IT & Computer Science
“All students should have the opportunity to experience ICT and Computer Science, leaving Wildern as digitally literate citizens, as safe and responsible ICT users and equipped with the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed for their life and careers.”
KS3
Year 7
Department: COMPUTING
Periods per fortnight 2
Class Organisation: Mixed ability
Course Overview: Students will complete 5 Units
1) Unit 1: Digital Literacy - Using the Google Suite
2) Unit 2: Choose your own Adventure
3) Unit 3: Hardware and Software
4) Unit 4: Photoshop
5) Unit 5: Comic Life
How students will be assessed: Baseline assessment within first month. Mid unit and end unit formal teacher assessment.
Self-study: Self-studies are set regularly throughout the year and aim to both embed the learning of the lessons within the unit and provide skills-building in preparation for each assessment point.
Parental support: Make sure home study is completed. Encourage use of computing at home.
Year 8
Department: COMPUTING
Periods per fortnight 2
Class Organisation: Mixed Ability
Course Overview: Students will complete 4 units:
Unit 6: Computer Science
Unit 7: Augmented Reality
Unit 8: Spreadsheets
Unit 9: Digital Products and Marketing
How students will be assessed: End unit formal teacher assessment.
Self-study: Self-studies are set regularly throughout the year and aim to both embed the learning of the lessons within the unit and provide skills-building in preparation for each assessment point.
Parental support: Make sure self-study is completed. Encourage use of computing at home.
KS4
Years 9, 10 & 11
KS4 Computer Science - GCSE Computer Science
This is a new, single-tier, linear GCSE in Computing Science and is an option choice for students in Key Stage 4. By delivering a GCSE in Computing Science we will be providing more choice to students who wish to study for a recognised qualification in computer science. Whilst recognising that computing science is a rigorous academic subject, we hope that this new GCSE will foster creativity and inventiveness. The new specification 'Computing Science' will emphasise the fact that learners will be expected to apply their knowledge of computer systems and programming to solve problems using rapid prototyping techniques to test out ideas and prove that they work.
Learners are expected to:
AO1: Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of computing science.
AO2: Apply tools and techniques from computing science to analyse problems and produce solutions.
AO3: Understand, evaluate, make reasoned judgements about the use of computer systems in industry, commerce, arts and elsewhere, including ethical, social, legal and environmental factors.
GCSE Computing Science will have 2 Assessment components: One externally assessed 1 hour 30 minute examination paper, contributing 50% of the total assessment weighting. One externally assessed, 2 hour on-screen practical programming exam, contributing 50% of the total assessment weighting.
The GCSE Computing Science qualification will be available to all learners who are capable of reaching the required standard. It will support progress to further study at Level 3, including GCEs and BTECs in IT, Computing and related subjects.
KS4 ICT - OCR National in IT
Students will learn the theoretical knowledge and understanding to apply design tools for applications, principles of human computer interfaces and the use of data and testing in different contexts when creating solutions or products.
Students will understand the uses of Internet of Everything and its application in everyday life, cyber-security and legislations related to the use of IT systems, and the different types of digital communications software, devices and distribution channels.
Students will learn the skills to be able to plan and design a spreadsheet solution to meet client requirements. They will be able to use a range of tools and techniques to create a spreadsheet solution based on their design, which they will test.
Students will learn the purpose, use and types of augmented reality (AR) in different contexts and how they are used on different digital devices. They will develop the skills to be able to design and create an AR model prototype, using a range of tools and techniques.
Students will also be provided with the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as researching, planning, reviewing, working with others and communication.
Students will study 3 units over the duration of the course. This consists of two controlled assessment units worth 30% each and one written exam based unit, which makes up the remaining 40%
The controlled assessment units consist of:
R060 - Data Manipulation using Spreadsheets
R070 - Using Augmented Reality to Present Information
The exam based unit is:
R050 - IT in the Digital World
KS4 ICT - OCR Nationals in Creative iMedia - Year 11 Only
This qualification is designed to teach and assess creative ICT skills through their practical use. It aims to provide students with essential knowledge, skills and tools to enhance both their learning at school and their employability once they have left school.
The course will equip students with a range of creative ICT skills that will involve planning, designing, creating and editing digital products, Students will also be provided with the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as researching, planning, reviewing, working with others and communication.
Students will be expected to create fit for purpose products using a 'hands on' approach that has strong relevance to the way in which they use technology.
The students will study 4 units over the duration of the course. These are made up of mandatory units (selected by the exam board) and optional units (selected by the school). One mandatory unit is assessed by written exam whilst all other units are assessed internally via controlled assessments. Each unit is worth 25% of the final overall grade.
The two mandatory units consist of:
- R081 - Pre Production Skills (exam based assessment)
- R082 - Creating Digital Graphics
The two optional units currently consist of:
- R084 - Storytelling with a comic strip
- R087 - Creating a Multimedia Product
Clubs/extra-curricular
A coding club is available to any students that are keen to learn and develop their coding skills. The main language learnt is Python but others can be explored.
Drop in clinics run daily during lunch and after school to support pupils learning
Visits
A unique trip to visit Bletchley Park, the home of British codebreaking and a birthplace of modern Information Technology. Students will spend the day learning about how Alan Turing, the Founder of Computer Science, cracked the Enigma code that helped the allies win WWII. The guided tour and workshop included explore mathematical encryption and encoding techniques that have been used throughout history, tackling complex processes to solve a code breaking challenge. The workshop also includes a unique opportunity to see a genuine Enigma machine and be introduced to its design and role in WWII.
Facilities and Resources
There are 12 ICT suites spread across the school. PCs in these suites run Windows 7,Microsoft Office 2013, Adobe Master Collection as well as many other applications specific to various different departments.
All ICT teachers have access to a PC and interactive whiteboard in their individual teaching rooms.
When not in use for ICT lesson each suite is available for booking for use by other subjects
