Director of IT and Innovation – Mr K Ali
Teacher of Computer Science I/C KS3 – Mrs Bahia
Computing drives innovation in the sciences, in engineering, business, entertainment, and education. It touches every aspect of our lives from the cars we drive to the movies we watch and the way in which businesses and governments communicate with and hear from us.
An understanding of computing is essential if you want to keep up with changing technology and take advantage of the opportunities it offers in your life, whether it’s a career or a way of problem solving, or as a way of providing you with a greater appreciation of the way things work.
While it is almost impossible to accurately predict what technological developments will happen next, there are underlying Computing concepts and principles that lead to future developments. By studying Computer Science you will learn about these concepts and principles equipping you with valuable skills that will enable you to solve deep multi-layered problems.
You will learn about many topics using a range of resources such as using robots and tablet technology to improve your understanding of Computing. You will be taught about the fundamentals of how computer technology works, using electronic devices safely, programming fundamentals and digital literacy.
Homework tasks will also be set through Teams and Seneca and the students will be able to submit their work electronically via this portal for marking.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the project topics and suggest possible ways that homework tasks can be completed. Discussing the use of computers in daily life and how important they are will help students to see how computing affects everyday life.
Use of technology/applications
E-Safety
Flowol
Binary
Multimedia
Introduction to Python
Website development
Programming – use of scratch
Python programming (intermediate)
Advanced spreadsheets
Computer crime and cyber security
Python programming (advanced)
Multimedia (advanced)
Digital graphics
Social/cultural and environmental impact of digital technology
Exploring user interface design principles and project planning techniques
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage students to:
• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
• apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science
Computer Systems – 50% of overall GCSE
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – 50% of overall GCSE
The Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology will enable students to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to user interface designs, data management, data interpretation, data presentation, data protection and effective use of digital information technology as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.
How is your work assessed?
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices
This course is intended as an Applied General qualification covering 360 guided learning hours, and is equivalent in size to 1 A level. It makes up a third of a typical study programme, and is normally taken alongside other level 3 qualifications. It is designed for students interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, but not necessarily in IT.
Students wishing to take this qualification should have successfully completed a level 2 programme of learning, with GCSE or vocational qualifications.
What does the qualification cover?
This content has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it incorporates the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to enable progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been consulted on the content development to confirm its relevance to current industry practice used in IT and related occupational disciplines.
Students study the relationship between hardware and software and managing and communicating information and data across three mandatory units:
● Information Technology Systems
● Creating Systems to Manage Information
● Using Social Media in Business. Students select an additional unit of study on either data modelling or website development to complete the qualification
Home study will be set according to the home study timetable. Pupils will be able to access this via Teams and Seneca. For those students that require computer facilities, these will be made available at lunchtimes in W005 and W006.
