ICT & Computing
KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides challenges and new experiences for students in Computing and Digital Literacy, regardless of their prior knowledge of using computers. Topics covered in Years 7 to 9 include; E-safety, working with Microsoft Office, computing number systems, algorithms, app design, programming using Scratch, VexCode VR and Python, hardware and software, and flow diagrams using Flowol.
Although the Key Stage 3 curriculum has a strong practical element, the focus on theory has increased due to national changes to Key Stage 4. Students’ Literacy skills in ICT & Computing are developed with attention to accurate use of vocabulary and extended writing answers to problems. They are taught to think logically, sequentially and systematically to write programmes and codes for a variety of real-life scenarios. They also have to develop an ability to find errors in codes that are already written.
'The ICT & Computing team are enthusiastic about technology and sharing their curiosity in the digital world around us.' Mr Yeomans
KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
There are 2 courses available for students to choose as an option in Key Stage 4. GCSE Computer Science and BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology.
Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
The Digital Information Technology BTEC is made up of three components: two that are internally assessed and one that’s externally assessed.
The three-block structure, explore, develop and apply, has been developed to allow students to build on and embed their knowledge. This allows them to grow in confidence and then put into practice what they have learned.
The assessment structure is also designed so that students can build on what they learn, and develop their skills, as they move through the course.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND PATHWAYS POST 16
For students who want to pursue a career in Computing and IT in fields such as Digital Security or Game Design, the GCSE Computer Science or BTEC courses are the most appropriate routes. The GCSE covers a wide range of topics giving students wide understanding of different aspects to a career in computing. Both qualifications are both held in high regard by employers and will be suitable for most jobs within the ever-growing digital sector that requires an understanding of Computer Science and ICT.
EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
The teachers in ICT & Computing regularly support students in after-school practice of programming skills, including game design using Scratch for KS3 and support Year 11 students with exam preparation.