Computer Science
Head of Computing: Mr Griffiths
Teachers: Mrs Martin & Mrs Clarke
Computing is taught as a discreet subject at KS3. All students study Computing for two hours a fortnight. They will use their own desktop computer during lesson time to allow them to fully engage with the varying topics, encompassing Computer Science, Digital Literacy and ICT.
Students are taught how computer systems are used and the most appropriate software to use for a given scenario, ensuring all students are well prepared for cross curricular ICT needs throughout their school career. Students will come to understand how computer systems are developed and learn the programming skills required to develop their own. Digital Literacy is implicit in all areas of Computing and provides the support students required to become fully accomplished in all areas of their curriculum including eSafety and touch typing.
Key Stage 3:
At KS3 students are given the opportunity solve problems using their ICT skills, to understand how the components of a computer work and to develop practical programming skills through traditional programming methods as well as App and web development. Python will be the main programming language used, and no previous knowledge of this is required or expected.
The KS3 curriculum has been developed to provide an excellent and secure base for the study of GCSE Computer Science.
Key stage 4:
Students in KS4 study OCR GCSE Computer Science. Computer Science gets students working with real-world, practical programming techniques providing a good understanding of what makes technology work. This GCSE course is assessed through 2 written papers, addressing Computer systems and Computational thinking, algorithms & programming, and a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) comprising a programming project. The NEA does not contribute towards the final grade but is compulsory; each written paper is worth 50% of the final GCSE grade.
Key Stage 5
At KS5, students can continue their studies with AQA A-level Computing. Computing is listed as a “Useful A-Level Qualification” in no fewer than 20 degree disciplines, including Engineering, Science, Social Sciences and Medicine. It has a high practical programming element and is only suitable for students with some prior programming experience and mathematical aptitude. This course is assessed through two examinations, one written (40%) and one computer based (40%), and a piece of NEA (20%).