Computing

Curriculum Area: Computing
Curriculum Leader: Mr Enright
Additional Staff: Mr Redhead, Mr Roberts

Inspirational Quote

“The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past.”
Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the World Wide Web

Curriculum Intent

The study of Computing aims to teach students a balance of Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science.

We enable all pupils to understand the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science. We intend that they become digitally literate, effective problem solvers using computational thinking skills and responsible, confident, creative users of IT.

As Computing teachers at The Barlow, we effectively model digital systems and demonstrate how to apply this knowledge through programming. Students are able to show high levels of skill when using Information Technology which can be applied in a business environment.

Our ambition is to spark an interest in the digital which is then supported by knowledge and skills delivered through our curriculum. The knowledge and skills taught and learned are valuable and equip them with what they need to become successful in the digital world.

KS3 Curriculum

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

In Year 7 students understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy. They use block programming in order to design and develop programs. They are able to understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers. They also are taught to create, reuse, revise and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience through PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets.

In Year 8 we start learning about textual programming using Python where students design and develop programs using sequencing, selection and iteration. Students understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking and use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem. Students understand methods of protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns. Students learn about systems architecture as well as understanding the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems. Students also undertake creative projects such as creating their own websites.

Finally in Year 9 we continue to learn about textual programming making appropriate use of data structures, designing and developing modular programs that use procedures or functions. Students understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits. They undertake creative projects such as using MicroBits for programming, Image creation and photo editing.

KS4 Curriculum

In Computing we offer 3 different subjects at KS4; Computer Science, Business and iMedia.

Computer Science:

Pupils understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including:

Abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science

There are 2 exams at the end of year 11. The first exam is on Computer Systems and the second is on Computational thinking, algorithms and programming. Both exams make up 50% of the course. The students will also undertake a programming project however this does not count towards their final grade.

Business

The aims of this qualification are to enable students to know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society, apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts , develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems, develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.

Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business.

Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows.

These Themes make up the 2 exams at the end of year 11. The first exam is on Investigating a business and the second is on Building a business, algorithms and programming. Both exams make up 50% of the course. The students will also undertake a programming project however this does not count towards their final grade.

Creative iMedia

In Creative iMedia will encourage students to:

Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production planning techniques, legal issues and creation/publishing/distribution considerations
Develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations
Develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the media industry and more widely

The course is assessed through:

2 pieces of controlled assessment (60%)
1 exam(40%)

In the exam unit (R093) students will learn about the sectors, products and job roles that form the media industry. Students will learn the legal and ethical issues considered and the processes used to plan and create digital media products. Students will learn how media codes are used within the creation of media products to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences. Students will learn to choose the most appropriate format and properties for different media products. Completing this unit will provide you with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative job roles within the media industry.

In the mandatory controlled assessment unit (R094) Students will learn how to develop visual identities for clients. Students will also learn to apply the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics which incorporate students’ visual identity to engage a target audience. Completing this unit will introduce the foundations for further study or a wide range of job roles within the media industry

KS4 Curriculum Support Materials

Computer Science:

Bitesizehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zmtchbk

Revision world – past papershttps://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/ict/past-papers/ocr-gcse-computer-science-past-papers

Craig'n'Dave YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@craigndave

Business

Bitesizehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z98snbk

Revision world past papers https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/business-studies/business-studies-gcse-past-papers/edexcel-gcse-business-studies-past-papers

BizConSesh YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Bizconsesh

Two Teachers YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TwoTeachers

The following sites are also useful for revision purposes

Tassomai – The schools online homework platform
https://app.tassomai.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fdashboard

Seneca https://senecalearning.com/

Progression

Computer Science - This exciting GCSE gives students an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. Careers that link directly to the course include:

Web Developer
Computer Programmer
Games developer
Computer Systems analyst
Networks systems administrator
Cyber Security expert
IT consultant

Business – In Business, students develop their Interpersonal Skills, Employability Skills, Quantitative Skills and Quantitative Skills. Careers that link directly to the course include:

Project manager
Business analyst
Sales Manager
Marketing manager
Financial advisor
Events manager

Creative iMedia is a digital design course that gives students the exciting opportunity to use high level computer programs that digital designers use in industry. Careers that link directly to the course include:

Digital animator
Graphic designer
Games developer
Web Designer
Digital illustrator
Travel photographer