Computing

Computing

Under the umbrella of Computing come the subjects of ICT and Computer Science. We offer both subjects within the curriculum for different age groups.

Our aim is to provide a strong background in computing so that anybody considering a future career with a digital element, will be well served.  All pupils in the first two years follow a computing course that includes both ICT and computer science.

Information & Communication Technology

ICT is aimed at providing pupils with the skills to manipulate and generate digital media files of all kinds.

By the end of the Second Year pupils will have knowledge and an understanding of:

  • using the computer and managing files
  • word processing
  • spreadsheets
  • presentations 

Computer Science

Introduction

Computer Science is a discipline that spans theory and practice. 

Nowadays, practically everyone is a computer user, and many people are computer programmers. Understanding how a computer works allows us to use them more meaningfully.

Computer Science qualifications nurture computational thinking and help pupils to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

We aim to provide courses that encourage pupils to become adept at modelling and analysing problems. They develop the skills to design solutions and verify that they are correct through precision, creativity, and careful reasoning. Computer Science has a wide range of specialties for pupils to develop into such as computer architecture, software systems, graphics, artificial intelligence, computational science, and software engineering. 

Lower School

All pupils in the first two years follow a basic Computer Science course as part of the school's Enrichment Programme. 

By the end of the Second Year pupils will have knowledge and an understanding of:

  •     the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another
  •     programming in Scratch
  •     online safety
  •     the BBC Micro:Bit
  •     programming with Python Turtle
  •     the binary number system
  •     computational thinking and algorithms
  •     app development using App Lab
  •     machine learning
  •     cybercrime and code cracking
  •     moral, ethical and environmental issues

All pupils in the Third Year follow a Computer Science course to expand their knowledge of programming techniques and the theory behind how a computer works.

By the end of the Third Year pupils will have knowledge and an understanding of:

  •     future technologies research and web creation (using Google Sites)
  •     AR/VR/MR
  •     a range of computational thinking and digital skills through participation iDEA – Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award

Middle School

GCSE Computer Science (9-1 Specification) is offered as a GCSE option.

This course will encourage pupils to:

  •     understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation;
  •     analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging  programs;
  •     think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;
  •     understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems;
  •     understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society;
  •     apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science;
  •     design, develop and code a programming project to simulate professional software development.

The GCSE will be assessed in two parts:

  •     written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) covering computer systems; 
  •     written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) covering computational thinking, algorithms and programming.

Senior School

A Level Computer Science comprises of three units as follows:

Unit 1 – Computer Systems – Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A Level)
Theoretical knowledge of Computer Science to include the following areas:

  •     data types, representation and structures
  •     computer systems and architecture
  •     software and software development
  •     exchanging data
  •     web technologies
  •     legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues

Unit 2 – Algorithms & Programming – Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A Level)
Scenario based knowledge to include the following areas:

  •     elements of computational thinking
  •     problem solving and programming
  •     algorithms

Unit 3 – Programming Project (20% of A Level)
A practical project to include the following areas:

  •     analysis of a problem
  •     design of the solution
  •     implementation of the solution
  •     evaluation

Co-Curricular

The Computing department run a Coding Club every week where Key Stage 3 pupils are encouraged to stretch their interest into other areas, such as robotics and coding using LEGO Robotic Inventor (Mindstorms). Key Stage 4 pupils are offered the opportunity to design and build a robot to compete in the VEX Robotics National Competition.

ICT facilities throughout the school are widely available for pupil use.

Careers
Computer Programmer

Software Developer

Network Engineer

Web Developer

Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Games Developer

Software Testing Engineer

Application Designer

Business Intelligence Analyst

Computer Vision Engineer

IT Architect