and is recognised by colleges, universities and employers. The course is more practical than GCSE qualifications and provides students with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and software skills, which is not always possible in a written exam context.
Students will complete two core units, one of which is externally assessed, and two optional units. All units carry equal weighting towards the final grade.