IT & Computer Science
Welcome
Welcome to the IT & Computer Science Department. Students study with us throughout all key stages. We strive for the very highest standards of teaching and learning, supporting students to develop transferable skills for their future.
IT & Computer Science systems are at the heart of modern life. We aim to help students to think logically and use technology to solve a wide range of problems. We encourage all students to be creative with technology and be confident as both users and developers of software tools, including understanding how to stay safe in the connected digital world. IT & Computer Science are instrumental in everything we do - from the vehicles we drive, to the movies and music that entertain us, to the ways businesses and governments operate and interact with us. IT & Computer Science are disciplines that offer rewarding and challenging career possibilities for a wide range of people regardless of their aptitudes and interests. We are lucky to be located in an area surrounded by tech companies.
Our curriculum has been sequenced from Key Stage 3, where students study both IT & Computer Science through individual and combined topics giving students a broad and balanced range of skills and knowledge, through to Key Stage 4 and 5 where students successfully complete qualifications in IT & Computer Science, whilst being given opportunities to engage with meaningful employer involvement at Key Stage 5. We are proud of our Key Stage 3 curriculum; we feel it provides a good balance between both subjects so that they can make informed choices for their Key Stage 4 options.
Key Staff
Miss Mullane - Head of IT & Computer Science
Miss Pilgrim - Teacher
Mrs Puddy - Teacher
Mrs Hartley - Teacher
Mr Marshall - Teacher
Curriculum IntentKey Stage 3
The aim of IT & Computer Science is to develop young people who are digitally literate, resilient and have problem-solving skills. Students will develop transferable skills to use across the curriculum, and in the wider world. Key Stage 4
GCSE Computer Science IT Creative iMedia Key Stage 5
A-Level Computer Science Level 3 IT Level 2 IT All our qualifications at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 help us to accomplish our department’s mission: to develop young people who are digitally literate, resilient and have problem-solving skills. Students will develop transferable skills to use across the curriculum, and in the wider world. |
Homework IntentThe purpose of homework within the ITCS department is to provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning, recap on previous material taught and, in some cases, seek to extend their learning in preparation for an upcoming lesson. Across all key stages, homework is only set at appropriate times within units of study and so parents and students should not expect homework to be set on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis. While all work is set on Google Classroom and is mostly expected to be submitted electronically, students without devices at home can be supported in various ways, such as handing in work on paper, having access to an IT room at lunch or after school etc. |
Key Stage 3
Students study IT & Computer Science for one hour per week in their form groups. Students will learn the difference between IT and Computer Science and will study units of each throughout their time in Key Stage 3. Where possible, we will use lesson topics to introduce various careers in the field of IT and Computer Science. E-Safety and cyber security is a core part of each year and is addressed both within IT & Computer Science lessons and through whole-school events and PSHE. Year 7Students study the fundamentals of Computer Science, including problem-solving skills, developing algorithms and writing block-based code. They also begin to develop an understanding of theory concepts such as cyber security and how data is represented in Computer Systems. Students also cover the core office skills and research skills that they will require in their other subjects, as well as increasing their awareness of e-safety. While some students will have seen some skills or applications before, the emphasis is on the depth of understanding. Year 8Year 8 builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Year 7 with further coverage of e-safety and cyber security, as well as an introduction to some hardware and software theory. From a practical perspective, students will progress to text-based programming (python), as well as creating their own logos and graphics using various software packages. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a project where they design and create their own computer game, developing project management skills. Year 9Year 9 will provide an overview of both IT and Computer Science at Key Stage 4 in preparation for options choices and study at GCSE level. Students will continue to develop their programming skills and creative talents through a variety of projects designed to help students decide which route they wish to follow at Key Stage 4, including studying web design and app design and gaining further experience of programming. Students will cover theory such as algorithms and problem-solving, as well as an introduction to ethics in IT & Computer Science. The emphasis is on extended project work, bringing together a range of skills and tools for a specific business purpose. This will culminate in an end of year project where students will have input into the type of project they complete. |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Assessment BandsStudents will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based on their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE. |
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Key Stage 4
GCSE Computer ScienceStudents can opt for GCSE Computer Science, which is part of the Ebacc offering at Edgbarrow. The course is assessed through two written final exams at the end of Year 11, each of 90 minutes duration. The course offered is OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) which is a new course with a further emphasis on Network Security and topical issues in Computer Science. Click here for further course details from OCR. Component 1 - Computer Systems (written exam worth 50% of course marks): |
Cambridge Nationals IT - Creative iMediaAs an alternative to Computer Science, students can study our Vocational iMedia course. This focuses on learning practical, real-life situations, such as: developing visual identities for clients, planning and creating original digital graphics and digital media products. This will help you to develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the IT & media industry.
