Computing
Head of Department
Mr P Campbell
pcampbell@commonweal.co.uk
Overview
Does creating the next software application, website or mobile app interest you?
Do you want to be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs?
Are you interested in finding out how technology works?
Our aim is to provide a fun, interesting and challenging curriculum which addresses the needs of modern life. Computing is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline itself and as an ‘underpinning’ subject across science and engineering is growing rapidly. Computers are now part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill that can be learnt and help ready you for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world. Studying Computer Science opens many doors in a range of different careers, many of which don’t even exist yet.
Computer Science is also included as part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
In lessons students can expect to take part in a range of activities, some in groups and some individually, from taking computers apart to designing your own programmes.
Tops Tips to do well in Computer Science
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Learn the keywords.
Computing terminology is like a whole new language, you need to know the meanings of keywords from algorithm to network topology.
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Investigate and experiment.
There are many ways to complete tasks in computing. Trying different features of software will help develop your skills. If it doesn’t work first time, don’t get frustrated use the undo button and try something new.
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Practice the skills.
A lot of the software used is available from the Internet for free. Download it and practice at home to improve your understanding and knowledge.
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Once you’ve learnt something, use it again and again.
Our most successful students learn a concept (some theory / software features) and then practice questions or practice using the software.
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Go above and beyond.
The best students ask questions, complete all their work to a detailed standard and reach the extension tasks in class. They challenge themselves in coding tasks and complete programmes in their own time.
The Curriculum
The Computer Science Curriculum
Computer Science is delivered to years 7 – 9 over 2 one-hour lessons a fortnight. Computer Science GCSE is delivered over 5 hours within the fortnight.
Year 7 – Mixed Ability
- Clear messaging in Digital Media
- Programming in Scratch
- Introduction to Spreadsheets
- Computing Components
- Gaining support for a cause
Year 8 –Set
- Networking and Internet
- Internet safety, Cybersecurity and Encryption
- Algorithms
- Introduction to Python or Edublocks
- Binary and Computer Logic
- Sound and Vision editing
Year 9 – Set
- Cyber security
- Computational Thinking
- Python with data or Edublocks
- Hardware and software
- Web design
- Artificial Intelligence and IT skills for the workplace
Year 10 & 11
The GCSE option is AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525 specification.
AQA Computer Science (Level 2)
There are two units that make up the GCSE in Computer Science.
Paper 1 – Computational thinking and programming skills
Overview of content
- Computational thinking
- Code tracing
- Problem-solving
- Programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code
Overview of Assessment
Written examination: 2 hours, 90 marks, 50% of GCSE
Paper 2 – Written assessment
Overview of content
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Computer system
- Fundamentals of computer networks
- Fundamentals of cyber security
- Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
- Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy
Overview of Assessment
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of GCSE
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 examinations are taken at the end of Year 11.
Students in years 7 to 9 will be assessed through lesson activities, homework and end of unit assessments.
Computer Science students in years 10 to 11 will be assessed through regular theory and programming homework as well as end of theory module tests.
Independent learning
Students in years 7 to 9 will be assessed through online quizzes, homework and end of module tests.
Computer Science students in years 10 to 11 will be assessed through regular theory end of topic tests, pre-app exams and homework tasks.
Enrichment and trip possibilities
- Various Cyber First enrichment trips for Computer Science students.
- Code Club
- Bebras Computing challenge for all students
- Bebras Coding Challenge for some students
- Year 7 Coderz Club
- Year 8 Cyber First Girls Competition
- Y9 Digital Futures Day
- Cyber First AI lecture KS4
- Y10 Summer Cyber Horizons trip
- Y10 Computer Science catch-up
- Y11 Computer Science catch-up
- Y12 Cyber Unlock
Teachers in the Faculty
- Mr P Campbell (Head of Computer Science)
- Miss M Harris
- Mrs M Ryan
- Mr M Scandling
Contact: Mr P Campbell pcampbell@commonweal.co.uk
