Computing
Departmental Vision
Our vision is for students to develop a love of technology and acquire the knowledge and skills they need to access the ever-changing world of technology. We aim to develop computational thinking and problem solving to ensure our students are industry ready professionals to meet the challenges of the 21st century and create well-rounded and critically thinking individuals.
As well as this, students should gain essential IT skills such as word processing and presenting so that they are able to access further education and employment opportunities. These skills will be in demand in many non-technical fields and so it is essential the students have an opportunity to practice them.
Throughout the curriculum there is also an emphasis on being responsible and safe, ensuring that students are familiar with the risks and issues that surround the online world. Students should be aware of the type of behaviour that is expected from them when interacting online to become more responsible internet citizens.
As the world of work becomes increasingly automated, and computers take more of a place in our everyday lives, it is imperative that we equip the society of tomorrow with the skills and awareness to live and be comfortable with computers and technology.
In KS4, we offer three qualifications:
- Computing GCSE
- ICT Cambridge national
- Business studies
Staff/Context
- Mr M Fearn, Head of Department
- Mr M Dwedari
Core knowledge that students should know and remember
Below is a document displaying the knowledge that we believe all KS4 vocational ICT students should embed within their long term memory in order to be successful. This list should be used to prioritise your revision before moving onto deeper knowledge within the curriculum.
Knowledge Organisers
Year 7
- 1 Collaborating Online Safely
- 2 Clear Messaging in Digital Media
- 3 Networks - From Semaphores to the Internet
- 4 Media - Gaining Support for a Cause
- 5 Modelling Spreadsheets
- 6 Scratch Programming I
Year 8
- 1 Scratch Programming II
- 2A Developing for the Web - HTML Elements Structure
- 2B Mobile App Design
- 3 Representations - From Clay to Silicon
- 4 Vector Graphics
- 5 Computer Systems
Year 9
- 1 Python Programming I and II
- 2 Cyber Security
- 3 Data Science
- 4 Representations - Going Audio Visual
- 5 Media Animation
- 6 Physical Computing
AQA GCSE Computing
Paper 1
- 1 Paper 1 - GCSE Algorithms Knowledge Organiser
- 2 Paper 1 - GCSE Programming Knowledge Organiser
- 3 Paper 1 - GCSE Search Algorithms Knowledge Organiser
- 4 Paper 1 - GCSE Sorting Algorithms Knowledge Organiser
Paper 2
- 1 Paper 2 - GCSE Computer Networks Knowledge Organiser
- 2 Paper 2 - GCSE Computer Security Protocols Knowledge Organiser
- 3 Paper 2 - GCSE Computer Systems Knowledge Organiser
- 4 Paper 2 - GCSE Cyber Security Knowledge Organiser
- 5 Paper 2 - GCSE Data Images Sound Compression Knowledge Organiser
- 6 Paper 2 - GCSE Data Representation Knowledge Organiser
- 7 Paper 2 - GCSE Databases Knowledge Organiser
- 8 Paper 2 - GCSE Ethical Knowledge Organiser
Exam Specifications
