Computer Science
Intent Statement
Our aim is to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will prepare them for an ever-changing digital world. Our Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum focuses on a development of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. At Key Stage 4, the focus is on providing students with the opportunity to develop their learning on a path that fits each student’s needs and interests with a range of courses to provide each student with the platform for a route to the future that they desire.
It is critical that our students are firstly equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to operate safely online. That is why our focus in Year 7 is on e-safety – with all students completing the OSA certificate. Students recieve a broad overview of key concepts of Computing at Key Stage 3 – as we cover all topics mapped on the National Curriculum. They will study important concepts such as Hardware, Software, Algorithms, Programming, Digital Artefacts, Binary and Logic Gates. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum has been planned in full consultation with the National Centre for Computing Education; who have given their approval of the sequencing and logic behind the order of the topics we cover.
Each student is a unique individual made in the image of God – each have their own skills, interests, and ambitions- it is therefore crucial that at Key Stage 4 students will get the opportunity to study a range of qualifications as options. Options are available to study ICT with a Creative Media course, Business with an Enterprise and Marketing course and from 2021 GCSE Computer Science. There is further potential for expanding our curriculum offer in 2022 by offering a GCSE in Economics as an option. This broad selection is designed to allow each student to access a course that best suits his or her needs and interests and give them the platform to the future that they aspire for.
Explore the KS3 Computer Science Learning Journey
Explore the GCSE Computer Science Learning Journey​
Explore the Creative Media Learning Journey
Explore the Enterprise and Marketing Learning Journey​
Cambridge Nationals Creative media
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â Cambridge National Certificate, OCR
TEACHERS:
Cambridge Nationals Enterprise and Marketing
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â OCR, Cambridge National in Enterprise & Marketing
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart. It provides knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital animation and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning.
Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.Â
Course Outline
Assessment
Units
R081: Pre-production skills – Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes
R082: Creating digital graphics – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
R089: Creating a digital video sequence – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
R085: Creating a multipage website – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
Assessment
All learners will study three mandatory topics as follows:
Enterprise and marketing concepts – Exam
Design a business proposal – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
Market and pitch a business proposal – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
Higher Education Courses/Careers
CambridgeTechnical ITMedia (Levels 2 & 3)
GCE Media Studies ICT (Level 3)
Apprenticeship Framework (Levels 2 & 3)
* All qualifications are subject to change following consideration of any new specifications.
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Learners may progress onto OCR’s Level 3 Certificate in Preparing for a Business Venture, OCR’s Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business, Introductory Certificates in Marketing, BTEC Level 3 Business Studies or A Levels in related subjects.
Careers related to Business Studies: Business Studies gives career opportunities along a wide range of career paths including accountancy, advertising, banking, investment and financial services, general management, HR/personnel, management consultancy, public relations and retail management.
* All qualifications are subject to change following consideration of any new specifications.
KS4 GCSE Computer Science
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â OCR
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
The course is broken up into three different components:
- Computer Systems
- Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
Assessment
The course is assessed through two exams:
- Computer Systems 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 50% of the GCSE
- Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 50% of the GCSE
Both exams take place at the end of year 11.
Higher Education Courses/Careers
- A-Level Computer Science BTEC level 3 ICT
- Degree in Computer Science
- Degree in Software Engineering
- Degree in Business and Digital Technology
- Degree in Computer Networks
- Degree in Computer Science for Games
- Degree in Cyber Security Degree in Cyber Security with Forensics
- Degree in Information Technology with Business Studies
- Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics And many more!
