The computing curriculum aims for students to become expert and responsive technology, information, and data users, applying computational methods to solve problems. The curriculum teaches students to be digitally literate so they can express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology. This knowledge and skills will enable them to participate in the future workplace and the digital world actively.
In KS3, the focus is to build on their foundation knowledge of computer science and IT from primary school and identify gaps. The aim is to ensure that students know how to be safe online and understand their digital footprint. The curriculum also builds student programming knowledge and skills from prior experiences, using a variety of programming platforms to develop their understanding of computing and IT.
At KS4 we aim to broaden students understanding of IT and computer science to become more independent in their approaches to computational thinking and solutions to complex real-life scenarios. Students follow the OCR exam board specification and study topics in order of the curriculum plan to ensure knowledge builds coherently. Learning how to programme is a significant part of years 10 and 11. Students develop an understanding of system architecture and memory and storage to ensure they understand the fundamentals of how computer systems work. This knowledge supports students in knowing about understanding system software and networks, which means they are then able to relate real-life security issues. This solid understanding of technology and how it works allows students to apply their knowledge to computer science's ethical, legal, environmental, and cultural concerns.
At KS5 we provide two pathways.
Both courses prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to progress to future careers or higher education studies in IT or Computer Science.
Computer Science A Level is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention with logic and the ability to think critically. This course aims to give students an understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation, including writing programs.
For BTEC, we cover the following units in order: 3D animation, 3D modelling, 3D environments, digital games production and digital media skills. This enables students to learn how to create and manipulate assets before creating their own 3D game
In KS3, the focus is to build on their foundation knowledge of computer science and IT from primary school and identify gaps. The aim is to ensure that students know how to be safe online and understand their digital footprint. The curriculum also builds student programming knowledge and skills from prior experiences, using a variety of programming platforms to develop their understanding of computing and IT.
At KS4 we aim to broaden students understanding of IT and computer science to become more independent in their approaches to computational thinking and solutions to complex real-life scenarios. Students follow the OCR exam board specification and study topics in order of the curriculum plan to ensure knowledge builds coherently. Learning how to programme is a significant part of years 10 and 11. Students develop an understanding of system architecture and memory and storage to ensure they understand the fundamentals of how computer systems work. This knowledge supports students in knowing about understanding system software and networks, which means they are then able to relate real-life security issues. This solid understanding of technology and how it works allows students to apply their knowledge to computer science's ethical, legal, environmental, and cultural concerns.
