As well as focusing on computational thinking, which develops problem-solving skills and logical thinking, our pupils learn practical IT skills, digital literacy and begin to understand the principles of computer networks and hardware, as well as considering the impact of computers on society.

Pupils explore these concepts further, learning to deconstruct more challenging problems and develop efficient algorithms in the form of flowcharts and executable programs.

Topics taught in Key Stage 3:

 Year 9

• Impact of Using Technology(Legal impact of using Technology)
• Computers (Software, Storage and The CPU)
• Networking (Network Hardware and Topology)
• Data Representation (Boolean logic , Image and Sound Representation)
  Digital literacy (HTML project)
• Computational Thinking(Algorithm writing)
• Python Programming(Selection and Iteration)

Useful resources

Assessment details   

Pupils are levelled at the end of each half term through topic tests and practical tasks. It is expected that all pupils will make two sub-levels of progress a year in order to reach their target grade. In order to support our pupils to do the very best they can.

We regularly review the ICT and Computing curriculum to ensure that all our pupils develop up to date knowledge and skills fit for the 21st century workplace and needs of the society. We look to provide an exciting and innovative curriculum with different pathways to suit the needs of our pupils.

We currently offer the following:

1. Information Technology (Edexcel)
Level 2 BTEC in Digital Information Technology

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is a qualification which for pupils who like creative computing. It equips young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills to create effective digital products and to work appropriately within the digital environment.

Topics covered are:

Unit 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques

Pupils will:

• Explore user interface design and development principles
• Investigate how to use project planning techniques to manage a digital project
• Discover how to develop and review a digital user interface

Unit 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

Pupils will:

• Explore how data impacts on individuals and organisations
• Analyse and draw conclusions and make recommendations on data intelligence
• Develop a dashboard using data manipulation tools

Unit 3: Effective Digital Working Practices

Pupils will:

• Explore how modern information technology is evolving
• Consider legal and ethical issues in data and information sharing
• Understand what cyber security is and how to safeguard against it.

2. Computer Science GCSE (OCR)

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces pupils to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Pupils apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Practical programming

Pupils are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Pupils will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).

We regularly review the ICT and Computing curriculum to ensure that all our pupils develop up to date knowledge and skills fit for the 21st century workplace and needs of the society. We look to provide an exciting and innovative curriculum with different pathways to suit the needs of our pupils.

We currently offer the following:

1. Information Technology (Edexcel)
Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Information Technology

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Nationals in Information Technology is a qualification which is a modern, work-related qualification which progresses into higher education or. Pupils develop high-level skills employers and universities look for such as teamwork, creative thinking and presentation skills the opportunity to build independent research and study skills essential for success at university and in the work-place.

Topics covered are:

Unit 1                   Information and Technology Systems (External Assessment)

Unit 2                   Creating Systems to Manage Information (External Assessment)

Unit 3                   Using Social Media in Business (Internal Assessment)

Unit 6                   Web Development (Internal Assessment)

2. Computer Science A-Level (OCR)

At AS level, the pupils will need to demonstrate the ability to research the different topics and gather and present information to their peers.  They will also need to learn how to use a range of software applications effectively including a scripting language and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of real ICT organisations.

Topics covered are:

• Components of a computer
• Systems software
• Software development
• Exchanging data
• Networks and web technologies
• Data types
• Data structures
• Boolean algebra
• Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues
• Computational thinking
• Programming techniques
• Algorithms

Possible specialist careers with Computer Science include:

• Application analyst
• Applications developer
• Cyber security analyst
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Forensic computer analyst
• Game designer
• Games developer
• Information systems manager
• IT consultant
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
• UX designer
• Web designer
• Web developer