Computing
The computing department aims to provide a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to a range of computing technologies and skills. The department considers that it is important for all students to be introduced to a wide experience of programming styles alongside understanding how computing technology works. We also make sure that we cover the software skills required for analysing, reporting and presenting work.
The computing department is situated in the Masefield Centre and has three general computer labs alongside a computer lab dedicated towards GCSE and A Level work. In our computer lab we aim to explore concepts in a practical way and make use of a local network of Raspberry Pi’s.
Course Specification
We provide our pupils with the skills they require to support their learning in all areas of the curriculum. We also introduce concepts such as programming and cryptography to fuel their enthusiasm. Pupils are encouraged to take their learning further outside of lesson time and we provide support through a variety of co-curricular activities. In Year 9, Computing is an optional subject which can be continued through to GCSE.
CIE Computer Science is offered as an IGCSE, allowing pupils opportunities to develop their practical programming skills, together with a theoretical knowledge of the underlying principles of computer science. This course is made up of two parts – a programming paper and a theory paper. The theory taught is investigated through practical activities making use of desktop computers alongside our network of Raspberry Pi’s.
Computing at GCSE prepares students for:
- learning, working and living in an increasingly digital world
- developing in creativity, logical thinking, independent learning and self-evaluation
- a chance to further explore programming through stimulating assessment tasks
AQA Computer Science is offered as an A Level, allowing pupils opportunities to further develop practical programming skills and bringing in the ideas of object oriented programming alongside functional programming. Pupils continue to develop their understanding of computer science principles and topics such as networking, databases, data structures and key algorithms are studied making use of practical experience wherever possible.
Computing A Level would suit candidates who are:
- interested in computing and role technology takes in our society
- enjoy working in an independent way
- want to develop their problem-solving and programming skill
- enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to their own lives and experiences
- would like to follow a creative or scientific career path
