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Computing & Business

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

In Key Stage 3, our students cover a wide range of Computer Science and ICT topics. Each student will have 2 lessons of Computer Science a week and one ICT lesson every fortnight.

We closely follow the National Curriculum in Computer Science touching on key areas such as Programming, Data Representation, Hardware, Communication and Networks, Digital Literacy and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural issues. We use software such as Python, Microbit, Scratch, Microsoft Access and the Microsoft Office suite to deliver these topics. We take apart PC’s, use robots and Microbits. We also offer a KS3 Computer Science club and trips.

In our ICT lessons we offer students basic “Digital Literacy” topics to help them better understand the Microsoft Office Suite and the Internet (as this is not covered in the Computer Science curriculum). We cover topics such as Get Connected!, Document management, Research Skills, Presenting My Work, Netiquette, Advanced ICT Skills, Digital Graphics and Video Editing. E-safety is also an integral part of our programme of study.

In all lessons we develop their team work, independence, and creativity skills which would set them up well as a future leader of the technological world.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Course content

Component 01: Computer systems

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

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.

Computer Science

How is this course assessed?

  1. Paper 1 = 50% (1hr 30 min) written exam
  2. Paper 2 = 50%(1hr 30min) written exam
  3. You will have one piece of programming assessment to complete.

What skills and interests do I need?

  1. You should have a keen interest in how computer programs are written.
  2. This requires a good level of logical thinking and maths skills.

Will there be any specific equipment I will need or trips/visits I will need to attend?

You will need to use some free software when you are at home to practice your programming.

What course and career pathways will there be with this qualification?

This course will set you up nicely for A Level Computer Science and a job working in any area of IT. Your programming skills will allow you to focus on software development.

Do I need to study this course at GCSE to study it at Post 16?

No, but you will need a grade 6 at least at GCSE Maths.

Course content

The subject covers the following topics:

  1. You will learn an understanding about how IT is used in businesses and across the world.
  2. You will be learning practical IT skills to manipulate sound and images.

Cambridge Nationals in ICT

How is this course assessed?

  1. You will have one exam that is worth 25% of the course.
  2. You will have 3 other units that are assessed through controlled assessment, each worth 25%.

Level 1/2 Creative Imedia

Course content

  1. RO81- This unit aims to give you the skills to develop pre-production documents for all different types of media products.
  2. RO82- This unit aims to give you the skills to develop and create digital graphics.
  3. This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques to develop web content that meets industry standards and is appropriate for all audiences
  4. RO89- This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques to develop digital videos

How is this course assessed?

  1. You will have one 1hr 15 minute written paper.
  2. You will have 3 other units that is assessed through controlled assessment.

What skills and interests do I need?

  1. You will have a keen interest in how to design and create multimedia products for targeted audiences
  2. You will have good creative and practical skills.

Will there be any specific equipment I will need or trips/visits I will need to attend?

  1. All the equipment you will need will be provided for you.

What course and career pathways will there be with this qualification?

  1. This course will give you a number of practical skills that can be applied to any type of job requiring Digital applications and the design of websites and multimedia products.

Do I need to study this course at GCSE to study it at Post 16?

Yes

GCSE Business

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Course content

The subject covers the following topics:

  1. You will investigate how businesses work.
  2. You will also think about how businesses manage their financial records.

How is this course assessed?

You will have 2 written exams, both worth 50% of the course.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

In key stage 5, we offer a wide range of courses to suit our learners. Our students can choose to study these courses;

  • A-Level Computing
  • Level 3 BTEC in Information Technology
  • AQA A level in Business Studies