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