Computer Science / ICT
Head of Department: Mr Sekukuni Sisulu
Computing is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline in itself, as an ‘underpinning’ subject across science technology and engineering. Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the way that technology is consumed has been changing at a fast pace. Claremont High School Academy is successfully delivering tailor made schemes of work informed by the government Computing curriculum and many years of teaching experience. Subject specialist teachers in the department, are committed, enthusiastic and dedicated to providing all students with the opportunity to excel in Computing.
Computing consists of 3 parts; ICT, Computer Science, and Digital literacy. The department focuses on delivering lessons which allow us to develop and extend our students knowledge in Computing. Our curriculum consists of a mixture of Computer Science, IT and Digital Literacy, including Programming, web-design, spreadsheets, computer systems, networking, cyber security, word processing, databases, desk-top publishing, Augmented reality, cloud applications, and how to stay safe online. The Computing department comprises of 4 specialist teaching rooms, containing 30 Student Desktop PCs in each room.
The key aspects of computing are delivered to all students in years 7 and 8. By the end of year 8 learners should be able to make informed choices regarding their options In year 9 where they can choose to take ICT and/or Computer Science as a foundation year before attempting the subject in years 10 and 11.
Those taking the Cambridge National in Information Technology L1/2 can then take the IT Level 3 BTEC extended certificate in KS5. If learners do particularly well, they may be able to attempt the Computer Science A Level course.
Those learners taking the Computer Science GCSE in KS4 often chose to take up our A Level Computer Science course in KS5.
curriculum intent
The Computing department aims to develop students competence in the key Computing requirement Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy in order for them to be well prepared digital citizens, with skills they can utilise across the curriculum.
Computational thinking skills are developed throughout our schemes of work, these skills are considered higher level competencies that are valuable to aid higher learning across the curriculum.
We offer multiple courses to suit the needs of different learners with an academic pathway KS3 - GCSE Computer Science – A Level Computer Science. We also have an applied pathway KS3 – Cambridge Nationals in IT – Level 3 BTEC IT Extended Certificate.
These pathways do little to restrict the opportunities of our learners. Many of our KS5 learners from BTEC IT and CS go on to do Computer Science at university.
We aim to provide those that want to go into the Computing industry the skills and knowledge required to enable them to do so.
Key Stage 3
On starting Computing in Claremont we focus on developing digital literacy and ICT skills to provide a good foundation for future learning. Computer programming is taught by using HTML editors and Python applications in which they make their own computer programs. Pupils also work on various projects in Computing, such as designing a computer network, financial modelling using spreadsheets and using graphical Design tools.
Year 8s get to choose either Computer Science or ICT as an option for Year 9.
Computer Science is recommended for those learners who have demonstrated a competence in programming and computational thinking and want to go on to study Computer Science GCSE. ICT is recommended for those who may struggle with CS content but still wish to gain further competency in a computing related course.
Overview
Schemes of work
Year 9 ICT Scheme of Work
Key Stage 4
GCSE J277 Computer Science (OCR exam board)
- The course consists of 2 exams – Paper 1 Computer Systems and Paper 2 Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming.
- The course is awarded grades 1-9.
- Year 10 will develop their theory knowledge needed for Paper 1 Computer Systems
- Year 11 will develop their Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming skills required for Paper 2.
- Year 11 will also practice past NEA challenges to develop their programming skills
Computer Science (OCR) Specification
Cambridge National IT Level 1 and 2 (OCR exam board)
The Cambridge National in IT will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the IT sector and more widely. It covers the use of IT in the digital world, Internet of Everything, data manipulation, human-computer interface (HCI) and augmented reality.
Learners will be assessed with an exam unit worth 50% of the course and two projects each worth 25% to make up the remaining 50% of the course.
R050 - IT in the digital world
A theory unit assessed in year 11 with exam for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Topics include:
- Design Tools - Wire frames, storyboards, mind maps
- Human Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life
- Data and testing
- Cyber-security and legislation
- Digital Communications
- Internet of Everything (IoE).
R060 - Data manipulation using spreadsheets
This is assessed by completing a 10 hour set assignment.
In this unit you will learn how to plan, design, create, test and evaluate a data manipulation spreadsheet solution to meet client’s requirements. You will be able to evaluate your solution based on the user requirements.
Topics include:
- Planning and designing a spreadsheet solution
- Creating a spreadsheet solution
- Testing a spreadsheet solution
- Evaluating a spreadsheet solution.
R070: Using Augmented Reality to present information
This is assessed by completing a 10 hour set assignment.
In this unit you will learn how to design, create, test and review an Augmented Reality model prototype to meet a client’s requirements.
Topics include:
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Designing an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype
- Creating an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype
- Testing and reviewing.
Cambridge Nationals in IT (OCR) Specification
Cambridge Nationals in Information Technologies (old spec - Yr 11 only)
Key Stage 5
Level 3 BTEC IT Extended Certificate (Edexcel exam board)
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is a challenging applied IT course that through theory and extended project work, prepares learners for employment or further study in the IT or Computing sectors.
- This course is assessed by 42% coursework and 58% examination.
- In Year 12 learners will complete Unit 1 - Information Technology Systems which will take 120 hours of learning and require an exam at the end of the year. The learners will also complete Unit 3 Using Social Media in Business which will require learners to create their own social media marketing campaign.
- In Year 13 learners will learn the theory and skills required to complete Unit 2 Creating Systems to Manage Information and then complete the practical exam in June. They will also complete Unit 6 Website development coursework unit. All learners will have the opportunity to resit the Unit 1 exam in Year 13.
- The BTEC Level 3 Nationals in IT are recognised and respected by employers, professional institutions and higher education establishments alike.
Level 3 BTEC IT Scheme of Work: The course is delivered by 2 teachers who deliver different course units; Teacher 1, Teacher 2.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Information Technology Specification
A Level Computer Science (OCR exam board)
We offer A Level Computer Science, a valued qualification for top universities and the most effective way of accessing degree courses to continue in the Computing industry.
- This course is assessed by 20% coursework project and 80% examination.
- The course is delivered by 2 members of staff so learners will learn Component 1 Computer Systems theory in one class while learning programming techniques in Component 2 (Algorithms and Programming).
- In Year 13 learners will start the NEA Programming Project Component 03 where they will need to use the systems lifecycle to create a software to solve a problem. Learners will also continue to learn and revise theory from Component 1 and 2.
- The final exams will be at the end of Year 13.
- The A Level Computer Science course is a highly technical course that is valued by employers and higher education providers. It is a great way of furthering and interest in the field and adding valuable skills that can be applied to many industries.
A Level Computer Science (OCR) Specification
Enrichment
We offer an after school computer science club as part of our Co-Curricular offer. The club enables students to work with other students across the year groups to develop their skills and understanding on Computing topics such as robotics and programming.
Students will need to work both independently and as part of a team. Please refer to the Co-Curricular timetable for more details.
Next steps
Students from KS4 often take CS A Level or BTEC IT in KS5. Those who do not will still be able to apply their skills and understanding in other subject choices.
After KS5 many of our A Level and BTEC learners take Computer Science related courses at University. Others may chose to go into a higher level apprenticeship in the field. Many that go on to higher education find that the courses offered prepare them well for the challenges they encountered.