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Computing

          

Department Staff
 

Mr J Kemp
(Head of Computing)
Mr P Benson
Mr S Gaunt
 

Key Stage 3 (Topics)
 

Year 7
  • Clear messaging in digital media
  • Networks - from semaphores to the Internet
  • Using media - gaining support for a cause
  • Programming Essentials (Constructs)
  • Programming Essentials (Problem-Solving)
  • Modelling Data using spreadsheets
Year 8
  • Developing for the Web
  • Representations (Binary) - from clay to silicone
  • Mobile App Development
  • Media (Vector Graphics)
  • Layers of computing systems
  • Python Programming (Introduction)
Year 9
  • Python Programming (Sequences of Data)
  • Media (Animations)
  • Data Science
  • Representations - Going Audio-Visual
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Developing physical computing projects

Key Stage 4 (Topics)
 

Courses & Assessment Methods

Computer Science
(OCR J277)

x2 Exam Papers (50% each)

Creative iMedia
(OCR J834)

x2 Assignments (25% and 35%)
& x1 Exam Paper (40%)

Year 10
  • Extended programming challenge
  • Design, Testing and IDEs
  • Algorithms/Ethical and Cultural
  • Data Representation
  • Programming Essentials
  • Components of a Computer System
  • Creative iMedia in the media industry
  • Visual identity and digital graphics
Year 11
  • Design, Testing and IDEs/Algorithms
  • Data Representation & Programming
  • Ethical and cultural issues
  • Components of a computer system
  • Networks
  • Interactive digital media

Curriculum Accessibility
 

Provision for SEND students
  • Alternative methods of recording
  • Use of read aloud and text to speech
  • Personalised and dyslexia friendly resources
  • Modified or adapted equipment as required (e.g. ergonomic mouse)

X-Curricular
 

Clubs
  • Code Club (Years 7-9)
  • GCSE Support (Years 10-11)
Events/Trips
  • First Lego League (Year 7)
  • Royal Signals (Years 8-9)
  • Bournemouth & Southampton University
    (Years 9-10)

Resources
 

Apps
  • AppleLink
Software
Links/Websites

Future Pathways
 

Further Education
  • AS/A Level Computer Science or Media Studies
  • Cambridge Technical in IT or Digital Media (Level 2 and 3)
Career and Progression
  • University
  • Employment (Games Developer, Programmer, Graphic Designer)
  • Apprenticeship (Level 2 & 3 / Higher Apprenticeship)

Overview

The generation to which our students now belong is more technologically advanced than any before it.  In Computing, students learn to master a wide range of software and hardware that will ensure they have the skill set required for College and beyond.

At the core of the Department is Computer Science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through several programming languages.

In addition to Computer Science, students undertake our popular creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users.  Students create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability.

As a thriving and lively Department, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities and clubs throughout the year.  Our Coding Club allows students to experience the use of robotics and external hardware devices such as the Raspberry Pi and the return of our Graphic/Web Design Master Classes.

There are also leadership opportunities where our students become Computing Ambassadors, supporting our Key Stage 3 students and working closely with our local primary schools to support their IT curriculum.