Computing

Course details

Providing every student with the chance to cultivate computational thinking, information technology, and digital media skills is our goal. 

The purpose of computing in the National Curriculum is to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The core of computing is computer science in which the children are taught how digital systems work and put this knowledge to use through programming to create programs, systems and content.

Computing ensures that pupils become digitally literate and develop their ideas through information and communication technology to prepare them for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. The aims of computing in the National Curriculum include the children understanding and using algorithms, writing computer programs, and become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of IT.

Programme of study Y7

• Basic Skills

• Programming Using Scratch

• Spreadsheets

• E-Safety

• Video Editing

• Dream Holiday

Programme of study Y8

• Basic Skills

• Computer Systems

• Image Editing

• Website Development 

• Data Representation

• App Development

Programme of study Y9

• Basic Skills

• Algorithms

• Animation

• Python Programming

• Networks

• Ethics and Artificial Intelligence

Other

In addition to the curriculum, we actively explore alternative initiatives and strategies for seamlessly incorporating technology into our educational practices.

• Safer Internet Day

• Environment Awareness Day

Assessment

Students will sit one summative assessment at the end of each unit. The assessments will include an online exam featuring predominantly multiple-choice questions, as well as some written questions. The assessment of creative units will focus on evaluating the practical skills applied to tasks. Formative assessments will be conducted consistently throughout the lessons. 

Award: GCSE

Awarding Body: OCR

Specification Code: J277

Specification Website: GCSE Computer Science

Computer Science is engaging and practical, it encourages creativity and problem solving. It encourages you to develop your understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. You will analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. 

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) over the two years. This will allow students 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  2. 

Year 10

Component 1: 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.

Year 11

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 1. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Assessments

Internal:

• End of topic examinations

• Year 10 examination

• Year 11 examination

• Practical Programming task

External:

• Component  1: Computer Systems

(1 hour 30 minutes; 50% of GCSE)

• Component 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

(1 hour 30 minutes; 50% of GCSE)

Award: Level 2 Certificate

Awarding Body: Pearson's

Specification Code: 603/7050/6 

Specification Website:  https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/information-technology/2022/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-tech-award-digital-information-technology-spec.pdf

Introduction

Over the years, technology has revolutionised our world and daily lives. Technology has created amazing tools and resources, putting useful information at our fingertips.

Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. The way we work, play, shop and communicate has changed dramatically in the last few years and continues to do so at an even faster pace - and all this is due to ICT. 

ICT skills are essential for success in employment and higher education and are among the fundamental transferable skills required by employers. More and more organisations are looking for people who have practical and relevant ICT skills at every level of employment.

This qualification allows pupils to explore how digital technologies are used in everyday life. Pupils will study the concepts and features of application software programmes and networks. Explore the features available across different types of software and tools. Pupils will understand concepts of text formatting and file manipulation to develop creative technical skills in digital technology. Additionally pupils will also understand how data can be gathered and used to make decisions, to analyse and present structured data which has been gathered from primary and secondary resources. 

Course Overview

This course focuses on building skills which will give you the confidence to progress in whatever path you choose. It is a practical introduction to life and work in the Digital Information Technology sector, so you can develop your understanding of the sector and see whether it’s an industry you would like to be in. This course allows you to apply academic knowledge to everyday and work contexts, giving you a great starting point for academic or vocational study post-16, as well as prepare you for future employment. 

Course Structure

Learners are required to complete and achieve all three components in the qualification.

Component 1 - Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques (Internally Assessed)

Component 2 - Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data (Internally Assessed)

Component 3 - Effective Digital Working Practices (External Synoptic)

Year 10

Unit 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques

During Component 1, you will: Explore user interface design and development principles. Investigate how to use project planning techniques to manage a digital project. Discover how to develop and review a digital user interface.

Unit 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

During Component 2, you will: Explore how data impacts individuals and organisations. Draw conclusions and make recommendations on data intelligence. Develop a dashboard using data manipulation tools. 

Unit 3: Effective Digital Working Practices

To achieve this aim, you will: Explore how modern information technology is evolving. Consider legal and ethical issues in data and information sharing. Understand what cyber security is and how to safeguard against it.

Assessments

Two internally assessed assignments (Unit 1 and 2) and one external written exam (Unit 3).

Grading Structure

The vocational program utilises a different grading structure in contrast to other courses. The table presented below is intended for guidance purposes only.

Level / Qualification Grade Grade Equivalent

Level 2 - Distinction* 8

Level 2 - Distinction 7

Level 2 - Merit 5/6

Level 2 - Pass 4

Level 1 - Distinction 3

Level 1 - Merit 2

Level 1 - Pass 1

A-Level Computer Science

This course is currently being taught by Bayside School. Please find more information below or contact Bayside School.

www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015

Introduction

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

Specification Content/ Examinations:

Content overview:

• Component 01: Computer Systems - This component will introduce learners to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.

• Component 02: Algorithms and Programming - This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer systems component (01). In addition, learners should:

  • • Understand what is meant by computational thinking

    • Understand the benefits of applying computational thinking to solving a wide variety of problems

    • understand the principles of solving problems by computational methods

    • be able to use algorithms to describe problems

    • be able to analyse a problem by identifying its component parts

• Component 03: Programming Project - Learners will be expected to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The underlying approach to the project is to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding problem. Learners are expected to apply appropriate principles from an agile development approach to the project development.

Assessments

Computer Systems - 2hr 30min Written Paper (40%)

Algorithms and Programming - 2hr 30min Written Paper (40%)

Programming Project - Non Exam Assessment (20%)

Level 3 Certificate and Extended Certificate in ICT

Please contact the Gibraltar College for further information on this course.