Staff | Role |
Mr R. Arnold | Head of Department |
Mrs C. Critchlow | Teacher of Computing
|
Brief overview of the KS3 curriculum
The Computing curriculum features learning opportunities that will equip students with knowledge of computational thinking, programming fundamentals, cyber security and other key topics that are relevant to the modern world. The overarching objective of the Key Stage 3 curriculum is to ensure students can not only use computers and technology, but also explore how they work.
Brief Overview of KS3 Curriculum
Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
Introduction to School Systems | Cyber Security 1
| Advanced Programming |
Using Computers Safely, Effectively and Responsibly | Data Representation | Digital Animation
|
Networks | Mobile Application Development | Data Science
|
Digital Skills | Vector Graphics | Representations 'Audiovisual' |
Scratch Programming
| Computer Systems | Additional Cyber Security |
Spreadsheets | Programming | Physical Programming |
The curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the needs of the students whilst also being topical and relevant to the world in which we live.
Brief overview of the KS4 curriculum
GCSE Computer Science
At the end of year 9 all students are given the option of selecting to complete a GCSE in Computer Science. This develops on from previous learning. The current qualification is 100% exam based which is assessed with two exams during the Summer exam window of year 11. There are various topics that cover a wide range of Computer Science. Component one focuses on computer systems whereas component two features computational thinking and programming. Further information can be found on the OCR website.
There is also an opportunity to engage with various programming tasks to a specification, or to solve a problem o (or problems), during their course study.
Exam Content – Topics Studied
Exam A | Exam B |
Systems Architecture | Algorithms |
Memory and Storage
| Programming Fundamentals |
Computer Networks Connections and Protocols | Producing Robust Programs |
Network Security
| Boolean Logic |
System Software
| Programming Languages and Integrated Development Environments |
Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology
|
|
Cambridge National in Creative iMedia
In addition to the GCSE in Computer Science, a Cambridge National in Creative iMedia is offered as an option in KS4. The aim of iMedia is to enhance students’ knowledge of the creative digital media sector. Pupils learn about the skills needed in when planning digital media projects and develop practical skills by creating multimedia products to a given specification. The assessment includes one examination and a number of coursework units.
Cambridge National in Creative iMedia – Course Content
Units - Legacy Qualification Units - Latest Qualification |
R081: Pre-production skills R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry
|
R082: Creating digital graphics R094: Visual identity and digital graphics
|
R084: Storytelling with a comic strip R095: Characters and comics
|
R087: Creating interactive multimedia products
|
ICT across the curriculum
The department appreciates the need for pupils to be competent in using word processing, presentation and other relevant software. Skills are taught both implicitly and explicitly across KS3 and KS4. We encourage students to be able to transfer their skills across the curriculum and make informed decisions on how best to use their ICT skills to enhance their work.
Facilities
There are two discrete ICT rooms that are fully equipped with multimedia computers.
There is an additional room used by all departments in school. These rooms are available for use by other subject areas so that ICT can be used to enhance the learning experience of students.
The department also heavily invests in innovative learning tools that will engage and inspire pupils. There is currently a substantial number of micro controllers, sensors and robotics equipment frequently used to teach parts of the curriculum.
Extra-curricular activities
The Computing/ICT area opens every lunchtime to allow students to use the facilities. Students use the Computing/ICT facilities to complete homework tasks. This resource is fully supervised by staff. Key Stage 4 pupils have a dedicated day in which they can use the Computing/ICT classroom to complete work related to their studies.
During this academic year, clubs will also commence allowing pupils to develop their subject interest even further. Further details will be given to pupils in their Computing classes.
Useful Links
Below is a range of links which contain further information about the subject content.
OCR GCSE Computer Science
Cambridge National I- Media (legacy)
Cambridge National I-Media (latest)
Subject content/resources
Internet Safety
The internet is a fantastic resource, but it is important to stay safe online. These websites contain lots of important information about online safety: