Computer Science/ICT
Technology is increasingly embedded in all aspects of our lives. Information is uploaded, analysed and distributed through technology; robotics and embedded computers are used in our hospitals, manufacturing and travel industries. It is essential that we prepare our young people for a future world in which not only people but also devices and machinery are connected through the internet. This future world offers exciting opportunities in technical development and support. However, new developments also bring new dangers and we must also educate our young people to keep their data and computer systems safe.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is composed of computer science concepts and coding, IT, digital literacy and graphics design. The curriculum provides everyday IT skills and knowledge for all as well as offering specialised skills and opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in media and marketing, coding, network management, cybersecurity and data management.
At Key Stage 4 students may choose to further their coding skills and understanding of how computer systems work by studying the GCSE in Computer Science. This qualification allows students to consolidate their programming skills and investigate further the broad application and implications of computer technologies in society today. The course includes hardware and network functionality as well as computational techniques for software development.
Computer Science suits students who enjoy logical thinking and problem solving. The course particularly benefits students considering a future in engineering, mathematics, computer programming or Information Technology.
Alternatively, students who enjoy perfecting their multimedia skills of image creation and animation should consider a qualification in Creative iMedia. The GCSE equivalent course consists of approximately 60% practical skills and 40% theory broken down across three units. The course begins with the consolidation of practical skills. Students will then be expected to build on their practical skills to design and create an integrated solution for a given scenario. Related theoretical knowledge of image creation and animation is tested in exam unit.
At Key Stage 5 we offer OCR’s Computer Science A Level. This course provides students with the opportunity to fine tune their programming skills, perhaps by learning an additional programming language, to produce a full programming solution for a client. The course also covers a broad spectrum of current and relevant topics including cybersecurity, computational thinking and the impact of emerging technologies as well as data structures, standard algorithms and the internal workings of computer systems and networks.
Students taking this course will be well prepared to study a computer science or an IT related course at university or they could apply for one of the many and exciting IT or Computer Science Apprenticeships offered by a wide range of organisations including GCHQ, Armed Services, IBM, Google, PwC, KPMG, BAE, etc.
Alternatively, students who enjoy a course that includes project work can opt to take the Diploma in IT offered by OCR. This course, equivalent to one A Level, offers a range of units enabling students to understand more about computer networks and problem solving. The course requires students to acquire the knowledge and communications skills to resolve computer-related problems. The course also includes exams covering fundamentals of computer systems, global information and cybersecurity.
Students can build and develop their practical computing and IT skills which will make them invaluable in a wide range of organisations including the NHS, charities, businesses, manufacturing, tourism and catering industries, etc. Knowledgeable and practical ICT skills are in high demand making this course suitable for students who want to support businesses in IT, networks or cybersecurity.
Approaches to Learning and Assessment
Access to computers means that the department can offer a wide range of media including presentations, videos and online resources as well as the traditional use of text books and note taking. This means that we are able to provide facilities for students with a range of abilities and accessibility needs.
Students are regularly assessed on topics covered using a mixture of short answer questions as well as online multiple choice tests. We can also provide revision and recall activities through online quizzes such as Kahoot, Blooklet, etc.
The assessments may cover key terms and their meanings, practical coding or spreadsheet tests and may be completed in the classroom or set as homework.
Supporting Individual Students:
The availability of desktop computers for ICT and Computer Science means that we are able to provide students with additional technologies that are not available in other classrooms. For example, we are able to display presentations directly onto students’ screens meaning that the students do not need to look at the projector screen making it easier for them to make notes. We can also display the progress made by some students in the class to help others understand the task in hand and perhaps gain some ideas.
Facilities on the monitor enable students to zoom in or change the background colour to help make text more visible. They can use headphones to cut out background noise and use text to voice facilities. As there is a printer in each of the computer rooms, presentations can be printed and glued into notebooks and text can be enlarged on worksheets.
We can use online tasks and exercises to build confidence and consolidate knowledge through sites such as 101 computing, teach-ict.com and IsaacComputerScience.org. It is possible to provide additional challenge and variety by, for example, teaching coding through online sites such as turinglab.co.uk and encouraging students to make additional notes through independent reading and note taking from reliable websites.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Coding Club runs at late lunch for students of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Students are also encouraged to take part in competitions such as the annual Bebras Challenge and cyberFirst. Trips to local universities and cyber events are organised from time to time.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Map
(click the links below for more information)
Year 10 | Year 11 | |
---|---|---|
September – December | Unit 1 System architecture, memory and storage | |
January – June | Unit 1 networks, cybersecurity and operating systems | |
September – May | Unit 2 Computational thinking, algorithms and coding |