Computing

Computing and IT is project based and taught in mixed ability groups.  The subject is very popular with pupils at all levels of ability and the department is in the process of updating the curriculum at Key Stage 3 in particular to keep pace with changing technology and best practice in the subject. We have increased the range of software available for pupils to use by upgrading the Adobe suites of software and investing in new Animation software and App development. Additionally, we have launched PYTHON as our coding language. Through coding, pupils develop sophisticated and important life skills. Coding is all about applied problem solving through logical, critical and creative thinking.

The new computing curriculum ensures that pupils cover the following three strands; Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The current provision integrates these as a whole through schemes of work that cover all three elements. The importance of covering these three strands is to develop pupils’ understanding of the technology they have access to on a daily basis. Understanding web and app development alongside what is going on ‘under the hood’ of a computer is essential in developing Computational Thinkers for all future careers.

KS3

The pupils have 1 hour per week of Computer Science to work through a range of differentiated projects which include:

Year 7

2D Design: Graphic Design project using Adobe Illustrator

Under the Hood: Investigating computers and computer systems

Sound Machine: Creating simple mobile phone apps using AppInventor

Control: Using block coding to control micro:bits

Code: Creating projects using Python

Comic Strip: Telling stories of heroines of Computer Science through comic book strips.

 

Year 8

Animation: Creating a short animation using Adobe Animate

Games: Making Games with GameMaker

Website Design: Creating websites using Dreamweaver

Code 2: Developing coding using python

Spreadsheets: Create a spreadsheet to encrypt and decrypt text messages

Homework is given as appropriate through KS3 depending on the project.

 

Year 9

ICT Skills for work: Presentation, Word Processing and Spreadsheet Software

E-Safety: Keeping safe online and their digital footprint

Internet, Searching Learning and Research: Techniques for coursework and college

iDEA: Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award

 

KS4 (Years 9-11)

The Study of Computing and IT is optional. Pupils can opt to follow an OCR National course in Creative iMedia which allows pupils to study how computers and IT are used in the production of media such as Graphic Designs, Digital Photographs, Websites, Video Games, Audio and Video. The course is taught over Years 9, 10 and 11 in mixed ability groups and has proven to be very popular with pupils. Or GCSE Computer Science an engaging and practical course, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages pupils to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Pupils also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.