Computer Science and Information Technologies Intent

Computing is concerned with how computers and computer systems work. It looks at how they are designed and programmed and applied in human society. The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Computer scientists are in very high demand in all walks of life. Everything today from the breakfast on your plate to the holiday you take is controlled by computer systems. Everything about computer science is relevant to everybody’s life.

Pupils study computer science and IT for one period per week at KS3 and then at KS4 they can follow one of two pathways. They can opt for either GCSE Computer Science and/or IT.

Computer science is essential knowledge that gives pupils the cultural capital to succeed in their lives in a modern society.

 

Implementation – how is our curriculum being delivered?

Algorithms – these are the instructions that provide the solutions to the problems in computer science.

Programming – taking the algorithm solutions and turning that into code that the computer can work with.

Hardware – this looks at the computer as a machine and how it works.

Networks – how do computers share data with each other.

Computers in society – How has the computer changed the world? How do we as humans live in a digital world? How do we advise our pupils about how to stay safe in a digital world?

Information technology – using computer software to present and model information.

 

Impact – what difference is our curriculum making?

Computer Science is present in almost every industry and part of life and therefore enhances the majority of other subjects available on the curriculum. Algorithmic and computational thinking are key problem-solving skills and the fundamentals can be applied to any situation, especially where a system in required to solve a problem. Studying GCSE Computer Science will allow progression to A level and university providing a further stepping on to a multitude of careers which may include; Cyber Crime and protection, social media manager using creativity online, Online shopping and e-commerce, computer games development or robotics of the future. The list really is endless, providing a platform into many different areas.

Digital Information Technologies equips students with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed to work in the digital world, Internet of Everything, data manipulation, human-computer interface (HCI) and augmented reality.

 

Key Stage 4 Pathways

At KS4 there are two pathways that pupils can opt for these are GCSE Computer Science and/or Information Technologies

 

The Curriculum Team:

Mr C. Blackburn (Curriculum Leader)

Mr P. Chohan

Mr S. Hussain

Curriculum Overview

Please use the attachment below to access the Curriculum Overview