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Computing

The over-arching aim of the course is to encourage students to appreciate how using a computer can enhance and empower them in their life through computer literacy. The courses should help students to have more control over their futures.

Computing is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computing. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

What is studied at KS3?

At KS3 computing is a mix of Computer Science and Information Technology. All course content can be accesed by students at home as well as in school.

Year 7 courses include:

  • How a computer works
  • Internet searches: validity, reliability and bias
  • Spreadsheets and Python code

Year 8 courses include:

  • Algorithms
  • Website design
  • Robot missions (EV3)

Year 9 courses include:

  • Problem-solving and Python
  • Python text adventures and simulations
  • Boolean logic & Binary
  • Ethics of Computing

What is studied at KS4?

At KS4 students study the Edexcel Computer science (9-1) GCSE

GCSE Specification 

What is studied at KS5?

Content:  We study the AQA curriculum for theory and programming.  We focus on Python as our primary programming language.  Students do not need prior knowledge of programming in Python to take this course, or programming at all. However, prior knowledge is advantageous.

Equally, students do not need prior knowledge of the curriculum theory - we start from scratch (though at some pace) as even those who have taken a GCSE in computer science may have studied different exam boards and therefore have different knowledge bases.

We aim to keep a roughly equal balance of theory and practical (programming) lessons throughout the years so that both elements of the course are focussed on equally.

Exam board:  We currently study the AQA exam board at A Level.  This is because of the style of assessment, allowing for a theory exam, coding exam and NEA.  Not all exam boards offer an on-screen coding exam, and it only makes sense to be able to show our students' strength in coding.  The NEA additionally shows their design skills and range of applications of their programming skills to a much larger problem/project than in the exam.

Facilities

We use three main computer suites. There are many other networked computers and rooms around the school.

Staff

Ms Alicia Morando - Subject Leader

Mr Wai Yip Chow