In a world where Information Technology is forever changing and the demands are for everyone to be IT literate are ever increasing, IT is becoming the essential subject. It is not just about using software programs but much, much more…
“The PC has improved the world in just about every area you can think of. Amazing developments in communications, collaboration and efficiencies. New kinds of entertainment and social media. Access to information and the ability to give a voice people who would never have been heard.”
Bill Gates
What students learn
There are structured units for each year group, and each unit is broken down into lessons. Each lesson is sequenced so that it builds on the learning from the previous lessons and where appropriate lessons are scaffolded so that all pupils can succeed and thrive.
Year 7
- Clear messaging in digital media
- Programming Essentials in Scratch 1
- Modelling data using spreadsheets
- Programming Essentials in Scratch 2
Year 8
- Developing for the web
- Mobile app development
- Media – vector graphics
- Robotics
Year 9
- Media – Animations
- Introduction to cybersecurity
- Applying programming skills with physical computing
- Introduction to Python Computing
- Data Science
- Physical Computing: Disassemble a computer, then reassemble and install an Operating System.
Computer Science is the GCSE for students who want a much more technical qualification, which is heavily mathematical and will require you to become a computer programmer. This is for students who want to study computing in the future or want a career in computer science from the technical side.
“I literally coded Facebook in my dorm room and launched it from my dorm room. I rented a server for $85 a month, and I funded it by putting an ad on the side.”
Mark Zuckerberg
Course description
You will be studying GCSE Computer Science which covers the technical aspects of how information is processed in a computer. You will learn to use computational thinking to create algorithms and solve complex problems using the textual programming language Python.
Computer Science is a “technical” science qualification and will require you to be a logical, mathematical and computational thinker.
You can use GCSE Computer Science to go on to study the subject at Computer Science at A-Level.
You will be studying:
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Programming
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer networks
- Cyber security
- Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
- Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy
Exam board
AQA: Computer Science (9-1) – 601/8301/9
Past papers
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j276-from-2016
Assessments
- 50% of the assessment is based on a 2 hour paper based exam entitled “Computational thinking and programming skills” and covers Computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code.
- 50% of the assessment is based on a 1 hour 45 mins paper based exam entitled “Computing concepts” and covers the following topics: Fundamentals of data representation, Computer systems, Fundamentals of computer networks, Cyber security, Relational databases and structured query language (SQL) and Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy
Ways to help my child succeed
- Ask them about what they are doing in their ICT and Computing lessons.
Useful websites
Whether it’s for daily use at work, buying shopping online or just browsing the internet, the vast majority of us use computers on a frequent basis. However, despite over three quarters of the UK’s working population regularly using computers, most have never had formal IT training.
The International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL), formerly known as European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), is an internationally recognised qualification that enables people to certify their computer skills to an internationally recognised standard.
Those who choose to complete the ICDL covers the following topics:
Essential Skills
- Application Essentials: The Application Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed to start using common office productivity applications — documents, spreadsheets, and presentations — effectively.
- Computer and Online Essentials: The Computer & Online Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed for using computers and devices, file and application management, networks, online information, online communication, and safety.
Office Applications
- Documents: The Documents module covers the main concepts and skills needed for common word processing tasks, such as creating, formatting, and finishing letters and other everyday documents.
- Spreadsheets: The Spreadsheets module covers the main concepts and skills needed to use spreadsheets, such as tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying, and using a spreadsheet.
- Presentations: The Presentations module covers the main concepts and skills needed to work with presentation software to create and use presentations.
- Teamwork: The Teamwork module covers the main concepts and skills needed to work effectively in a team using collaborative tools and platforms.
Good Practice
- Cyber Security: The Cyber Security module covers the main skills and knowledge needed for the secure use of ICT in everyday settings, at home and at work.
- Online Collaboration: The Online Collaboration module covers the main concepts and skills needed to collaborate online using web-based tools and services.
- Data Protection: The Data Protection module covers important knowledge relating to data protection concepts and principles, data subject rights, data protection policies and measures, and regulatory compliance.
- Remote Working: The Remote Work module covers the main concepts and good practices needed to work effectively from any remote location.
- Information Literacy: The Information Literacy module covers the main concepts and skills relating to identifying, searching, evaluating, organising, and communicating online information.
