Computing
Key Stage 3 Information
Points to Note
Pupils are placed into sets, initially using CAT scores and prior attainment data. These are reviewed throughout the Key Stage. Pupils follow a curriculum aimed at developing computing, digital literacy and digital creativity skills. They undertake a number of units each year focusing on different elements of this.
Units include:
Year 7
• Introduction to the school network
• Information manipulation
• Physical computing through the use of the BBC Microbit
• Programming through games design
Year 8
• Web design and html
• Digital technologies
• App development
• Beginners Python
Year 9
• Multimedia design
• Advanced Programming in Python
• Advanced game design
Key Stage 4 Information
Edexcel Digital Applications
The course consists of two units:
• Developing Web Products, assessed by a practical exam
• Creative Multimedia assessed by a summative project.
It allows pupils to develop skills in the use of industry standard software and apply these to real life tasks.
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website (http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/digital-applications-cida-dida.html)
AQA GCSE Computer Science
Year 11 (2012 Specifications)
This course allows students to develop programming skills in a range of languages. It also teaches understanding in how computers work. The course consists of two components: Practical Programming and Computing Fundamentals. Pupils will complete two pieces of controlled assessment and one exam.
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-4512).
Year 10 (2016 Specifications)
The new specifications, using grading 1 to 9 consists of two written exams (each worth 40%) and one piece of Non-Examined Assessment (worth 20%). Programming is limited to a choice of five languages: C#, Java, Pascal/Delphi, Python and VB.Net. The examinations consider the following elements:
Paper 1 – Computational Thinking
• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Programming
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems
Paper 2 – Theoretical content
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer networks
• Fundamentals of cyber security
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8520).
AQA GCSE Business Studies
This course actively engages students in the study of business to develop them as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. This course is assessed by a two-hour written exam and one piece of controlled assessment.
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects/gcse/business-subjects-and-economics-4130).
Extra-curricular Opportunities
A range of extra-curricular activities are available within the department. This includes access to IT rooms after school in order to complete coursework. Pupils have attended Raspberry Jam sessions both in school and beyond. Coding clubs are held at lunchtimes and a robotics club is enabling students to develop skills beyond the classroom. Pupils have also been introduced to physical computing through the use of BBC Microbits and associated electronics kits.
