Our vision is to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. It is our intent to enable all students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to function in this digital age.
Computing lessons will give students a well-rounded understanding of IT and computer science, preparing them not only for academic success but also for life in our modern tech-driven world.
Students will develop high quality IT skills enabling them to engage positively within the modern workplace. We teach Word Processing, Modelling, Presentations, Email and Cyber security to ensure these skills are mastered.
We want to ensure students are comfortable with various programming languages and can turn ideas into working programs. We teach the fundamental concepts of programming, covering topics such as algorithms and how computers work. Starting with visual block based programming to teach the fundamentals and more complex skills. This develops in difficulty to text-based programming.
Students get practical experience through projects such as MicroBit and Lego robots, applying what they've learned to real-world situations. This helps them build problem-solving skills and creativity. This also incorporates conversations about careers to raise awareness and aspirations.
The curriculum will encourage critical thinking by presenting students with challenges that require logical analysis and creative solutions, teaching them a systematic problem-solving approach.
Beyond tech skills, we aim to teach students to navigate the digital world safely, critically evaluate information, and be responsible consumers and creators of digital content.
Students will learn to speak like specialists and use computing terminology with ease and fluency. They will read texts which explore the legal and ethical implications of the ever-changing world around us and the laws that govern them.
Students will learn to work collaboratively with one another, replicating the modern working environment. They will be taught to be resilient life-long learners through learning to refine and improve their knowledge and skills. They will study a challenging and ambitious curriculum that will ensure they have the skillset to succeed in the modern world.
Students will be assessed through A-Zones, written tests and longer-term projects.
Studying computing opens up a vast array of career opportunities in our technology-driven world. Studying computing allows students to work in rewarding roles in a diverse range of industries and career pathways, as well as preparing students to be successful computational thinkers.
Computer Science
Through studying computer science students will understand and apply the fundamental
principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic,
algorithms, and data representation.
Students will analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
Students will think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
They will also understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems .
Students will understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
They will learn to apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Students will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface.
Students will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help
organisations in decision making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information.
Learners will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use.
Students will learn to work collaboratively with one another, replicating the modern working environment. They will be taught to be resilient life-long learners through learning to refine and improve their knowledge and skills. They will study a challenging and ambitious curriculum that will ensure they have the skillset to succeed in the modern world.
Computer Science
Computer Science is assessed through two written papers:
Paper 1 – Computer Systems (1hr 30min)
Paper 2 – Computational Thinking and Programming (1hr 30min)
BTEC Digital Information Technology
Students will study three components
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques (Internally Assessed coursework)
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and
Interpreting Data (Internally Assessed coursework)
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices (External written exam – 1hr 30min)
Where studying this subject can take you (Link to A-levels/ university/ careers)
Studying computing opens up a vast array of career opportunities in our technology-driven world. Studying computing allows students to work in rewarding roles in a diverse range of industries and career pathways, as well as preparing students to be successful computational thinkers.
Students can go on to study computer science at A-Level and then a wide range of university courses and apprenticeships thereafter.
Career paths are wide ranging and by the time that students finish the course there will be careers that don’t yet exist!
Current careers include:
Programmer
Cyber security / forensics
Hacker (white hat)
Games developer
Data architect
Data analyst
Web developer
Interactive media designer
