Computer Science

Departmental Aims

The core to the subject is the understanding of how technology works and how it can be developed and utilised. We draw and extend understanding from a range of other subjects outside of IT and Computer Science including: Maths, Science, DT and PSHE,  and we embed clear and high quality literacy and numeracy skills through software development, problem solving and evaluation skills. We aim to provide a broad range of skills and experiences at Key Stage 3 which are then further developed as students enter Key Stage 4 and then extended to Key Stage 5.

A Level Curriculum Summary

The course brings together an exciting mix of practical and theoretical Computing which will appeal to students with a creative approach to Computer Science and problem solving.

There is a strong element of programming, which in Year 12 will be in languages such as Python and Java, and the theory topics are taught through the writing of programs to put the concepts into practice. In the second year there is a substantial project, which can be done in any language or platform. In the past students have made iPhone apps, interactive websites, search engines and educational games.

As well as teaching Computer Science itself, the course builds self confidence in students by giving them the opportunity to design and program their own solutions to problems as well as the satisfaction of making a useful and working product. This will give students a deeper understanding of how IT systems can be designed, created and used.

The course appeals to students who wish to go on to study Computer Science at university, as well as benefits students aiming to pursue an IT-related career such as: cyber security, robotics, business information systems, networking and database management.

Co-curricular, Enrichment, Extension and Support

Regular support sessions are run during lunchtimes and after school. We regularly establish cross-curricular links through STEM activities. We encourage students to take part in a whole range of local, national and international initiatives such as Bebras, Women in Tech, Teens in AI, The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, Cyber Discovery and Connecting Classrooms, to name a few. We also offer video conferencing opportunities which complement the curriculum and offer students opportunities to engage with universities and employers. The department also aims to develop partnerships with external providers that extend students’ opportunities for learning.