Computing/ICT

What is Computing and ICT?

Computing and ICT is a department that combines ICT, Media and Computer Science subjects.  At Key Stage 3 all students study ICT and Computing, which covers graphic design, computer science, and broadcast technologies and games design.

At Key Stage 4 students can opt to choose the GCSE in Computer Science and/or the BTEC in Creative Media Production.

Who works in the Computing and ICT Department?

We are a well-resourced and fully-staffed department of ICT and Computing specialists who will be able to support students of all abilities throughout their time with us.

Andrew Harding - Head of IT & Assistant Principal

Michael McClelland - Teacher of IT & Head of Year

Tomasz Zasadzinski - Teacher of IT

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students will study between one to 2 hours of ICT and Computing every week.  These lessons cover a wide range of subjects and skills over four main strands: digital design, broadcast technologies, computer science theory and games design.

Students will still study a range of basic ICT skills such as using email and word processing for example, however, Computing lessons are primarily to challenge and improve their knowledge of computing, graphic design and media to enhance their creative skills in these areas. 

Students will learn how to use key software such as Photoshop, Web Design, including HTML and CSS, Video Editing, Multimedia Fusion, Python, Kodu and Scratch.  The lessons are project-based so that each half term module leads to a creative product such as a computer game design, a short advert or film, an animation, magazine covers or a robotics project.  Homework is based on these projects, with students being set one large task over a six-week period which they will need to work on incrementally each week.

In years 10 and 11 we offer a choice of two extremely successful courses who perform well above the national average.

• Eduqas - Computer Science (1 GCSE).  This carefully planned course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works.  It offers an insight into what goes on 'behind the scenes', including computer programming, which many students find absorbing.  Examination consists of two papers (50% each).  Students will use OCR Programming Project tasks to develop their practical ability in the skills developed in their exam units.
• EdExcel - Level 2 Creative Media Production (BTEC/1 GCSE).  The EdExcel Level 2 Creative Media Production has been designed to engage and enthuse young people with an interest in creative computing, for example digital graphics and animations, interactive multimedia products and computer games.  The course consists of:
  • Internally assessed coursework (30%)
  • Internally assessed coursework (30%)
  • Externally assessed coursework (40%)

Useful revision websies for Computer Science:

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/z34k7ty

https://revisecomputerscience.com/

Useful guidance for the BTEC in Creative Media Production:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/creative-media-production.html