Introduction
The ICT and Computing Department bridges the gap in IT knowledge from primary school to the real world. It offers Key Stage 3, GCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs in both ICT and Computer Science. IT is also deeply embedded throughout the school with many subjects using IT to teach their relevant courses.
Aims
- To develop an interest and understanding of how IT is used in many different aspects of life.
- To have a secure knowledge of how computers work.
- To be able to select the correct software for a purpose and use that software for a selected task
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, Year 7 receive half an hour of lessons per week. This increases to one hour per week in Year 8 and 9.
Topics covered include:
- E-Safety
- Programming
- Sound Editing
- Spreadsheets
- History of Computing
- Databases
- Cryptography
- Web Authoring
- Graphics
- 3D Design
- Animation
Key Stage 4
Students can select either Computer Science or Information Technologies in their options for KS4. Both are taught for two and a half hours per week.
GCSE Computer Science
This course offers students an insight into how a computer actually operates. The exam board is OCR.
GCSE Computer Science Specification
OCR Cambridge National Information Technologies
This course gives an in-depth look at how computers are used in the real world. The exam board is OCR
Key Stage 5
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology
This new course equivalent to two A-Levels. It follows the vocational route with students using different software to develop solutions to scenarios set by their teachers. There is also an option to do half the course and receive an Extended Certificate which is equivalent to one A-Level. The exam board is Pearson.
Computer programmer
- Data analyst
- Web designer
- ICT/Computer teacher
- Network manager
- Computer Forensic Analyst
- Plus many more
We are based in the new building on the Beechdale site with three purpose built classrooms. There are also four other computer suites based across the two sites. Each classroom has the latest equipment and all the relevant software required in a school. At lunchtime at least one classroom in the new block is open for students to use for their studies.
The department has strong links with local businesses and has recently worked with a local university. These connections have helped with work experience placements and some of our students have gone on to apprenticeship schemes with these companies.
Mr A Calvert (Head of Department)
Mr C Simcock (Classroom Teacher)
Miss G Evans (Classroom Teacher)
Mr G Evans (Classroom Teacher)
Miss A Wong (Classroom Teacher)
