Overview

Today, computer skills are an integral part of modern society. From the cell phone alarm that wakes you, to the tablets used to chat with friends and complete homework we are surrounded by computer technology. ICT/Computing allows pupils to discover how computer technology works, to take a look at what goes on “behind the scenes” and to program. ICT/Computing also develops imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity & independence.

The key aims of the department are to:

• Develop and stimulate pupils’ curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the study of ICT & Computing
• Ensure all students have access to a broad and balanced ICT/ Computing curriculum
• Develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and capabilities in a range of ICT/Computing skills
• Allow students to develop skills that will enhance and support study in other curriculum areas and which can be useful in everyday life.
• Encourage students to recognise the value and responsible use of ICT/Computing in society.
• Encourage students to develop an understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT and Computing
• Encourage students to solve problems through the use of computational thinking systems and associated principles and techniques.
• Encourage a dynamic relationship between our school, pupils and parents, to develop a positive attitude to technology both at home and school
• Provide a safe and secure learning environment which is both stimulating and challenging for all learners

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 ICT/Computing

At KS3 Computer Science is taught as a discrete subject. Students have 2 lessons per week in year 7, 8 and  9.  Schemes of work cover a range of topics that will develop students’ ability to use their Computing skills in a variety of different contexts to solve problems.

The curriculum will cover 3 key areas;

• Computer Science – involves learning about how computers work, learning textual and object-oriented programming and understanding data structures and algorithms.
• Information Technology – pupils’ will be taught a range skills in software applications and they will learn how to effectively find, use, evaluate, create, and communicate information using a range of digital technologies. They will also be taught how to use technology safely and responsibly.
• Digital Literacy – Pupils will be exposed to a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.

Aims

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyze problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Year 7, 8 and 9 ICT skills (Course Content)

Pupils would be taught to:

• design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
• understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
• use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
• understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]
• understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits
• undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analyzing data and meeting the needs of known users
• create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artifacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability
• understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognize inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.

Key Stage 4

IGCSE  ICT/Computer Science

Pupils follow the IGCSE syllabus. In ICT or Computer Science students learn about;

The Information Communication Technology syllabus encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, which will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum and prepare them for future employment. They will develop understanding of the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses and awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments. 

The syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications to solve problems, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, web browsers and website design. Learners analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose. 

Assessment of the practical tests is hardware and software independent. Any hardware platform, operating system, and applications packages can be used, providing that learners have the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of skills in the syllabus.

Educational visits and extracurricular activity:

Students will be exposed through educational visits to local and international ICT hubs to further equip them with the necessary motivation and exposure required for them to develop interest in the subject.

Coding/Robotics Club.

We have Coding/Robotics club which will be available at after school time for students to build on and enhance their knowledge in the areas of Artificial intelligence, Virtual reality, Augmented reality, 3D design/printing and computer simulation skills.

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Training: (for students)

MOS certification is for those looking to demonstrate proficiency in one or more Office programs. This Productivity certification is for those looking to use Microsoft Office and deploy Microsoft Office cloud and hybrid solutions. Differentiate yourself with this competency as a proven expert in Office skills.

IC3 Certification Training:

Technology has become a part of our everyday lives, and understanding how to function in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet is more critical now than ever before. So, whether you plan to pursue a career in IT, or simply become more effective with technology, IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is the place to start.

Rooms and resources

The ICT suite has interactive whiteboards (Smartboards) and multimedia projector, laser printers, scanners, DVD and audio equipment.