ICT & COMPUTER SCIENCE

The department teaches a range of subject topics including Computer Science, Information Technology, Online safety and Digital Literacy.  Students at Key stage 3 have one lesson a week and students can choose to study either Computer Science or Btech Digital Information Technology at Key Stage 4.


Department Staff

Mrs K Davies - IT Director of Studies

Mrs M Gladding - ICT & Computing Teacher and Mental Health Champion

Mr S Dowers - ICT & Computing Teacher


Curriculum Intent

As a department, we ensure that the 3 spoke wheel principle; ICT, Computer Science and Digital Wellbeing is followed.  We build layers of knowledge, understanding and confidence as we progress through the years; covering topics familiar are Key Stage 2 such as Scratch and challenging our thinking as the years develop.


Key Stage 3

The KS3 curriculum has been designed to give students a broad and exciting insight into the world of computing and being a good digital citizen. We have balanced the needs of digital users and computer scientists to cater to all abilities and interests within the student body. We aim to give students the skills and confidence to tackle hardware and software including ‘under the hood’ technology.


Key Stage 4 - ICT

The BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology provides an alternative route for those students who are motivated by using technology to meet their needs. The course aims to equip our students with the skills to research digital products, apply their knowledge to the design and creation of applications for use by others. This is an aspirational course that encourages students to look at technology from a different stance and the importance of data analysis and effective working practices in industry.


Key Stage 4 - Computer Science

Students will build upon their knowledge of computer science from Key Stage 3. The course encourages students to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science and how they are applied to real world situations. Budding computer scientists will develop their analytical, computational and problem solving skills alongside learning a programming language. 


Key Stage 5

The Key Stage 5 courses allow students to pursue different levels of challenges based on their aspirations and interests. Units are delivered which allow students to follow their passions whether they be graphics and animations or whether it is computer science. All students develop their independent learning skills including research, analysis, consolidation and practical application which carries strongly through to their Higher education or apprenticeship experiences when they leave us.


Overall, we want to give students the knowledge and skills to be able to tackle any issues, be it hardware, software or programming.  We want to develop their tenacity and independence in problem solving, using the internet as a resource tool and most importantly give them the confidence to give it a go even if it might not turn out as expected.  IT and Computer Science are all about lifelong learning and the confidence to tackle the unknown.


GCSE Computer Science

Specification:   GCSE in Computer Science (OCR J277)

Paper 1 is a written exam paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes on computer systems.  This is worth 50% of the final grade.

Paper 2 is a written exam paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes on computational thinking, algorithms and programming.  This is worth 50% of the final grade.

 

BTEC Digital Information Technology

Specification: Pearson Btec Level 1/Level 2 Tec Award in Digital Information Technology (603/2740/6)

Component 1 and 2 are a series of internally assessed assignments which are then moderated by Pearson.  Each component is worth 30% of the final grade.

Component 3 is an externally assessed exam drawing together the knowledge and understanding of all three components, which is worth 40% of the final grade.

 

BTEC Information Technology (RQF)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Information Technology (601/7574/6)

Unit 1 is a written exam paper lasting 2 hours on information technology systems.

Unit 2 is a practical exam lasting 5 hours based on creating systems to manage information

Unit 3 is an internally assessed unit which is moderated by Pearson based on the use of social Media in business

Unit 4 is an internally assessed unit which is moderated by Pearson based on data modelling

 

BTEC Information Technology (QCF)

Specification: BTEC Nationals Information Technology (500/9150/5)

Assessment: The course is assessed purely through portfolios which can include web design, student-designed games, reports, animations and video.

 

Facilities

We have 5 large ICT rooms with 30 computers and a further 4 ICT rooms with 15-20 computers.  All students have their own Network and Google account to support their classwork and homework.  Students have remote access at home.  Students have access to video, sound and image editing software as well as Microsoft Office.  Other programs include Scratch, GameMaker, Pivot, Python, Serif Suite as well as a range of other subject specific software.  All computers have internet access and allow students to use Google Classroom, access their email accounts and Go 4 Schools.


Useful Subject Links

https://www.learnpython.org/en/

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/excel/

https://joincyberdiscovery.com/

https://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/cryptography_competition/

https://codeclub.org/en/

https://www.ted.com/talks?q=ted-ed&sort=relevance&topics%5B%5D=Technology

https://idea.org.uk/about