Computing

Computing & Business Faculty

J Bailey

Key Stage Lead / Business Teacher

jbailey@
T Featherby

Computing & Business Head of Faculty

tfeatherby@

Key Stage 3 students have one hour of Computing each week. Students study a wide range of topics that will help them increase their ICT skills. As a department we feel that it is very important to link ICT with real life scenarios, this allows students to apply the skills they have learnt in school to real life situations outside of school.

Year 7 – During this year students will cover a variety of topics including, Baseline Testing & E-Safety, Small Basic, Computer Systems, Spreadsheets, Algorithms and BBC:Microbits.

Year 8 – During this year students will develop their knowledge further and will cover a number of topics including Advanced Spreadsheets, Beginners Python, HTML programming, Computer Systems & Networking, and Data Representation

Year 9 – During year 9 we deliver topics that directly link to the courses we offer in KS4. Students cover the following: Cyber Security, Business, Advanced Python programming, Photoshop, Computational Thinking and Flash Animation

Each module of work lasts 6 to 7 weeks and during this time students complete between 2 pieces of home learning, which will be outlined on Show my homework.

Key Stage 4 – Options

GCSE Computer Science

EdExcel GCSE Computing should encourage students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.

GCSE in Computing must enable students to:

· develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding of how they work and apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts

· acquire and apply a knowledge, some technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming

· use their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning users of IT, able to make informed decisions about the use and be aware of the implications of different technologies

· acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of IT in a range of contexts

· develop computer programs to solve problems

· develop the skills to work collaboratively

· evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of, and issues related to, the use of computer technology in society

The course is structured in the following way:

Principles of Computer Science – 50% – 1.30hr Written examination

Topics Include:

Topic 1: Computational thinking – understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.
Topic 2: Data – understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression
Topic 3: Computers – understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.
Topic 4: Networks – understanding of computer networks and network security.
Topic 5: Issues and impact – awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.

Application of Computational Thinking – 50% – 2hr On-Screen examination

Main focus:

understanding what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work in relation to creating programs
understanding how to decompose and analyse problems
ability to read, write, refine and evaluate programs.

The assessment will require students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems.

Students will complete this assessment onscreen using their Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of choice. They will be provided with: