Computing & ICT

What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Computing?

The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Computer Science teaches students about and prepares them for a constantly changing world with constantly emerging technologies and ensures that they are resilient and intuitive learners.

What are students learning in Year 7 & 8?

In years 7 and 8, students are learning the basic building blocks of computer science, which include both the hardware and software needs of a system, alongside the basics of programming. Students are taught to tackle problems with code as well as understand the real life applications of such problem solving skills.

Why are they learning these things?

In today's society, computers and technology are so prevalent that learning how to harness and understand these tools can give students a real head start in life. Knowing how to program introduces students to an entire world of problem solving and logic that they can apply to so many other subjects and situations.

What are the students learning in Year 9, 10 & 11?

At GCSE, students continue to develop their programming skills and put them into practice whilst learning about the theory and culture surrounding computer science, Students are introduced to concepts necessary to solving logic and numeracy problems.

Why are they learning these things?

Students are learning a broad range of topics in order to improve their proficiency with programming languages and to enhance their knowledge of technology as a whole. Helping students to understand and be intuitive when exploring new technology and ideas will prepare them for the future in a constantly changing world as well as develop problem solving, logic, computational thinking and mathematical skills.

What are students learning in Year 12 & 13?

Students in years 12 and 13 experience a far more technical but still just as broad range of topics, building upon concepts introduced at GCSE but delivered at a far higher level, with the intention and assumption that students will intuitively take an interest in different sectors and areas of computer science ready to create their own unique project in year 13.

Why are they learning these things? 

Students are honing their skills in years 12 and 13 so that they are confident programmers and curious, intuitive learners that can not only identify but solve their own problems using logic and code. Creating their own project not only enables and gives students the freedom to build something that is their own but also gives them a solid portfolio piece for future job or university applications.

How can I find out more about what students are learning?

What is the overall aim of what we are learning in IT?

The overall aim of the IT curriculum is to develop the knowledge and skills required to take on real world scenarios, so that students are fully prepared for the world of work. Critical thinking and the ability to problem solve are core skills which students will develop when studying IT. The curriculum stretches students beyond standard IT issues and gets them to think and be creative, which are all valuable skills that they can use in the future.

What are the students learning in Year 9, 10 & 11?

Year 9 and 10

In years 9 and 10, students will learn how to plan a project, create a database or spreadsheet and develop key knowledge of security risks when taking on projects. Furthermore, students will also develop key teamworking skills and knowledge and will learn to develop and complete a project to a professional standard.

Year 11

Year 11 students will use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to plan and develop technological solutions to a given brief. The brief will resemble a real life scenario and students will need to problem solve and critically evaluate ways and methods of establishing a viable path forward for their client using IT.

Why are they learning these things?

Companies are constantly faced with problems in IT and threats from bad faith actors. Unless students do not know what they are, how they manifest and what can be done to mitigate and solve them, then companies will suffer. Therefore, with the intention of going into the IT industry, having the skills and knowledge to problem solve using IT is essential.

How can I find out more about what students are learning?