IT and Computing
Subject/Curriculum Leader: Mr A Dawson & Mr G Atkinson
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. It provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn. Steve Jobs
Key Stage 3
Subject Overview
All pupils study ICT at Key Stage 3 where we cover a comprehensive range of topic areas. The ICT curriculum builds on the teaching at Key Stage 2 and covers three main strands:
1. Digital Literacy
2. ICT
3. Computer Science
Each half term throughout Key Stage 3, students complete a new ICT project covering the three main strands mentioned above. Within these units we have placed an emphasis on developing transferrable ICT knowledge, understanding and skills.
Curriculum Structure
Students are taught in sets and have 1 lesson per week of ICT/Computer Science.
Year 7 – Autumn Term
Unit 1 - Clear messaging in digital media
Unit 2 - Networks from semaphores to the Internet
Year 7 – Spring Term
Unit 3 - Using media – Gaining support for a cause
Unit 4 - Programming essentials in Scratch – part I
Year 7 – Summer Term
Unit 5 - Programming essentials in Scratch – part II
Unit 6 - Modelling data using spreadsheets
Year 8 – Autumn Term
Unit 1 - Media – Vector graphics
Unit 2 - Layers of computing systems
Year 8 – Spring Term
Unit 3 - Developing for the Web
Unit 4 - Representations – from clay to silicon
Year 8 - Summer Term
Unit 5 - Mobile app development
Unit 6 - Introduction to Python programming
Year 9 – Autumn Term
Unit 1 - Python programming with sequences of data
Unit 2 - Media – Animations
Year 9 – Spring Term
Unit 3 - Data science
Unit 4 - Representations – going audiovisual
Year 9 - Summer Term
Unit 5 - Introduction of cybersecurity
Unit 6 - Applying programming skills with physical computing
Key Stage 4
We offer both Computer Science and Information Technologies at KS4. Some students do one or the other and some students do both.
OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies
This qualification will teach the learner what different technologies could be used, why they should use them and how to make best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data; this is known as data management.
They will learn about tools and techniques for use in different digital hardware and software technologies, and how these can be integrated to create digital solutions to manage and communicate data and information. They will also be taught what data and information are and the legal, ethical and moral considerations when using technology to gather, store and present data and information, and how to mitigate the risks of cyber-attacks. Through this qualification they will be able to select and use the most appropriate technology safely and effectively, to complete a data management task, such as a cable TV provider monitoring customers’ viewing to make recommendations for additional packages in the customer’s subscription.
They will also learn to follow a project life cycle of initiation, planning, execution and evaluation to complete a data management task and use their skills, knowledge and understanding of technology to complete each of the phases of the project life cycle.
The skills, knowledge and understanding they will develop through this qualification are very relevant to both work and further study. They will support them in a range of subject areas such as A Levels in Business or Geography, or Cambridge Technicals in IT. They can also support their progression into employment through Apprenticeships in areas such as Digital Marketer or Business Administrator.
Exam Board
OCR Cambridge Nationals Information Technologies Level 1/2 Certificate
Course Content
There are two units of assessment. Learners must complete both units of assessment to achieve the qualification.
R012 – Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions
1 hour 45 minutes written examination
80 marks (120 UMS)
OCR-set and marked
Exam assessment in June 2018 and then every January and June.
Entry code R013 – Developing technological solutions
Approximately 20 hours
80 marks (120 UMS)
An assignment set by OCR, marked by teachers and moderated by OCR
The assignment will include a context and set of tasks
A new assignment will be released each series and published on the OCR website
Assessment series in June 2018 and then in two series each year.
Year 10
Autumn term
Stages of the project life cycle and the tasks carried out in each stage (RO12 – Exam)
Interaction and iteration between the stages of the project life cycle (RO12 – Exam)
Initial project considerations (RO12 – Exam)
Current legislation, its implications and applications (RO12 – Exam)
Planning tools and the software types used to develop project plans (RO12 – Exam)
Year 10
Spring term
Data types (Ro13 – Controlled Assessment)
Selection and justification of the appropriate tools and techniques and formats to process data to meet the defined objectives in a given context (RO12 – Exam)
Purpose and suitability of presenting methods (RO12 – Exam)
Year 10
Summer term
How to select and present information for a given purpose and audience (Ro13 – Controlled Assessment)
How to present information using appropriate software tools and techniques (Ro13 – Controlled Assessment)
Year 11 - Autumn term
Information and relationships (Ro12 – Exam)
Methods used to collect and store data and information, and the appropriateness of the use of these in a given context (Ro12 – Exam)
Storage and the appropriateness of the use of these in context (Ro12 – Exam)
Use of data in a given context including Big Data (Ro12 – Exam)
Types of threats (Ro12 – Exam)
The vulnerabilities – which can be exploited in a cyber-security attack (Ro12 – Exam)
The impacts of a cyber-security attack (Ro12 – Exam)
Prevention measures (Ro12 – Exam)
Year 11 - Spring term
Selection and justification of the appropriate tools and techniques and formats to process data to meet the defined objectives in a given context (Ro12 – Exam)
Selection of the appropriate tools and techniques to present information to meet the defined objectives in a given context and justification of the use of the selected tool and format (Ro12 – Exam)
The resources required for presenting information and data and the appropriateness of the use of these in context (Ro12 – Exam)
Year 11 - Summer term
RO12 and RO13 – Resit preparation or skills building.
Key Stage 4
We offer both Computer Science and Information Technologies at KS4. Some students do one or the other and some students do both.
OCR Computer Science
Our GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
Year 10 -Autumn term
Systems Architecture
Algorithms *
Memory
Programming techniques
Year 10 - Spring term
Storage
Producing robust programs
Wired and wireless networks
Year 10 - Summer Term
Network topologies, protocols and layers
Computational logic
System security
Year 11 – Autumn Term
Translators and facilities of languages
Data representation
System software
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
Year 11 – Spring Term
Programming techniques
Producing robust programs
Analysis • Design • Development • Testing and evaluation and conclusions
Year 11 - Summer term
Unit 1 and 2 Revision for June exam
Key Stage 5
In KS5 our intent is to provide a rich and challenging curriculum inspiring our students to develop their knowledge and understanding of ICT through studying the importance of ICT in the world today and how it will evolve in the future. Through practical involvement in a range of activities, students will apply their knowledge and develop skills to help them succeed in all other subjects. Our teaching and learning will help students develop a real applied focus, understand how technology can be used to tackle current issues, develop valuable transferable skills and progress to the next level of study. Studying information technology provides our students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to keep abreast of this rapidly changing field, in addition to gaining a core set of IT skills that are relevant in almost every industry.
Academic study is complemented by several extra-curricular enrichment opportunities, which aim to broaden and develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject in different contexts. Recent opportunities have included a tour around GCHQ Cyber Security Headquarters, Cyber Security Career Talks and Industry specialists giving practical advice and guidance. We welcome visiting speakers from local businesses to provide enrichment for our students.
Year 12 Autumn term
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of IT
Unit 13 – Social Media Campaign
Year 12 Spring term
Unit 3 – Cyber Security
Year 12 Summer term
Unit 2 – Global Information
Unit 1 and 3 - Resits
Year 13 - Autumn term
Unit 2 – Global Information
Year 13 - Spring term
Unit 6 – Application Design
Year 13 - Summer term
Unit Resits
