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IT and Computing

Welcome to the Computing Department at Churchdown School

The department aims to make every student in the school IT literate and enable them to demonstrate a high level of Digital Literacy in the real world.

As students’ progress to KS4 and KS5 the department has two different pathways. One for those wishing to increase their IT skill base and another for those who wish to develop their understanding of Computing as a subject.

KS3 Overview – Projects

Year 7

      • Term 1 Digital Literacy
      • Term 2 E-Safety
      • Term 3 Computer Hardware
      • Term 4 Software
      • Term 5 & 6 Programming

 Year 8

      • Term 1 Data Representation
      • Term 2 Networks
      • Term 3 Spreadsheet Basics
      • Term 4 Encryption
      • Term 5 & 6 Web Development

Year 9

      • Term 1 & 2 Programming in Computing
      • Term 3 & 4 Cyber security in Computing
      • Term 5 & 6 IDEA Award in Computing
      • Term 1-3 Graphics Project in iMedia
      • Term 4-6 Interactive Media Project in iMedia

KS4 Overview

GCSE OCR Computer Science

Why should you study Computer Science?

This qualification will develop students’ ability to apply ‘computational thinking’. Computational Thinking (CT) is a process that generalises a solution to open ended problems. “Computational thinking will be a fundamental skill used by everyone by the middle of the 21st Century. Just like reading, writing and arithmetic.”

What topics will you learn in Computer Science?

Computational thinking: This is the process of thinking through a complex problem, taking the time to understand what the problem is and then develop potential solutions for evaluation. These are then presented in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand.

Theoretical content: Here you will understand the fundamentals of data representation and computer networks. You will learn about the computer systems that you will create and use and also delve in to the world of cyber security and ethical legal and environmental impacts of digital technology.

Aspects of software development: Understand how to implement and test a design to make sure it works effectively. Learn how to complete an overall evaluation to help refine the end product.

Component 01: Computer systems

1 hour 30 minute exam at the end of Year 11                       50%                       

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

1 hour 30 minute exam at the end of Year 11                       50%

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Non Examined Assessment: Practical programming

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).

Cambridge Nationals OCR Creative iMedia

Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry (Mandatory Unit - Exam 40%)    

In this unit you will learn about the media industry, digital media products, how they are planned, and the media codes which are used to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences.

Topics include: 1) The media industry, 2) Factors influencing product design, 3) Pre-production planning and 4) Distribution considerations.

Unit R094: Visual identity and digital graphics (Mandatory Unit - NEA 25%) 

This is assessed by completing a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to develop visual identities for clients and use the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics to engage target audiences.

Topics include: 1) Develop visual identity, 2) Plan digital graphics for products, 3) Create visual identity and digital graphics.

Unit R097: Interactive digital media (Optional Unit - NEA 35%)

This is assessed by completing a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to plan, create and review interactive digital media products.

Topics include: 1) Plan interactive digital media, 2) Create interactive digital media, 3) Review interactive digital media.

Equivalent to one whole GCSE

KS5 Overview

BTEC in Computing

In Computing you will learn about Key Principles of Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Systems, IT Systems Security and Encryption and the principles of Website Development. This qualification is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector, or selecting a suitable career that relies heavily on computers.

BTEC in Computing – Year 12

Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science

Exam: Mandatory unit for Extended Certificate, 2 hour examination where learners will be assessed on their ability to apply their computational-thinking skills to solve problems. 

90 Marks (120 Guided Learning Hours — 33% weighting).

Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Exam: Mandatory unit for all Applied General qualifications. 1 hour 45 minute written examination where learners will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how computer systems work.

80 Marks (90 Guided Learning Hours — 25% weighting).

BTEC in Computing – Year 13

Unit 7: IT Systems Security & Encryption

Coursework – Report: Learners will provide comprehensive evidence that they have fully investigated & considered how effective security protection measures are likely to be in defending the IT systems of organisations against the security threats that they have been examining.

Internally Assessed Coursework Unit (90 Guided Learning Hours — 25% weighting).

Unit 15: Website Development

Coursework – Report: Learners will provide comprehensive evidence that they have fully investigated the impact that the design principles of HCI have on how electronic devices (for example smartphones, tablets, games consoles and other consumer devices with embedded computers) are used.

Internally Assessed Coursework Unit (60 Guided Learning Hours — 17% weighting).

BTEC in Information Technology

Information technology (IT) systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a large part in almost everything we do. Having a sound understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems will benefit you personally and professionally. This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily with IT being the main focus within your chosen career.

BTEC in IT – Year 12

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

Topics included; Digital devices in IT systems, Transmitting data, Operating online, Protecting data and information, Impact of IT systems, Issues.

Exam: Externally Assessed Examined Unit (120 Guided Learning Hours — 33% weighting) - 2 hour written paper

Unit 2: Creative System to Manage Information

Topics included; The purpose and structure of relational database management systems, Standard methods and techniques to design relational database solutions, Creating a relation database structure, Evaluating a database development project.

Controlled Assessment: Externally Assessed Controlled Assessment Unit (90 Guided Learning Hours — 25% weighting / 10 directed hours in one-week period)

BTEC in IT – Year 13  

Unit 3: Social Media in Business

Topics included; Explore the impact of social media on the ways in which businesses promote their products and services, Develop a plan to use social media in a business to meet requirements, Implement the use of social media in a business.

Internally Assessed Coursework Unit (90 Guided Learning Hours — 25% weighting)

Unit 6: Website Development

Topics included; Understand the principles of website development, Design a website to meet client requirements, Develop a website to meet client requirements.

Internally Assessed Coursework Unit (60 Guided Learning Hours — 17% weighting)

 

    • Extra-Curricular Opportunities
      • Department Computing Rooms open on a rota basis through the week – Break, Lunch and Afterschool
      • Digital Leaders – Become a student who participates in supporting the department in its technological improvements
      • Typing Club
      • Coding Club
      • Graphic Design Club

Next steps or where the subject leads

Students with a keen interest in finding out how computers work and how to program them or enhancing their IT skills will enjoy this subject. You will develop both a theory understanding and practical skills.

You will also develop transferrable skills such as communication, problem solving, time management, research and analytical skills as well as emphasising the need for good written and verbal communication skills.

Our qualifications provide clear progression opportunities to degree and higher technical apprenticeships in IT/Computing.

The selection of courses we have on offer will prepare you to study Computing, Computer Science, Software Development, Software Engineering or one of the many ICT/ Business Information Systems courses in Further or Higher Education.

A recent survey by DFES showed that 90% of all jobs in the UK required the use of ICT.

 

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