Using your skills in the future…..

Careers you could work in if you study tech……

Click here to see the types of career you could follow if studying technology is of interest to you

Subject Overview

The Computing department comprises of teachers who are enthusiastic about the ever changing technology industry. This enthusiasm means that we constantly develop our curriculum to ensure that students always have access to a relevant yet challenging curriculum that will provide them with the ICT skills they need to flourish in today’s society.

Oriel has 6 fully equipped, air conditioned, IT suites meaning that every student who studies Computing will have their own computer to use in their lesson. At Key Stage 3 students will have 2 periods of Computing across a fortnight and at Key Stage 4 students will have 5 lessons a fortnight.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Throughout years 7, 8 and 9 students will study a wide range of topics that include:

• Coding – Scratch and Python
• Algorithms
• Data representation
• Networks
• E-Safety
• Website production
• App Development
• Graphics Editing

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel)

Our qualification provides a practical approach to developing computational skills. This includes innovative, practical onscreen assessment to ensure all students develop the computational skills they need for an exciting digital future beyond the classroom.

The qualification has a straightforward structure with six comprehensive topic areas, assessed through two externally-examined papers. One of these is a written paper focused on computational thinking, data, computers, networks, and issues and impact of computing in the world today. The other is a practical onscreen assessment, which focuses on the ability to analyse and solve problems by designing, writing, testing and refining programs. The qualification’s combination of written and practical elements balances theory and practical application, providing students with a rounded experience of computer science.

BTEC Level 2 in Digital Information Technology

Across two internally assessed components pupils will develop design skills with a clear focus on audience and context from a scenario which will be set by the exam board. Pupils will also learn how to engage with a large data set with a view to collecting, presenting and interpreting the data. A third component, assessed externally, will focus on a 90 minute examination surrounding effective digital working practices. The context of this assessment will also be dictated by the exam board.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

A Level Computer Science (OCR)

This modern qualification gives an insight into a range of computing systems, including an understanding of the principles of programming and the solving of problems.

Through this qualification, students can develop:

• The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• An understanding of the organisation of computer systems
• The ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of computers, including programming, in a range of contexts to solve problems

Assessment is based on two externally assessed written exams at the end of Year 2 (40% each) and one internally assessed project (20%)

Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Computing: Application Development (H129)

If you are interested in computing and developing applications, then this course is the right one for you. It can work as a supplement to A level Computing to ensure students have a rounded IT education, or as an alternative for those less interested in programming who still want to pursue a career in the industry.

You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the ICT practitioners sector.

You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn to real-life contexts, such as:

• Interpreting client requirements and documenting ideas.
• Planning and designing UX/UI solutions.
• Communicating UX/UI solutions to clients.

The qualification will also help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed. You will develop the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations:

• Communicating effectively with individuals or groups. Communicating effectively with clients and other stakeholders is important in the ICT practitioners sector. It is also a vital life-skill and important for progressing to and in, higher education.
• Creativity. You will demonstrate creativity when exploring and generating ideas, making connections to find imaginative solutions and outcomes that are of value.
• Critical thinking and problem solving. You will explore the options, tools and techniques to tackle problems and use critical thinking skills to select the most appropriate way to proceed. You will plan and design solutions, checking the outcome to see if the problem has been resolved.
• Independent learning. You will spend time outside of lessons learning how to use different software packages to create solutions to problems.
• Time management. It is important both in higher education and the ICT practitioners sector that projects are delivered on time. You will learn how to use project planning tools to effectively plan projects.