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.
Computing Curriculum
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Intro to school systems Esafety | Hardware Websites | Websites Data Representation | Spreadsheets | Kodu Revision/EoY test | Kodu |
| Year 8 | Internet | Data Representation Graphics - web adverts | Spreadsheet modelling | Python | Python Revision/EoY test | Cryptography Mobile apps |
| Year 9 | Data Science Python & Data types Security | Graphics | Subroutines/Python turtle Data Representation | Alogirithms | Revision/EoY test Multimedia/Further Python | Networks Lists |
Computer Science Curriculum
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 10 | Networks Refresher, file handling | Searching & sorting algorithms File handling & subroutines | Security Defensive design | Ethical issues Testing | Revision Programming project | Revision / misconceptions Programming project |
| Year 11 | Computational Logic; languages; SQL & databases | Mock Feedback, Data Representation | Data Representation, exam preparation | Revision & exam preparation | Revision & exam preparation | - |
| Year 12 | System Architecture Programming techniques | Systems software Computational thinking | Applications & software development OOP & Recursion | Types of programming languages. Programming project tools | Networks NEA Project prep & proposal | Web technologies OOP & Recursion |
| Year 13 | Data types NEA Project | Boolean Algebra NEA Project | Exchanging data NEA Project | Legal 7 Ethical issues. Exam preparation | Exam preparation | - |
Creative iMedia Curriculum
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 10 | Introducing Media and Graphic Design | Image editing and Graphic design tools | Mock NEA | R094 NEA | Interactive products | Tools to create interactive products |
| Year 11 | Tools to create interactive products | R097 NEA | The media Industry | Feedback & NEA resubmission | Revision & exam preparation | Exam |
