Computing & IT

KS3

The intent of the Computing Curriculum

The Computing curriculum at Sir John Leman High School has been created to develop students’ practical computing skills in a range of software applications, as well as develop their understanding of the science behind how computers work.

How is the Computing Curriculum implemented?

There topics we cover in Computing each term (listed below) which are taught through lesson-based projects. This enables students to use and develop their computing skills in a real world context.

Each topic will be assessed by the completion of a discrete task or test that covers the materials and checks the students’ ability to apply and use their knowledge. All assessed tasks will be marked and the results recorded on Go4Schools. There will be at least 1 homework task (published on Go4Schools) each half term which will be based around the topic that is currently being taught.

ere are 6 Computing based topics each term (listed below) which are taught through lesson-based projects. This enables students to use and develop their computing skills in a real world context.
Curriculum Road Map - Computing & IT

Curriculum Sequencing Plan - Computing and IT

The impact of the Computing Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3

The key impact of the KS3 Computing curriculum is to increase student confidence and knowledge in key areas, providing them with a good foundation for further study at KS4 in either GCSE Computer Science or Creative i-Media.

How is it assessed?

Each section of the curriculum will be assessed by use of an assessed task that covers the materials and assess the students ability to apply and use their knowledge. All assessed tasks will be marked and the results recorded on the task cover sheet and the results will be entered on Go4Schools.

How can I help my child?

You can help your child by encouraging them to use the computer at home and to practice the skills they learnt in class. Encourage them to use Sam Learning, which is a great resource for extended learning and improving subject knowledge. Help you child with their Computing homework projects by encouraging them to complete the challenging topics. 

Creative iMedia (KS4)

The intent of the Creative iMedia Curriculum

Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia focuses on the creative side of ICT and digital media, including graphic design, web development, and interactive multimedia products.

This course is suited to students who want to go into the more creative side of ICT.

How is the Creative iMedia Curriculum implemented?

Creative iMedia in the media industry

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

Visual identity and digital graphics

In this unit, students will learn how to develop visual identities for clients. They will also learn to apply the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics, which incorporate their 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.

Digital games

In this unit, students will learn to interpret client briefs to devise original digital game concepts. They will learn to plan digital games effectively and to use a game design document to create engagement among developers and clients. They will learn to create, edit, test and export playable digital games, which they have designed. Completing this unit will provide students with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative and technical job roles within the media industry.
Curriculum Road Map - Creative iMedia

The impact of the Creative iMedia Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4

How is it examined?

Creative iMedia in the media industry is assessed by a one hour thirty minute written exam and the other two units are Non-Examined Assessments (NEAs) and are centre-assessed and externally moderated by an OCR Visiting Moderator.

What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?

• OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia
  ​From the Cambridge National in Creative iMedia you could go on to study A Levels in Computer Science, Electronics, or ICT, or continue to study Apprenticeships or Diplomas in Engineering or Cambridge Technicals in IT (levels 2 and 3).
• Career directions might include: Games Developer, Web Designer, Network Manager, Computer programmer, Teaching, IT Help and Support, and IT Analysis.

Computer Science (KS4)

The intent of the Computer Science Curriculum

Computer Science will enable students to acquire and apply knowledge, some technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming in a range of contexts. Mathematical ability and understanding is important to enable success in this course.

Use their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning users of IT, able to make informed decisions about the use and awareness of the implications of different technologies.

Develop computer programs to solve problems. It is very important that students are resilient and persevere in problem solving. They will develop the skills to work collaboratively.

Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of, and issues related to, the use of computer technology in society.

This course is suited to students who want to go more into the side of IT.

Curriculum Road Map - Computer Science

How is the Computer Science Curriculum implemented?

Unit 01 – Computer Systems

The first component is an exam focused on computer systems covering the physical elements of computer science and the associated theory. This unit will cover: Systems architecture, memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers, network security, system software, data representation and moral, social, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.

Unit 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

This component is focused on the core theory of computer science and the application of computer science principles. This unit will cover: Translators and facilities of languages, algorithms, high- and low-level programming, computational logic and programming techniques, design, development, effectiveness and efficiency, technical understanding, testing, evaluation and conclusions and a programming challenges and a programming project.

The impact of the Computer Science Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4

How is it examined?

By examination. Units 01 and 02; Computer systems and computational thinking, algorithms and programming units are assessed by examination and worth 50% for each of the two exams.

What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?

OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science

You could go on to study A Levels in Computer Science, Electronics, or ICT, or go on to study apprenticeships or Diplomas in Engineering or Cambridge Technicals in IT (levels 2 and 3).

Career directions might include Games Developer, Web Designer, Network Manager, Computer programmer and Teaching

Computer Science (KS5)

Computer Science – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

OCR

Entry Criteria:

Ideally Grade 5 GCSE Computer Science (or equivalent) plus Grade 6 GCSE Mathematics

Course Leader:

Mr P Robinson

Why? :

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. This is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement which will help students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. This Computer Science qualification will be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer Science at degree level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.

Course Structure:

The course consists of the following units:

Computing Systems (40%) - Assessed by an examination (2hr 30 mins).
It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following:

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues.

Algorithms and Programming (40%) - Assessed by an examination (2hr 30 mins).
There will be a short scenario contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem solving. Areas covered include:

• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem solving and programming
• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Programming Project (20%) - This will be a portfolio based assessment. Students will choose a programming problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification for which they will need to develop a solution using an appropriate programming language (for example Python). Students will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement the solution and give a thorough evaluation

Extended Learning:

Students will need to devote a significant amount of time out of lessons to progress with their programming skills which is critical to their success. This will involve completing both online and workbook tutorials. In addition there will be a range of extended learning tasks that will include research activities and practice exam questions.

Curriculum Road Map - Computer Science