The Team

Mr S Copeland	Second in Department
Mr S Campbell	Teacher of Computing

Introduction to the Department

In the Computing Department, we aim to help students to improve their knowledge and understanding of this key subject. We have a responsibility to prepare them for a world where digital skills are in high demand, and considered by the Government, employers and other leading individuals as being of strategic importance.

In Computing the subject is divided into three strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Our curriculum has been designed to provide students with a good experience in all three, with the hope they will choose a Computing related subject as an option at Key Stage 4 and 5.

Key Stage 3 Information

Year 7, we follow the school’s Mastery model for our Year 7 curriculum. There are five foci in Computing: Problem Solving; Coding; Using Data; Presenting Information; and E-safety. All lessons focus on these and it helps students secure their understanding of these fundamental areas and support them towards greater success in the future. Some of the projects we study are Micro:bits, website development and spreadsheets.

Year 8, building on from Year 7, we continue to follow the Mastery model and our schemes of work focus on the same five foci. The lessons will provide students with the opportunity to study algorithms, flow charts, text-based programming, binary and computer hardware & networks.

Year 9, students will extend their knowledge from the previous two years, by studying another text-based programming language, computer systems, software and more HTML. The year will focus on areas to help students make an informed choice about Key Stage 4 options.

We offer two options for students to continue studying computing at Key Stage 4:

GCSE Computer Science

GCSE Computer Science is a fast-paced, engaging course aimed at those students who are interested in developing their knowledge and understanding of how computers work and how to code using a text-based programming language. It is a subject that allows students to not only study the infrastructure, hardware and software that contribute to today’s networks, but also the structure of the data itself and how it is stored. It also provides students the opportunity to consider the impact technology has on individuals, society and our planet.

Students study the Pearson Edexcel 2020 (9-1) specification. This specification requires students to complete an onscreen examination and a written examination, worth 50% of the qualification each. The written paper will assess students' knowledge and understanding of the theoretical units, while their knowledge and understanding of programming is assessed in the onscreen paper.

level 2 information technology

Our Level 2 IT qualification is a course that allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding about IT. It is the equivalent of one GCSE and is recognised by colleges, universities and employers. The course is more practical than GCSE qualifications and provides students with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and software skills, which is not always possible in a written exam context.