Computer Science

Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes. To be able to navigate these changes safely requires an understanding of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. In Computer Science we aim to teach these skills with real life relevance to develop our students to be future citizens and independent learners who can meet the challenges head on.

Key Stage 3

Over the three years of KS3, pupils will complete a range of projects and tasks which will develop their fundamental computing and IT skills. This includes the basic skills of using word processing and presentation software while developing good IT habits. Pupils explore the uses of computers, the history of computers and a range of contemporary computing topics such as; The Internet of Things, Animation and Augmented Reality. Programming is gradually introduced over the 3 years and students in Year 9 create an animation using Blender and explore how data is stored on a computer.

We aim to encourage pupils to use their problem solving skills through logical thinking and transfer these skills to other aspects of their lives. We also aim to develop their resilience by encouraging students to keep trying until they find the solution.

Pupils take part in several national competitions such as the Bebras Challenge and the Oxford Computing Challenge where students can use their knowledge and skills. Year 7 visit the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park to tie in with their components of a computer topic.

Key Stage 4

At KS4 we offer 2 courses

GCSE Computer Science
Cambridge Nationals in IT

GCSE Computer Science is delivered over 2 years following the OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (J277) and builds on the skills and knowledge taught in KS3.

The course consists of two units both of which are assessed by written exams at the end of Year 11. Pupils learn how computers function, the impact of computers on society and develop their programming knowledge.

Specification for the course can be found here .

Cambridge Nationals in IT is also delivered over 2 years following the OCR Cambridge Nationals in IT specification

Students learn how IT is used in real life including personal and business use. They investigate how to design and test different ideas for creating an IT based product, and the power of spreadsheets for businesses to collect and analyse data. Students also investigate the way smartphones and tablets have changed the way we access information and communicate, specifically focussing on Augmented Reality (AR) which alters how we use technology and interact with our surroundings.

Female students in year 10 have the opportunity to visit The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley, for a Women in STEM event where they can find out more about the impact women have had on Computer Science throughout history and beyond.

Specification for the course can be found here.

Key Stage 5

Details of the Key stage 5 curriculum in Cambridge Technicals in IT can be found on the Oakes college website by clicking here.