Key Stage 3

The aim of our department is to provide and deliver an engaging and innovative computing curriculum which also incorporates ICT and digital literacy. Our aims are to develop students computational thinking and creativity, allowing them to become active citizens of a digital world.  Students follow the National Curriculum programme of study for Computing in KS3.

Students learn best when they are engaged and enthused, this is achieved through innovative lesson activities and frequent checking of student progress. Students currently receive 1 hour lesson per week and are taught in mixed ability groups.

Year 7 Areas of study

• ‘Moving on Up’ – a unit developed to aid the transition from primary to secondary.
• E-Safety
• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems
• Murder Most Horrid (Databases)

Year 8 Areas of Study

• E-Safety
• Cryptography
• Computer Programming
• Computer Networks
• Podcasting

Year 9 Areas of study

• E-Safety
• Data Representation
• Blogging
• Computer Programming
• Spreadsheets

If you require further information about the computing programme of study in Key Stage 3 or 4 please use the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239067/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4 Students have the choice to study either ICT, GCSE Business Studies or GCSE Computer Science.  In Key Stage 4 we aim for students to become independent learners, to acquire and apply creative and technical skills. All courses provide a foundation for further study at A-Level, whilst equipping students with the knowledge and skills to work in an ever changing digital world.

Students learn through engaging activities and with enthusiastic teachers in the department.  We make lessons interactive and students make rapid progress. Students receive 21/2 hours of either ICT or computing lessons per week.  

OCR Business Studies (Course code J204)

Year 10 Areas of study:

• Business 1 - Students study business activity, which includes: entrepreneurship, planning and ownership.  In addition, they learn about the role of marketing in business and the need for research and the marketing mix.  Students study about people and their role within businesses. (Written exam worth 50% of the qualification).

Year 11 Areas of study:

• Business 2 -  Students learn about the operations of a business, including production, sales, customer service suppliers and consumer law.  Moreover topics within this unit include the role of finance, through to cash and cash flow. Furthermore, students learn about influences on business such as: ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate and globalisation.  (Written exam worth 50% of the qualification).   

Further information about this course is available from:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-business-j204-from-2017/

OCR Computer Science (Course Code j276)

Year 10 Areas of study:

• Component 1 - Topics include: systems architecture, memory storage, networks, topologies, protocols and layers, system security, system software and ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns. (Written examination worth 40%).
• Component 2 - Students study computational thinking, algorithms and programming. (Written examination worth 40%).

Year 11 Areas of study:   

• Component 2 - Students complete preparation for their controlled assessment by programming.
• Component 3 -  Students complete a programming project which includes: analysis, design, development, testing, evaluation and conclusions.  (Controlled assessment worth 20%).              

Further information about this course is available from:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/

Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia (J817)

Year 10 Areas of Study:

• R081 Pre-production skills - Students learn about moodboards, how to create storyboards, planning and of the legislation they need to be aware of.  (Written examination worth 25%)
• R082 Creating digital graphics  - Students create and manipulate graphics that are fit for purpose and for a specific audience.   (Internally assessed worth 25%)

Year 11 Areas of Study:

Students get to pick two further units from the list below.  Each unit is worth 25% and is internally assessed.

R086 - Creating a digital animation

R087 - Creating an interactive multimedia product

R088 - Creating a digital sound sequence

R089 - Creating a digital video sequence

Further information about this course is available from:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/115888-specification.pdf

If you require further information about the courses studied by students at either Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4, please contact Mr Nicholls, Area Leader of ICT, Business and Computing on the e-mail address below, or telephone the college on 01905 352615.  

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