Computer Science
Head of Department: Mr Steed
GCSE Exam Board:Â Cambridge National Certificate, OCR
Teachers: Mr Birkett
Intent Statement
Deuteronomy 31:6
‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.’Â
The theme relates to being courageous enough to try new things – this is important in both IT with the changing nature of technology and with Business as business involves risk taking.
Our aim is to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will prepare them for an ever-changing digital world. Our Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum focuses on a development of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. At Key Stage 4, the focus is on providing students with the opportunity to develop their learning on a path that fits each student’s needs and interests with a range of courses to provide each student with the platform for a route to the future that they desire.
It is critical that our students are firstly equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to operate safely online. That is why our focus in Year 7 is on e-safety – with all students completing the OSA certificate. Students recieve a broad overview of key concepts of Computing at Key Stage 3 – as we cover all topics mapped on the National Curriculum. They will study important concepts such as Hardware, Software, Algorithms, Programming, Digital Artefacts, Binary and Logic Gates. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum has been planned in full consultation with the National Centre for Computing Education; who have given their approval of the sequencing and logic behind the order of the topics we cover.
Each student is a unique individual made in the image of God – each have their own skills, interests, and ambitions- it is therefore crucial that at Key Stage 4 students will get the opportunity to study a range of qualifications as options. Options are available to study ICT with a Creative Media course, Business with an Enterprise and Marketing course and from 2021 GCSE Computer Science. There is further potential for expanding our curriculum offer in 2022 by offering a GCSE in Economics as an option. This broad selection is designed to allow each student to access a course that best suits his or her needs and interests and give them the platform to the future that they aspire for.
Explore the Creative Media Learning Journey
Explore the Enterprise and Marketing Learning Journey​
Explore the KS3 Computer Science Learning Journey
Explore the GCSE Computer Science Learning Journey​
Explore the KS4 Economics Learning Journey
GCSE Computer Science
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â OCR
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. It will allow you to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
It will allow you to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. As well as understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
Assessment
Component 1
Computer systems (01)
1 hour 30 mins exam
50 %
Component 2
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02)
1 hour 30 mins exam
50 %
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Careers related to Computer Science:
Software Developer
Systems Analyst
Computer Sales Support
Database Administrator
IT Technical Support Officer
Applications Programmer
Systems Programmer
Multimedia Programmer
Business Studies
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â OCR, Cambridge National in Enterprise & Marketing
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
Assessment
All learners will study three mandatory topics as follows:
Enterprise and marketing concepts – Exam
Design a business proposal – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
Market and pitch a business proposal – Centre assessed task, OCR moderated
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Learners may progress onto OCR’s Level 3 Certificate in Preparing for a Business Venture, OCR’s Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business, Introductory Certificates in Marketing, BTEC Level 3 Business Studies or A Levels in related subjects.
Careers related to Business Studies: Business Studies gives career opportunities along a wide range of career paths including accountancy, advertising, banking, investment and financial services, general management, HR/personnel, management consultancy, public relations and retail management.
* All qualifications are subject to change following consideration of any new specifications.
GCSE Economics
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:Â Mr Steed
GCSE EXAM BOARD:Â OCR
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Economics equips learners with the skills and confidence to explore how consumers, producers and governments interact in markets nationally and internationally.
It provides a well-rounded introduction to this subject and an excellent foundation for advanced study in Economics. By learning how to explain and evaluate economic problems and possible solutions, learners will acquire a way of thinking as economists and develop a logical approach to thinking and reasoning.
Learners will benefit from these transferrable skills in their further study and employment as well as a highly respected qualification.
Assessment
Learners are required to complete and achieve all the components included in the qualification.
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Enterprise
1 Introduction to Economics
1 hour 30 minutes written paper
50% of the GCSE
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2 National and International Economics
Â
1 hour 30 minutes written paper
50% of the GCSE
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Careers related to Economics
There are lot’s of highly paid, prestigious careers related to Economics including;
Accountant.
Economic researcher.
Financial consultant.
Investment analyst
Economist
Financial risk analyst.
Data analyst.
Financial planner.
Reading List
Economics Options 2021
Creative iMedia Options 2021
Computer Science Options 2021
Business Studies Options 2021
