The Computing, ICT & Business department believe that all students should learn how to operate safely, efficiently and effectively in an increasingly digital world, with an understanding of how to use technology to improve our lives. We want to prepare all students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue the pathway that they desire.
All students will learn about topics that are relevant to the digital world and develop an understanding of concepts that could lead to further education or careers in Computing, ICT or Business. The department aim to prepare students to live life to the full in the digital world.
The department curriculum is designed to be ambitious, coherently planned and sequenced, broad and balanced, and inclusive for all pupils. The National Curriculum has been used in the planning to ensure that the curriculum we offer, includes all areas of content as effectively as possible. It also provides opportunities to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare students for further study through the KS4 courses offered, or for being able to operate effectively in the digital world and prepare for future careers.
Programmes of study
Key Stage 3
| Year 7 ICT | Year 8 ICT | Year 9 ICT |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 Using computers safely, effectively and responsibly | 8.1 Computer crime and cyber security | 9.1 Creative iMedia – Pre-production skills |
| 7.2 Understanding computers | 8.2 Data representation | 9.2 Business Studies – Making operational decisions |
| 7.3 Modelling data – spreadsheets | 8.3 Networks | 9.3 Computer Science – Python programming with sequences of data |
| 7.4 Programming essentials in Scratch – part 1 | 8.4 Introducing Python programming | 9.4 Back to the future |
| 7.5 Kodu Programming | 8.5 Digital graphics | 9.5 Digital Software Skills |
| 7.6 Developing for the web | 8.6 Mobile app development | 9.6 Data Science |
Key Stage 4
| GCSE Computer Science OCR J277 | GCSE Business Studies EDEXCEL 1BS0 | Cambridge National Creative iMedia OCR Level 1/Level 2 J834 |
|---|---|---|
| Component 01: Computer systems (50% 1 hour and 30 min exam – 80 marks) 1.1 Systems architecture 1.2 Memory and storage 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 1.4 Network security 1.5 Systems software 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology | Theme 1: Investigating small business (50% 1 hour and 45 min exam – 90 marks) Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice Topic 1.4 Making the business effective Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business | R093: Creative iMedia in the industry (40% 1 hour 30 min exam) Topic area 1: The media industry Topic area 2: Factors influencing product design Topic area 3: Pre-production planning Topic area 4: Distribution considerations |
| Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50% 1 hour and 30 min exam – 80 marks) 2.1 Algorithms 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.3 Producing robust programs 2.4 Boolean logic 2.5 Programming languages and integrated development environments | Theme 2: Building a business (50% 1 hour and 45 min exam – 90 marks) Topic 2.1 Growing the business Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions | R094: Visual identity and digital graphics (25% set assignment) Topic area 1: Develop visual identity Topic area 2: Plan digital graphics for products Topic area 3: Create visual identity and digital graphics |
| Practical programming: Students complete practical programming projects. | R097: Interactive digital media (35% set assignment) Topic area 1: Plan interactive digital media Topic area 2: Create interactive digital media Topic area 3: Review interactive digital media |
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Staff
- Mr C Turner (Curriculum Team Leader – ICT, Computing and Business)
- Mr J Stewardson
- Mrs E Wilford
- Mr P Bup
- Mrs S Batstone