Computing
Our aim is to equip our learners with the skills to live and work both competently and safely in the digital world. We offer an engaging curriculum for our learners which makes use of a vast range of software and hardware.
With a national shift from ICT to Computing, our Computer Science lessons focus on how computers actually work, rather than simply how to use them. Throughout KS3 we introduce our pupils to programming concepts so that as they reach KS4, those pupils who opt to study GCSE Computer Science, have the basic skill set to become competent computer programmers.
We are aware that not all of our students seek a future within the computing industry. Creativity and digital literacy are still considered an important component of our curriculum, not only to engage our learners but also provide them with transferable skills which can be incorporated effectively into other subjects. Creative Technology forms part of our technology carousel and allows the students to develop skills and understanding of using and developing a range of creative media.
Staffing
| Mrs Doran | Curriculum Leader for Technology |
| Mr O’Hare | Teacher of Technology |
All pupils study Computer Science until the end of Year 9.
In Year 7 this is for 1 lesson per week.
In year 9 all pupils study Computer Science as part of the technology Rotation.
In year 9 pupils also have the opportunity to opt to study Computer Science for 1 hour a week.
All pupils have the opportunity to study OCR Computer Science at GCSE in KS4.
The following topics are studied at KS3.
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Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|
Year 7 |
Online safety, How computers work |
Block programming (Micro: bit) Control systems |
Turtle (Text based programming) Database development |
|
Year 8 |
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Year 9 |
Understanding binary and hexadecimal |
Images |
Sound |
The following units are studied at KS4. Pupils have 2 lessons per week in year 10 and 3 lessons per week in year 11.
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Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|
Year 10 |
Systems Architecture; Memory; Storage; Wired and Wireless Networks |
Network Topologies; System Software; Network Security; Legal, Ethical, Environmental & Cultural |
Algorithms; Programming Techniques; NEA style cases study (programming task only) |
|
Year 11 |
Producing Robust Programs, 20 Hour NEA Revision Techniques/Learning Styles Unit 1 Revision & Recap |
Computational Logic; Translators and Facilitators of Language; Data Representation; Revision Techniques/Learning Styles Unit 2 Revision & Recap |
Revision and Exam Technique |
Extra-curricular activities and visits
As well as our exciting curriculum, as a school we like our pupils to get involved in external competitions and challenges. This is a great opportunity for pupils who need to be stretched and challenged but also opportunity for those with an interest in technology. Activities include:
BAFTA Young Games Designer of the Year Award - Whether pupils love to code, draw or write the story, the competition allows you to explore the different areas of making a video game buy either entering the Game Making Award or Game Concept Award
Tomorrow’s Engineer Robotics Challenge – an annual competition in which student teams can apply to be part of an exciting robotics challenge that sees them involved in ‘aviation missions’. Teamwork, robots, design, discovery, fun and loads of LEGO are all part of the mix.
BBC Micro: Bit The micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun! The organisation frequently posts challenges that schools are invited to enter.
Bebras Challenge - The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to students.
It is organised in over 40 countries and designed to get students all over the world excited about computing.
