ICT & Computing

Staff

• Mr S Ketter - Head of ICT & Computing
• Mr N Mayne
• Miss Tracey Goldstein 

Key Stage 3

ICT & Computing is a compulsory subject across Years 7 & 8 with students receiving one lesson per week. It aims to make confident, creative and productive use of ICT & Computing to encourage essential skills for life. ICT & Computing capability includes learning technical skills and techniques, and the understanding to apply these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly.

Students will:

• Use a range of information with different characteristics, structures and purposes and evaluate how it matches requirements and its fitness for purpose
• Use of a variety of information sources in a range of context
• Use and review of the effectiveness of different ICT & computing tools, including a range of software applications
• Learn logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, design and structured problem solving
• Develop an understanding of the need to:
  • Employ safe working practices
  • Keep information secure
  • Manage information
  • The impact of ICT & computing on individuals, communities and society
  • Problem solve using programming.

 

Schemes of work studied

 

Key Stage 4

OCR Computer Science GCSE

The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application.
 

Students complete:

• Two 90 minute written exams.
• One Programming Project assessment

 

What are the benefits of GCSE Computer Science?

It is contemporary, relevant and rewarding for GCSE students.

The qualification:

• Prepares students for learning, working and living in an increasingly digital world
• Develops creativity, logical thinking, independent learning and self-evaluation
• Gives students a chance to design apps and software for technologies they use - mobile phones, games consoles and the internet
• Teaches computing which is of enormous importance to the economy and focuses on computer technologies that are relevant in the modern world
• Has content overlaps with Microsoft Technology Associate certifications to give industry recognised skills
• Gives a thorough grounding in computing, creating opportunities for students to move on to A-levels, vocational courses, industry recognised IT qualifications and employment
• Supports progress in other areas such as technology, science, engineering and the creative industries.

 

Course entry minimum requirements:

• Mathematics: Extension Pathway
• English: Extension Pathway (students on the Core Pathway who achieve particularly well may also be considered)

 

OCR Cambridge National ICT

This qualification is for students who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in the creative use of information technologies. Good use of Information Technology is an essential part of any successful business. It enables creative and collaborative working, solving of problems and use of the best techniques and technologies to communicate meaningful information which meets customers’ needs.

This qualification will raise students’ confidence in using IT and plug potential gaps in digital skills and knowledge not covered by studying computing. This qualification has been developed whilst consulting employers, such as Siemens and Fujitsu and IT specialists to make sure that students will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st century

Skillset

Data Manipulation and Project Management are vital skills for success in employment and higher education and are among the key transferable skills required by employers. Cambridge National in Information Technologies develops students understanding of these skills through the development of creative products to solve real world data problems.

 

Assessment

There are two units of assessment. To claim the Certificate Information Technologies qualification (equivalent to 1 GCSE), learners must complete both units of assessment. Performance in both assessments will be underpinned by acquiring the knowledge, understanding and skills specified for the qualification through learning by doing.

All students must complete both mandatory units.

 

Key Stage 5

OCR Computer Science AS/A Level

Why choose OCR Computer Science?

Our Computer Science specification will above all else be relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. The new specification will:

• Focus on programming, building on our GCSE Computing and emphasise the importance of computational thinking as a discipline
• Have an expanded maths focus, much of which will be embedded within the course
• Put computational thinking at its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence
• Allow student to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner
• Give students a clear progression into higher education, as the course was designed after consultation with members of BCS, CAS and top universities.

AS Level

Students will complete:

• Two 75 minute written exam

A Level

Students will complete:

• Two 150 minute written exam
• One Programming Assessment

 

Entry Requirements

C grade in Computer Science GCSE

                        OR

B grade Maths and English GCSE

• Students who have not studied Computer Science at GCSE need to learn basic programming in preparation of taking this course
• Preferred programming language: Python
• This course requires high levels of resilience and logical thinking.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Computing Club. A place where students can come to experiment with state of the art equipment: a club that allows students to extend their knowledge in a fun and creative setting.