ICT & Computing

ICT & Computing

• Mr N Mayne, Head of ICT & Computing
• Mr S Ketter, Teacher of ICT & Computing
• Miss T Goldstein, Teacher of ICT & Computing

 

The ICT and Computing curriculum is a 7-year journey in which follows the school’s aims of Learning, Loving, Living. For example, we prepare students to be resilient in their learning and to work collaboratively and safely whilst living in an ever-changing world of technology. The curriculum is designed to ensure students experience a balance of the technical theory of how computers work, and the practical skills involved with using them. Our schemes of learning use examples of real-world problems which require students to design, produce and evaluate different solutions. The ICT and Computing curriculum is specifically created to suit different styles of learners, encompassing both logical and creative thinkers, and providing a platform for students of a range of abilities to succeed. Our students are encouraged to develop independence and take risks in order to help overcome any future challenges they may face.

Key Stage 3

ICT & Computing is a compulsory subject across years 7, 8 and 9 with students receiving one lesson per week in year 7 and 8 and three lessons per fortnight in year 9. The KS3 curriculum will help students explore a range of topics and skills, laying the foundation for further development as a scholar of ICT or Computer Science. The Schemes of Learning also give students key skills to help them excel in other subjects as well as in their future careers.

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.
• Explore the components that make up a computer and how they work together
• 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
• Problem solve using programming

Schemes of learning studied:

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
1. Digital literacy	1. eSafety	1. Computer hardware
2. eSafety and Website design	2. Data representation	2. Cyber security
3. Reading and writing algorithms	3. Multimedia products and tools	3. Animation and storyboards
4.  Introduction to programming with Scratch	4. Programming with Python	4. HTML and CSS
5.  Spreadsheet modelling	5. Logic theory and Hardware	5. Searching and sorting algorithms
6.  Communications	6. Database systems	6. Python – Next steps
		7. Database management
		8. App invention

 

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:

· To 90 minute written exams.

· One Programming exam

 

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 requirements:

Course entry minimum requirements:

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

 

Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia Level 1/2

The qualification Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia is media sector focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and has IT at its heart.

Digital Media is a key part of many areas of our everyday lives and vital to the UK economy. Production of digital media products is a requirement of almost every business so there is huge demand for a skilled and digitally literate workforce. This qualification will help students develop specific and transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts. The qualification’s hands-on approach has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in creative media.

The mandatory units of pre-production and creating digital graphics underpin the qualification and reflect key industry skills. The pre-production skills unit is assessed through an examination and contributes 25% of the marks for the Certificate size qualification.

The wide range of optional units cover different media disciplines allowing you to offer your students a course that will motivate them, appeal to range of learning styles and allow students to demonstrate their ability and passion. Each optional unit is assessed through a practical task-based assessment with OCR-set tasks to support your students in producing assessment evidence.

It provides students with knowledge in a number of key areas, from pre-production skills to digital animation, and has a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning.

The qualification structure, including the range of units available, allows students the freedom to explore the areas of creative media that interest them, as well as providing good opportunities to enhance their learning in a range of curriculum areas.

 

Assessment

Units	Qualification title	GLH
R081: Pre-production skills	Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes	30
R082: Creating digital graphics	Centre assessed task,  OCR moderated	30
R087: Creating interactive multimedia products	Centre assessed task,  OCR moderated	30
R091: Designing a game concept	Centre assessed task,  OCR moderated	30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 exams

 

A Level

Students will complete:

• Two 150 minute written exam
• One Programming Assessment

 

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in Computer Science GCSE

AND

Grade 6 Maths and English grade 5 GCSE

 

Additional Requirements

· Students need to be competent programmers in at least one language in preparation of taking this course

· Preferred programming language: Python

· This course requires high levels of resilience, logical thinking and mathematical ability.