Computing

Through computer science our students will use technology as a tool for learning and expression in a variety of disciplines and interests, becoming not just consumers of technology but creators of it. As a result, students will be empowered use technology as an accessible medium for creative and personal expression, as well as a tool for representing and solving problems. Finally, we want students to learn about the wider issues surrounding the use of technology in society, through engaging in discussions and reflecting upon the ethical, legal, and environmental issues, and developing digital literacy.

Where could Computer Science take me in the future?  

Computer Science prepares students for a varied future in technology from working with drones and driverless cars to programming and data analysis. The GCSE also develops an understanding of the A level and university degree course, opening up a vast array of exciting technical careers in fields that are still emerging.

At GCSE, pupils will undertake two assessment papers; they are both worth 50% of the total marks and are 80-mark papers lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The first paper will consist of short and medium answer questions. There will also be one 8-mark extended response question.

The second paper is split into section A and section B. Section A is worth 50 marks and assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts of Computer Science. Students then apply these to problems in computational terms, where they may use an algorithmic approach.

Section B is worth 30 marks and assesses students’ Practical Programming skills and their ability to design, write, test, and refine programs. The question paper will consist of short and medium answer questions.

Exam Board : OCR

Computing is not taught as a discrete subject in Key Stage 3. Our curriculum is delivered firstly through our Digital Strategy - every pupil receives their own Chromebook device which they keep at home, in addition to devices available for school access; pupils use our Pioneer Portal, multiple online platforms, MS Teams/email and also MS Office programmes as part of this programme. We also deliver aspects of the computing curriculum via other subject curricula including maths, science, geography, art & design and design technology.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum particularly focuses on equipping students with knowledge of data representation and computation, how digital systems work, and about programming, all of which are the foundation needed for students to successfully study GCSE Computer Science at Key Stage 4.

Pupils also develop their IT (Information Technology) skills that will allow them to begin to use IT to create programs, artefacts, products and a range of digital content.

Opportunities for programming occur regularly so that pupils can encounter coding and computational thinking throughout KS3 refining their understanding of the main programming concepts. This is mainly delivered through our Enrichment Carousel (we have timetabled coding enrichment for pupils in all year groups).

Pupils also develop a range of digital media and design skills that support progression to future qualifications, which are also beneficial across their broad curriculum experience.

Computer Science GCSE inspires students to engage with developments in technology with topics ranging from computer communications and networking to application development. Computer Science encourages learners to: understand Computer Science - abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation, analyse and solve computational problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs, think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically and apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

All Year 10 Subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 11 Subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Design Technology