ICT and Computer Science

Intent & Aims to Learning: ICT

Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer Science provide students with insight and practical experience of the use of computers in modern society. Students are increasingly expected to have transferable skills and our departmental philosophy is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore, question and creatively utilise ICT in many different contexts. Students on Macs in computer room

We aim to develop knowledge and understanding through ensuring that assessment instils a culture of continuous improvement and students are encouraged to evaluate next steps to guide progress and achievement. Students are introduced to a range of different software applications using both Windows PC’s, Apple Macs and various online software applications.

ICT is also an integral part of other subjects and computer rooms are an essential resource for research, revision, experimentation and multimedia. Many departments use the ICT rooms to support learning and enrich their curricula.

Key Stage 3 curriculum plan

We follow the recommendations of the computer science curriculum that states that students:

  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problem
  • Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Year 7

Covers the following range of topics:

  • Password protection and computer room safety
  • Operating systems
  • Using email effectively
  • Misuse of ICT and e-safety
  • Word processing and presentation skills
  • Desktop publishing
  • Image manipulation using a combination of software such as Publisher, Fireworks and Photoshop
  • Spreadsheet basics and modelling
  • Webpage creation using html
  • Effective search techniques
  • Practical programming using BBC Microbits

Year 8

Covers the following range of topics:

  • Desktop publishing creating ID cards
  • E-safety
  • Hardware and software
  • Network topologies
  • Spreadsheet data analysis
  • Sorting and filtering
  • Webpage creation using html and CSS
  • Programming fundamentals using Python (algorithms that make use of variables, procedures, conditions, lists, loops and recursion)
  • Adobe Fireworks/Photoshop creative project

Year 9

Covers the following range of topics:

  • Databases (data structure, data types, queries, user interface and reports)
  • E-safety
  • Spreadsheet including financial modelling, IF statements and conditional formatting
  • Creative use of ICT (Photoshop)
  • Computer science fundamentals – processors and Moore’s law
  • App generation
  • Binary representation
  • Programming using Python

When are students assessed?

All students are assessed at regular intervals with one formal assessment per half term (approximately every 7 lessons). We use a variety of methods including verbal feedback, formal online testing, practical assessment tasks and evaluative self-assessment. Students’ work is marked following the school assessment policy and students are encouraged to set their own targets for improvement. Details of assessment criteria for Key Stage 3 can be found here.

Key Stage 4 curriculum plan

Students have the chance to further their learning and are able to opt in to taking GCSE Computer Science at the end of Key Stage 3.

Details of the course can be found below:
GCSE Computer Science

Introduction:

Computers play an increasingly important role in society and it is imperative that companies deploy robust and reliable systems. In the current economic climate, thousands of businesses and organisations are crying out for knowledgeable computing professionals and this course seeks to engage and encourage the next generation of computer scientists. You should consider studying Computer Science if you are interested in learning about how computers function and want to learn how to create programs. It is a practical subject where you can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

Aims:

Computer Science is all about formulating, tackling and solving problems in a particular and unique way. You will develop ‘computational thinking’ skills and learn how to analyse and create practical solutions, which must be interpreted clearly and unambiguously because, ultimately, these solutions will be carried out by a computer – a mindless machine!

Course details:

The course is divided into two main areas of study with practical programming projects that run alongside to support the underpinning concepts.

Component 1 – Computer systems

This component focuses on Computer Systems. You will study the following:

  • Systems architecture
  • Memory and Storage
  • Computer networks, connections and protocols
  • Network Security
  • Systems software
  • Ethical, legal, environmental and cultural considerations

Assessment: Written Paper 1 hour & 30 minutes (80 marks/50%)

Component 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

This component is focused on computational thinking, algorithms and logic. You will study the following:

  • Algorithms
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Producing robust programs
  • Boolean logic
  • Programming languages and IDEs

Assessment: Written Paper 1 hour & 30 minutes (80 marks/50%)

Possible careers this course may support entry into:

  • Systems Engineer
  • Cyber-Security Practitioner
  • Programmer
  • Digital Entrepreneur
  • Consultant
  • Robotics
  • Data Analyst
  • Games Developer
  • Web Developer

What is the exam board and exam spec?

OCR J276 (9-1)

Most Able Opportunities/Support

  • All topics covered allow for students to be challenged at all levels. At the higher end this can take the form of challenge tasks and using knowledge/skills in different context. Students can access through OneNote a selection of tasks that focus on “Creating”, “Analysing”, “Evaluating”, “Applying”, “Knowing” and “Understanding”
  • Programming challenges in KS3 and 4 with graduated complexity and difficulty
  • Cyber Security challenge – Year 8 girls
  • Cyber discovery challenge – Year 10/11
  • Code club offered in Autumn term – this is available to all, but some students with a real passion for the subject and those who thrive on pushing themselves beyond the elements covered in class use this as an opportunity to explore the subject further.

Special Educational Needs and Disability Opportunities/Support

  • Choice of learning activities dependent on the project, for example some areas of the curriculum offer students the opportunity to use video tutorials allowing students to work at their own pace.
  • Access to GCSEPod service to reinforce learning
  • Differentiated outcomes dependent on task

Staff List

Mr L Fauceglia

Useful revision website links

https://www.w3resource.com/python/python-syntax.php

https://repl.it/languages/python3

https://app.senecalearning.com/sign-up

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zmtchbk

Craig n Dave Youtube

 

Updated Sept 2020