Learning computing gives students the opportunity to develop a range of skills and qualities which are essential in a huge variety of other subjects, fields and disciplines; opportunities for developing problem solving, resilience, communication and team-working skills can all be all be found within the computing curriculum. 

They will understand the importance of being selective about the information they obtain and will know how to make judgements regarding its suitability.  They will know how to collect, work with and analyse data in order to draw valid conclusions.  Students will learn the principles of how computers, and other technologies such as the internet, work.  

 

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have two Computing lessons a fortnight. Students follow a rigorous programme of study for undertake a diverse and challenging range of projects.

The following topics are covered in Year 7:

1. Digital Literacy
2. E-Safety
3. Networks and the internet 
4. Spreadsheet modelling 
5. Game Design with Kodu

The following topics are covered in Year 8:

1. Graphics design and data representation
2. How computers work
3. Algorithms and computational thinking
4. Common algorithms: algorithms for searching
5. Creating websites with HTML
6. Data science

The following topics are covered in Year 8:

1. Working with images and sound
2. Programming with Python
3. Common algorithms: algorithms for sorting
4. Cyber security
5. An introduction to Boolean logic
6. AI
7. Spreadsheet modelling pt2

If students choose to continue with ICT or Computing after Year 9, there are two options that can be chosen:

Option A: OCR GCSE  Computer Science (9-1) – J277

This course has been designed to give students an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. It’s excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of computer science. Students will develop their critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to other subjects.

The course content:

Component 01 – Computer Systems 

Exam – worth 50% – 80 marks

• 1.1 Systems architecture
• 1.2 Memory and storage
• 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
• 1.4 Network security
• 1.5 Systems software
• 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

Exam – worth 50% – 80 marks

• 2.1 Algorithms
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals
• 2.3 Producing robust programs
• 2.4 Boolean logic
• 2.5 5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Programming: all students must be given the chance to do practical programming. Although not assessed, confirmation of doing this must be sent to the exam board.

Option B: OCR Cambridge Nationals: Creative iMedia Level 2 Award - J834

Creative iMedia enables students to gain knowledge in a number of key areas in the ICT and media field, from pre-production skills to website creation and sound editing.

The course contains three units:

• UNIT RO93 Creative iMedia in the media industry(written examination)
• UNIT RO94 Visual identity & digital graphics (controlled assessment coursework)
• UNIT RO97 Interactive digital media  (controlled assessment coursework)

Further information can be found here:

OCR A-Level Computer Science 

The course content consists of:

Unit 1: Computer systems

Assessed by examination (worth 40%)

• 1.1 The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• 1.2 Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
• 1.3 Data exchange between different systems
• 1.4 Data types, data structures and algorithms
• 1.5 Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.

Unit 2: Algorithms and programming 

Assessed by examination (worth 40%)

• 2.1 What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
• 2.2 Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
• 2.3 Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.

Unit 3:  Programming project  

Non-exam assessment (worth 20%)

Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages. The project will consist of:

• Analysis of the problem
• Design of the solution
• Developing the solution
• Evaluation

More details can be found here.