Welcome to the Computing Department
Our Intent
To provide a high-quality computing education through delivery of Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Digital Media and Digital Literacy components.
To offer a good grounding in mainstream computing theory, understanding and practice.
To equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to be prepared to change the world.
To have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.
To provide a range of educational experiences appropriate to the age, ability and needs of our pupils utilising all the Computing resources to hand.
To ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
KS3 Structure
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 - Term 1 | T0/T1 Welcome to the computer Lab Clear messaging in digital media | T3 Using media – Gain support for a cause | T5 Physical computing using the micro:bit |
| Year 7 - Term 2 | T2 Computer networks and data transmission | T4 Using fundamental programming constructs in a block-based language | T6 Data Modelling |
| Year 8 - Term 1 | T1 Developing vector graphics | T3 Developing for the Web | T5 Mobile app Development |
| Year 8 - Term 2 | T2 Computer systems and data science | T4 Data representation text and numbers | T6 Machine learning using the micro:bit |
| Year 9 - Term 1 | T1 Python programming with sequences of data | T3 Using Data Science | T5 Introduction to cyber security |
| Year 9 - Term 2 | T2 3D Animation | T4 Data representation images and sound | T6 Machine learning using the micro:bit |
iMedia - OCR iMedia J834 Specification
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 10 - Term 1 | R094 Graphics Theory and Practice Assignment | R094 Graphics LIVE Assignment | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory |
| Year 10 - Term 2 | R094 Graphics Theory and Practice Assignment | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory | R097 Graphics Theory and Practice Assignment |
| Year 11 - Term 1 | R097 Interactive Multimedia Theory and Practice Assignment | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory |
| Year 11 - Term 2 | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory | R093 Preproduction Examination Theory |
KS5 Structure - Cambridge Technical Level 3 in IT Introductory Diploma (Single award)
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 13 - Term 1 | Unit 2Global Information (Exam) Unit 6 Application Design (Coursework) Unit 9 Product Development (Coursework) | Unit 2Global Information (Exam) Unit 6 Application Design (Coursework) Unit 9 Product Development (Coursework) | Unit 2Global Information (Exam) Unit 6 Application Design (Coursework) Unit 9 Product Development (Coursework) |
KS5 Structure - OCR AAQ Computing: Application Development (360 GLH) Extended Certificate H129
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 12 - Term 1 | F160 Fundamentals App Exam F162 Design Communication UI,UX Solutions | F160 Fundamentals App Exam F162 Design Communication UI,UX Solutions | F164 Website Dev |
| Year 12 - Term 2 | F160 Fundamentals App Exam F162 Design Communication UI,UX Solutions | F160 Fundamentals App Exam F162 Design Communication UI,UX Solutions | F164 Website Dev |
| Year 13 - Term 1 | F161 Developing App Software F163 Game Development | F161 Developing App Software F163 Game Development | F163 Game Development |
| Year 13 - Term 2 | F161 Developing App Software F163 Game Development | F161 Developing App Software F163 Game Development | Sixth Form Leave |
Extra Curricular Activities and Clubs
We encourage all students to participate in the extra-curricular programme we offer. Our clubs and activities are designed to be inclusive for all; the broad range on offer ensures that there is something for students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get involved with. We regularly review our offer to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.
The extra-curriculum clubs and activities for the current (and previous) academic term can be found by visiting the link below.
Career Pathways
Our Level 2 Cambridge National in Creative iMedia is effective preparation for a range of qualifications including our Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in I.T. There are many different careers that this qualification could help students move towards.
Our Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in I.T. is not just about being able to use computers. Employers have told us that they need people who are able to help them develop their systems or the systems for their customers, use I.T. as a tool to analyse data and develop applications. Therefore, this qualification is designed to give learners a range of specialist knowledge and transferable skills in the field context of applied I.T., providing them with the opportunity to enter an apprenticeship, move directly into employment, or progress to a related HE course.
Learners could progress onto a Level 4 apprenticeship such as Network Engineer or Software Developer or into employment in the IT sector in areas such as technical support, digital technologies, application development or data analysis.
Both our introductory and diploma courses follow the Application Developer pathway.
Typical job roles within this pathway include; junior web application developer, junior application developer or junior software analyst.
Many of our students have gone on to study Computer Science or Games Computing degrees.