Computer Science

INTRODUCTION

Computer Science courses aim to equip pupils with knowledge of the foundations of the subject area and the skills necessary to apply their discipline to real-world problems. In our rapidly changing world, the demand for jobs in Information Technology is growing.

FACILITIES/RESOURCES

The department has three dedicated suites equipped with the latest hardware and software. An additional larger suite can be booked out by teaching staff for their lessons. As well as the standard Microsoft applications, we also have the latest Adobe Creative Suite. All students have remote access to the resources on our school network and are assigned with a personal school email address.

WHAT WE DO

Our department aims to equip our pupils with the skills they need in the real world. These are not just ICT skills but also problem solving and computational thinking skills. The Key Stage 3 curriculum follows a variety of engaging topics from cyber security, understanding computers, binary calculations, as well as the ethical, legal and moral implications of computers. We also complete projects using database, presentation, web design and animation software. Students are introduced to some simple programming tools in Year 7 and their skills are built upon to complete text based coding, with Python, by Year 9. We follow the OCR Computer Science course at GCSE and A Level and have a good number of pupils that choose to study this.

Outside of lessons, pupils enjoy coming to Coding Club, where they can interact with micro:bits, program the Oh Bot or try out some new coding skills. GCSE IDLE Hour runs for our Key Stage 4 pupils to give them some additional support with their studies.