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Computer Studies
Every girl deserves to take part in creating the technology that will change our world, and change who runs it.
MALALA YOUSAFZAI
Our Philosophy
Computer based technology is the driving force behind today’s society. Our department believes that all students need to be ICT literate to successfully, and safely, navigate the modern world. We want them to move away from using technology as an entertainment medium and allow them to develop the skills to harness its creative and business-related capabilities.
With modern day innovations stemming from Computer Science we also endeavour to give them an understanding of this challenging discipline through a range of programming and problem solving activities. Our aim is not just to prepare them for today’s world but gives them the skills required to adapt to the needs of tomorrow and give students the opportunity to become not just a user of technology but someone who can develop and use it to change lives of people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
It is an ambitious curriculum that allows students to express and challenge themselves as well as building independence and other vital life skills, that will not just be used in the classroom.
What We Expect From Our Students
We expect our students to come to lessons with a positive attitude and be prepared to persevere when presented with challenges. They are encouraged to develop their own competency at a computer but also develop collaborative relationships with each other to deepen their knowledge and skills. They will be expected to keep their files organised and take responsibility for their learning and e-safety inside and outside of lessons.
Contact Name: Mr P Brookes
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 students are taught the fundamentals of using a computer; including e-safety, types of hardware, correct saving files of files and using the features of core programs including word processors, spreadsheets, graphics editing software and other online resources. A lot of freedom and creativity is built in and students are encouraged to consider their designs and their intended audience. This is interweaved with a variety of computer science based projects and theory such as HTML and web design, algorithms and problem solving, binary, encryption, game development and robotics, as well as other topics aligned with the national curriculum for Computing. Students will get the opportunity to write their own programs using a range of tools including Python and Gamemaker.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 we offer two pathways.iMedia or Computer Science:
iMedia Level 2 Award
iMedia has been designed to engage and enthuse people with an interest in creative computing and to teach digital design skills. The aim is to enable young people to use digital tools to express their creativity in an informed and responsible way. It is focused on web and multimedia design skills
The course is divided into three units:
Unit 1: R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of final grade.
What's assessed
Topic Area 1: The media industry
Topic Area 2: Factors influencing product design
Topic Area 3: Pre-production planning
Topic Area 4: Distribution considerations
Units 2: Unit R094: Visual identity and digital graphics
How it’s assessed
- Coursework
- Each is 25% of final grade.
What's assessed
Topic Area 1: Develop visual identity
Topic Area 2: Plan digital graphics for products
Topic Area 3: Create visual identity and digital graphics
Unit 3: Ro97 Interactive digital media
How it’s assessed
- Coursework
- Each is 35% of final grade.
What's assessed
Topic Area 1: Plan interactive digital media
Topic Area 2: Create interactive digital media
Topic Area 3: Review interactive digital media
Students must interpret a client brief and to use planning and preparation techniques to develop the website; demonstrating creativity by combining components to create a functional, easy to use and well-designed website.
GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science is a fast paced, stimulating field that incorporates many different disciplines including mathematics, programming and linguistics. It will sharpen students problem solving skills and creativity as well as deepen their understanding of how technology works; far beyond the average computer user.
The course is divided into 2 examined units and a non-assessed programming project:
Unit 1: Computer Systems
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 50% of GCSE
What's assessed
This unit focus on how technology works, including:
- Systems Architecture including memory & storage
- Network Topologies, Protocols and Layers
- System Security
- Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environment Concerns
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Problem Solving
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 50% of GCSE
What's assessed
This unit focuses on problem solving and programming, including:
- Algorithms and Computational Logic
- Programming Techniques
- Producing Robust Programs
- Translators and Facilities of Languages
Unit 3: Programming Project
- This part of the course does not currently go towards final grade.
- Students spend 20 hours designing, coding and testing a system that fulfils a specific purpose. Past projects have included card games, dice games and data handling systems
Equipment
A computer with internet access at home is helpful to practise skills and complete homework.
Key Stage 5: A Level Computer Science
Computer Science is a fast paced, stimulating field that incorporates many different disciplines including mathematics, programming, engineering and linguistics.
A-Level Computer Science will open up your mind to the world of computational thinking. How do computers process such complex tasks? How can a machine replicate events in the real world efficiently? Where is the limit on what can be computed?
The specification covers the inner workings of computers and networks and how results of processing can aid a range of industries. You will learn how to decompose problems to make them more manageable as well as the problem solving techniques of abstraction, heuristics and pipelining. You will experience software development from a grass root level by designing and creating your own program in JAVA. The course will answer questions you may already have about technology and present a multitude of new ones.
Technology is a key building block of the modern world and will continue to revolutionise society. If you want to be a part of future innovations that shape the way we live, this is the course for you.
Description of Course
| Module Title | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
|
140 | 40% |
|
140 | 40% |
|
70 | 20% |
Course Aims
The aims of the course are to give students the opportunity to develop:
- an understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
- the ability to analyse problems in computational terms – including writing programs
- the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
- mathematical skills
- the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
Skills Required
Computer Science is an ideal subject for inquisitive students with a strong interest in technology in particular. You will need to be able to work independently as well as part of a group and have the patience to solve complex logical problems.
Entry Qualifications
The course has a number of complex topics and it is expected that students have achieved at least GCSE grade 6 in Computer Science or ICT.
Additionally students will need at least grade 6 in Mathematics (in order to deal with the logical aspect of programming) and a grade 5 in English
Educational Progression and Career Opportunities
Although Computer Science is an ideal introduction to those wishing to study the subject at degree level, the course will allow candidates to develop a range of transferable skills such as the ability to problem solve, think creatively, innovatively, analytically and logically as well as program bespoke applications. These are the skills that drive innovation across areas including the sciences, engineering, business, entertainment and education. No matter what field you want to enter, having a background in Computer Science will give you that competitive edge and the potential to make a positive difference within your chosen career.
