Vision
Computer Science
Staff and pupils share a passion for computing, recognising its power to transform lives and communities. Through engaging, purposeful learning, we prepare pupils to live life in all its fullness, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in a digital age.
Our vision is to:
Promote digital responsibility and resilience by teaching pupils to use technology safely, ethically, and with integrity—strengthening their minds and character as they navigate an ever-changing digital world.
Develop digitally fluent, compassionate learners who can use their skills to serve others, contribute to society, and shape a more just and connected future.
Inspire curiosity and confidence by enabling pupils to explore how technology works, ask meaningful questions, and solve real-world problems through computational thinking and creativity.
Celebrate the wonder of human innovation, helping pupils to see computing not just as a technical subject, but as a way to explore, create, and reflect on the world around them, supporting their growth in body, mind and spirit.
In Years 7-9, all pupils are taught the same course, following the National Curriculum. Pupils are allocated a dedicated computing lessons. The computer science components we teach are outlined below.
Year 7 will study key concepts of Computer Science building on from the KS2 curriculum, they will look at Semaphores, online safety and programming essentials. Building upon key skills, Year 8 will study Python Programming, computer systems and data representation. They will learn the key concepts and components of computational thinking skills. During Year 9 pupils study computational thinking and Python, data analysis, digital wellbeing and the ethical, legal and environmental impact of computer use.
GCSE Computer Science
In Year 10 and 11 pupils opt to follow the OCR Computer Science course which aims to get pupils working with real world programming and provides a good understanding of the key concepts of computing. The Computer Science course introduces pupils to the theoretical and practical elements of computer science, combining mathematical understanding with individual creativity of problem solving. Through puzzles and projects, pupils are taught how to decompose a problem and develop their own solution using Python programming language. This specification allows pupils to delve into the details of modern computational systems while exploring the effects of computing technology on the world. Computer science complements maths because it teaches logical thinking and can help to solve maths problems. Computational thinking can be useful in arts and humanities. The skill of critical thinking can be useful in analysing historical, philosophical and critical arguments.
Pupils are assessed in the following areas:
Paper 1: Computer Systems
Written paper, 1 hour 30 mins, 80 marks
Topics covered in paper 1:
- Systems architecture
- Memory and storage
- Computer networks
- Network security
- Systems software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
Written paper, 1 hour 30 mins, 80 marks
Topics covered in paper 2:
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
BTEC DIT
BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
Using realistic vocational contexts, pupils will have the opportunity to explore, develop and apply highly sought-after key skills such as data management and data protection, project planning, and the design of user interfaces and dashboards as a way to present and interpret data. They’ll learn about the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, codes of conduct, and legal and ethical issues. In addition, pupils will gain an understanding of relevant employability skills and personal attributes, such as self-management and communication skills and the ability and willingness to evaluate and critically analyse their own performance.
Pupils complete three externally set assessments over the duration of this course:
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques (internally assessed)
Pupils will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface.
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data (internally assessed)
Pupils will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information.
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices (Exam)
Pupils will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use.