Computer Science and IT

Staffing

Faculty Leader – Mr Chilver

Teachers of Computer Science – Mr Chilver, Miss Robinson-Barr and Mr Grantham

KS3 Computer Science

The Enterprise department has designed a key stage 3 curriculum to develop our student’s interest and enthusiasm for, Computer Science and develop the fundamentals of Digital Literacy.   The subject content of our curriculum has been carefully chosen in order for students to build upon their previous experience of Computing in KS2 and to prepare them for the wider world at the end of their studies. Content has been included and reinforced to ensure all students are ready for further specialist studies in KS4 if they so choose.   We aim to achieve this through engaging lessons which provide students with the substantive knowledge of computational thinking processes and related computing concepts.   This will also be achieved by continuing to develop students to develop their disciplinary knowledge within computer science such as: Algorithmic analysis, computational thinking, abstraction, digital literacy, programming, security and the impact of technology 

KS4 Computer Science

Students study OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 (J277) .  The Computer Science learning area has designed a key stage 4 curriculum to develop our student’s interest and enthusiasm for Computer Science.  We aim to give learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to decompose and creatively develop computational solutions in the following sections: 

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation 
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs 
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically  
• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems  
•  understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society  

KS4 Digital IT

Students study the BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Digital IT.  This specification has been chosen to support learners to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, behaviours and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection.  The course is delivered in three components which focus on the assessment of knowledge, skills and practices that are essential for progression 

1. Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques – develop an understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project and use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface. 
2. Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data – develop an understanding of 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 
3. Effective Digital Working Practices – explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use 

KS5 Computer Science

Students study OCR A Level Computer Science (H446).   

The Computer Science learning area has designed a key stage 5 curriculum to develop our student’s interest and enthusiasm for Computer Science.  We aim to give learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to decompose and creatively develop computational solutions in the following sections: 

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation 
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs 
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically  
• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems  
• understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society  
• apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.