Computing & IT
Why study Computing & IT?
Have a look at the world around you. How close to a computer are you? When was the last time you used one? When was the last time you were creative with one? Life without computers is almost unimaginable. There’s nothing that doesn’t involve computing in some way. In the ICT & Computing department we look to provide an exciting and innovative curriculum. We regularly review the ICT & Computing curriculum to ensure that all our students develop up-to-date knowledge and skills fit for the 21st century workplace.
The aims of the Computing & IT Department
- To stimulate interest and enjoyment in the study of Computing and IT.
- Ensure that all students have a broad and balanced Computing and IT curriculum.
- To develop the knowledge, understanding and capabilities of Computing and IT.
- Ensure that all students have a programme which progresses from Year 7 to Year 11 as well as to Year 12 and Year 13.
- Encourage students to develop an understanding of the wider applications and effects of Computing and IT.
- Encourage students to solve problems through the use of information systems and associated principles and techniques.
- Provide students with a broad and balanced view of the range of applications and information systems and an understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
- To provide an opportunity for all students to achieve their potential through differentiated programmes of study.
- To provide experiences which are challenging, stimulating and, where appropriate, directly relevant to the present and future needs of the students.
- To provide learning activities which are varied in nature, including: practical tasks, formal teaching, interactive teaching, project work and group work
KS3 Computing & IT
In KS3, students will have two lessons per fortnight and will cover a range of topics that will help to develop their ICT skills and introduce them to computing concepts. Within KS3 Computing and IT lessons, students are introduced to Computing and IT through a clear framework of lessons that reflects the new Computing Programmes of Study. In Year 7, students will identify and describe a range of computer components and distinguish the difference between hardware and software. They will also cover the topic of E-safety and learn more about this important area to create their own webpages. Students are introduced to data collection, modelling and animation through enjoyable schemes of learning. In Year 8 and 9, students are further challenged to implement their IT skills to use a range of software and also introduced to the theoretical side of the subject. This will involve students learning and using a range of computer programming languages, algorithms and computational abstractions. The units of work will develop students’ ability to use their Computing and IT skills in a range of different contexts to solve more complex problems.
KS4 – GCSE
The Computing and IT Department offers two courses at Key Stage 4, catering to a wide range of student interests and learning preferences. The ICT courses place a strong emphasis on using computer applications to solve problems. The GCSE Computing course moves that emphasis to understanding and developing new software and goes to the heart of how a computer functions from the lowest level.
GCSE Computer Science (OCR) J277
Computer Science is a subject distinct from ICT in that the focus is on developing the skills, knowledge and understanding to create computer systems, including software and applications in use on computers and mobile devices. This course teaches students to understand the fundamental concepts of computing and develop software applications to solve a range of problems. Students with a keen interest in solving abstract problems and logic will find this course highly engaging. The course is assessed through two written exams (weighted at 50% of the course each) undertaken in year 11. Topics covered include practical programming projects using the Python programming language, computer memory and data storage, networking, hardware and software components and logic.
Students should consider GCSE Computer Science if they wish to pursue further studies in computing or programming or a career in software or game development.
Cambridge Nationals IT Level 2 Certificate - J836
This qualification offers a comprehensive learning experience encompassing the utilisation of diverse design tools, the fundamental principles governing human-computer interfaces, and the crucial role of data and testing in the creation of IT solutions and products. Additionally, you will explore the practical applications of the Internet of Everything (IoE) in everyday life. Through this programme, you will develop the proficiency to strategically plan and design spreadsheet solutions tailored to meet client needs, employing an array of tools and techniques, while gaining expertise in testing and evaluating these solutions. Furthermore, you'll acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to Augmented Reality (AR), encompassing its purpose, varied uses across different contexts, and its deployment on various digital devices.
This comprehensive learning experience not only prepares you for further IT-related studies but also equips you with vital transferable skills and foundational industry knowledge. A good site to help you with this would be https://excelexercises.com/lessons.html
KS5 – A-Level & Level 3
The ICT Department offers two courses at Key Stage 5, catering to a wide range of student interests and learning preferences. The A Level Computer Science course moves that emphasis to understanding and developing new software and goes to the heart of how a computer functions from the lowest level. The Cambridge Technicals in Information Technology course places a strong emphasis on using computer applications to solve problems.
A Level Computer Science (OCR)
The course is much more than just training in a programming language. The emphasis is on computational thinking. The study of computation is about what can be computed and how to compute it. Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world. Experimental Computer Science can be done with computers, whereby we can learn more about the natural world by observing the emergent behaviour of a colony of interacting software agents in a simulation. Computing is about designing new algorithms to solve new problems. This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding these future challenges.
The course is aimed at students who wish to develop a logical approach to solving problems and understanding the ways in which computer systems are developed. Students should be able to work independently by applying their own analytical reasoning to solve both abstract and specific problems.
Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics (AAQ)
This qualification aims to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in the principles of IT and Data Analytics. You will gain an insight into the data sector as you investigate how data is collected, stored, analysed and secured, the role of Big Data and machine learning, and the importance of data governance, privacy, and regulatory considerations. Designed in collaboration with experts across the sector, the Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics focusses on the requirements today’s universities and employers demand.
You will take five units to achieve this qualification. The qualification includes three mandatory units: two externally assessed written exams and one centre-assessed coursework unit. These are Fundamentals of Data Analytics, Big Data and Machine Learning, and Spreadsheet Data Modelling. The first two mandatory units give learners insight into how organisations manage, analyse, and protect information, and how emerging technologies like predictive analytics and artificial intelligence process massive datasets. The third mandatory unit reflects an essential practical requirement in the sector, developing advanced hands-on skills in manipulating real-world data and creating dynamic spreadsheet models.
This two-year course is for students who want to pursue a career in Data Analytics, Information Technology, and Business Intelligence, and are considering a university degree, employment, or higher apprenticeships. The course offers the opportunity to explore a broad range of data and computing subjects, enabling students to develop specialist skills in a rapidly growing area of the IT sector.
Future Pathways
ICT supports a number of pathways and could form a basis for progression into further learning, including: university courses, or employment where they can take further training in such areas as programming, computer science, systems analysis, communications, multimedia, software systems, and project management or hardware applications.
Computing supports a number of further education and career pathways and is very well respected academically and will be a strong support to students intending to study medicine, law, engineering, computing, foreign languages, physical sciences or maths-based courses at university. As computing pervades all aspects of study and contemporary research, this course supports a very wide range of career paths at university in addition to those listed above.