Computing

Computing lessons help to prepare students for the reality of our 21st Century world, taking in aspects of Computer Science, IT skills and E-Safety. Students have one lesson per week in years 7 and 8. In years 9, 10 and 11, students can choose to study GCSE Computer Science or a Technical Award in Interactive Media (IT).

Computer Science

It is important for all our students to understand that the world is programmable. From toasters and smart TVs to Desktop PCs and even supercomputers and the cloud, we rely on technology in a way that we never have before. Computer Science helps us to learn how these computers work and communicate with each other, as well as exploring programming skills in ‘real world’ languages like Python.

IT Skills

In addition to understanding how computers work, it is also key that all students can use standard software to make documents and presentations – the types of tasks that are common in many workplaces. We also explore skills like image editing and creating websites which form such a key part of the creative industries in the UK

E-Safety

Without thinking carefully about how to act responsibly online, students could find themselves in some really challenging situations. In both Computing and PSHE lessons students will explore ways to protect themselves and support each other to use technology safely.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 Computing we are introduced to software tools for using computers (including image editing and graphics). We also begin to learn how computers work internally and how to create code for computers (HTML, CSS and later Python). We also think about how to use computers safely and appropriately, building on existing online-safety knowledge and complementing PSHE lessons.

Key Stage 4

  • GCSE Computer Science (OCR) is a challenging course that covers both deep technical understanding of how a computer works and connects to other computer and practical experience of programming and problem solving. As a GCSE course, it is assessed through exams at the end of Year 11 only.
  • Computer Science has links to many other subjects and give opportunities to progress to post-16 studies including Sciences, Maths, Technology, Engineering.
  • The Cambridge National in Creative iMedia allows students to gain practical skills in developing products like websites, interactive presentations and animated adverts. The course is 60% NEA, giving students the opportunity to develop to develop skills over time and reflect on their effectiveness for a specific project. There is also an exam where students will show their knowledge and understanding of the Creative iMedia industries.
  • The Interactive Media course will allow students to continue to a range of creative studies in post-16 education and has links to Art & Design and Technology as well as any other type of role where organisation and planning to complete a project in a fixed time is important.
Mr J. Rogers Leader of Computing
Mr W. Keddie Headteacher

Computing Curriculum

Autumn 1Autumn 2Spring 1Spring 2Summer 1Summer 2
Year 7Intro to school systems
Esafety
Hardware
Websites
Websites
Data Representation
SpreadsheetsKodu
Revision/EoY test
Kodu
Year 8InternetData Representation
Graphics - web adverts
Spreadsheet modellingPythonPython
Revision/EoY test
Cryptography
Mobile apps
Year 9Data Science
Python & Data types
Security
GraphicsSubroutines/Python turtle
Data Representation
AlogirithmsRevision/EoY test
Multimedia/Further Python
Networks
Lists

Computer Science Curriculum

Autumn 1Autumn 2Spring 1Spring 2Summer 1Summer 2
Year 10Networks
Refresher, file handling
Searching & sorting algorithms
File handling & subroutines
Security
Defensive design
Ethical issues
Testing
Revision
Programming project
Revision / misconceptions
Programming project
Year 11Computational Logic; languages; SQL & databasesMock Feedback, Data RepresentationData Representation, exam preparationRevision & exam preparationRevision & exam preparation-
Year 12System Architecture
Programming techniques
Systems software
Computational thinking
Applications & software development OOP & Recursion

Types of programming languages. Programming project toolsNetworks
NEA Project prep & proposal
Web technologies
OOP & Recursion
Year 13Data types
NEA Project
Boolean Algebra
NEA Project
Exchanging data NEA Project
Legal 7 Ethical issues. Exam preparationExam preparation-

Creative iMedia Curriculum

Autumn 1Autumn 2Spring 1Spring 2Summer 1Summer 2
Year 10Introducing Media and Graphic DesignImage editing and Graphic design toolsMock NEAR094 NEAInteractive productsTools to create interactive products
Year 11Tools to create interactive productsR097 NEAThe media IndustryFeedback & NEA resubmissionRevision & exam preparationExam