Curriculum Intent
In information computing we aim to provide pupils with a high quality computing and IT education which allows them to succeed as digital citizens in a global society.
The information computing curriculum is designed and sequenced to be broad and balanced and our intent is to deliver a curriculum that is challenging yet accessible for all pupils. Our curriculum allows pupils to develop their curiosity in computer science, information technology and digital literacy by teaching pupils how to operate safely, respectfully and lawfully within a global online community; how to utilise different applications to fulfil a range of tasks in everyday life; and how to be a computational thinkers, understanding how a computer works and how to create programs to solve problems.
Year 7
In year 7 pupils will:
- Be introduced to the network and how to use it safely. Pupils will investigate safe and appropriate use of the internet and social media;
- Explore how digital media can be used to gain support for a cause and the concerns surrounding the use of other peoples work, including licensing and legal issues;
- Explore the growth and use of computer networks including the benefits of networking and how data is transmitted across a network using protocols;
- Develop their programming skills using a block based programming language.
Year 8
In year 8 pupils will:
- Be introduced to spreadsheet modelling by investigating the use of formula to analyse and manipulate data, visualising the results through the use of charts;
- Develop an understanding of how a computer works from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs;
- Develop an understanding of binary representation and how computers use binary to perform tasks and display text, numbers and images;
- Develop knowledge of programming through the introduction of text based languages;
- Learn how to build basic webpages using HTML and CSS.
Year 9
In year 9 pupils will:
- Learn about vector images, how vector images are created and where they are used;
- Investigate the use of big data and data science;
- Build on their programming knowledge by investigating how data can be represented and processed in sequences, such as lists and strings
- Discover how images and sounds are stored as binary code;
- Develop an understanding of what threats our data might be exposed to, including malware, social engineering and hacking. Pupils will investigate the impact a cyber-attack can have on an individual and how we can minimise the risk of such attacks.
- Investigate the use of image editing and the impact this and the over use of social media and the internet can have on emotional wellbeing.
In years 10 and 11 pupils follow the BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
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.
Additional Information
The department consists of 3 subject specialists who have a strong interest in new and emerging technologies and how information computing can have a positive impact on student’s lives whatever career path they choose.
There are 4 dedicated IC suites each equipped with up to date hardware and industry standard software. IC suites are available for booking for use in other subjects, in addition to this there are 3 class sets of laptops. The wide availability of technology means that all subjects make use of the facilities, allowing pupils to put into practice their IC skills, enhance the presentation of work in different subjects, increase knowledge and understanding and appreciate how IC is an essential and lifelong skill.
ICT Learning Schemes