This unit will be decided depending on the cohort and software available. |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Key Stage 5
A-Level Computer ScienceThis course is an ideal stepping stone to further study at university and complements A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The focus is on understanding algorithms, including their efficiency and computability. Students explore these topics practically in a variety of ways and have the opportunity to put their understanding into practice through their Programming Project, a core part of the course. The course is assessed through two written final exams at the end of Year 13, each of 150 minutes duration and worth 40% of the marks available and a Programming Project (NEA) worth 20% of the marks available. The course offered is OCR A-Level Computer Science (H446). Click here for further course details from OCR. Component 1 - Computer Systems (written exam worth 40% of course marks): |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Level 3 IT (Cambridge Technical)This course covers the skills required to pursue a career in the IT industry, with a focus on application development. Assessments are through assignment-based coursework and examinations. The assignments are continuous throughout the course with a variety of written reports, reflective journals, presentations, teacher observation, discussions and written tests. The courses both focus on the design and implementation of an organisation’s IT infrastructure together with the activities and roles that are carried out in the workplace, such as selecting hardware and software to meet client’s needs, and learning how to build, upgrade or install computer systems and networks that are safe and secure. A wide range of centre-assessed units with practical and wider project-based assessment opportunities, as well as examined units on the Fundamentals of IT, Global Information and Cyber Security has resulted in focused qualifications. Students may choose to study the Introductory Diploma or Diploma pathway for this course. Introductory Diploma (1 A-Level Equivalent) |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Level 2 IT (Cambridge Technical)
This is a vocational pathway for students who wish to study Level 3 courses but do not currently meet the entry requirements. This is a one-year course that will provide you with a practical, real-world approach to learning that will include relevant work experience. This pathway is designed to provide you with progression into future Level 3 courses, employment or apprenticeships. This is a stand-alone package and cannot be combined with any other Level 3 course that we offer. Your programme of study is as follows:
Assessments are through assignment-based coursework and by examinations. The assignments are continuous throughout the course with a variety of written reports, reflective journals, presentations, teacher observation, discussions and written tests. Click here for full course details from OCR. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the IT & Computer Science Department. |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
Inclusion
IntentIt is our intent that pupils with special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum, learn alongside their peers and achieve similar outcomes. In addition, they may benefit from additional opportunities in the lessons and in the co-curricular activities that are arranged especially for them. |
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Literacy
Reading Aims:
Writing Aims:
Spoken Language Aims:
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Co-Curricular
iDEA Award
As part of our homework programme, as well as being offered as a club, we encourage students to complete the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA). iDEA is a programme that helps pupils develop digital, enterprise and employability skills. It is completely free of charge. Through a series of online challenges, students can earn skill-based digital badges and work towards industry-recognised awards that help them stand out from the crowd. Through participating in iDEA, students develop their digital literacy; gain an understanding of IT & Computer Science topics such as Cyber Security, Coding, Computer Graphics; develop their literacy; develop a basic knowledge of money management & different aspects of business; and learn about topics that are particularly relevant to young people today such as Social Media Ethics and Fake News. As with the Duke of Edinburgh Award (offered to students separately), it is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold (September 2021) level. All students will also have a Record of Achievement which documents the digital badges they have earned and the skills they have developed – this may prove useful for CV’s and interviews.
Co-Curricular Clubs
We love being able to provide students with the opportunity to come together to work on new and exciting projects, meet new people and develop new skills. Throughout the year, a variety of clubs are offered ranging from an iDEA club to a touch typing club to Python Fridays.
We recently undertook a survey of Key Stage 3 students and in light of the findings we are currently working towards offering Minecraft and eSports clubs in the near future - watch this space!
Independent Study
All students
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Key Stage 3If students would like to work further on this subject or extend their knowledge, they can gain credit for this by showing evidence on Google Classroom. They can either speak to their teacher for suggestions or choose to focus on extending their knowledge within the current topic being studied. |
Key Stage 4Select to view current revision material. www.ocr.org.uk – Past exam questions and mark schemes accessible for exam technique practice. |
Key Stage 5Select to view current reading lists. www.ocr.org.uk – Past exam questions and mark schemes accessible for exam technique practice. |
For further information regarding our IT& Computer Science Curriculum please contact:
Miss A Mullane - Head of IT & Computer Science alison.mullane@edgbarrowschool.co.uk