Computer Science
Head of Faculty: Mrs Anderson
Vision
To provide a high quality computing education for students to use Computational Thinking and Creativity to understand the emerging world. Students will leant the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own.
Intent
In Computer Science we aspire to enrich students with a varied and deep understanding of computing developments, concepts and the impact of technology on our society and environment. Students learn a diverse range of skills such as programming in a range of languages and also study the theory behind the science of computing, how to problem solve by breaking tasks down and develop their understanding of the Internet and the ever growing importance of our personal security and privacy. Ultimately, we aim to give students the knowledge and experience they need to use technology in their day to day lives and to manipulate technology and tools to compliment almost any future study or job.
Learning Journey
Computer Science KS3 Learning Journey
Computer Science KS4 Learning Journey
Creative IMedia
Intent
Creative iMedia aims to equip students with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop transferable skills, such planning, review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Through the use of these skills, students will be creating fit for purpose creative media products by developing creative solutions in response to design briefs. Creative iMedia will also challenge students by introducing them to demanding material and techniques; encouraging independence and creativity and providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the curriculum.
Learning Journey
Creative iMedia Learning Journey
Curriculum Description
Students receive a high quality computing education where they will be able to use Computational Thinking and Creativity to understand the emerging world. Students will learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own.
Students are taught computing at KS3, for 1 hour per week through years 7, 8 and 9. We cover a range of topics so students are confident in a digital world. Feedback is provided regularly to students to help them improve their skills, knowledge and understanding.
At KS4 students can choose to study Computer Science or Creative iMedia. Computer Science focuses on what happens inside a computer including programming, networking, security and cyber security. Creative iMedia focuses on the creative aspects such as graphics, video, animation and games design.
Throughout their time at Hawkley Hall, students are taught the following key skills:
- The fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- Computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- Responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology use
Overview of the Computing Curriculum
The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 are outlined in the table below:
| Year | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
| 7 | Digital Literacy – Microsoft packages | Computational Thinking | Online Safety | PC Basics | Intro to programming “block based” | Programming unplugged |
| 8 | Graphics | Programming Using Micro bits | Computer Systems | Digital Literacy – spreadsheets | APP development | Animation |
| 9 | Telling a story with a comic strip | Developing for the web | Cyber Security | Intro to Python | Digital Literacy – Databases | Animation |
At KS4 students, students who opt to study Computer Science will study the following:
The exam board that is currently being used is OCR and the topics are:-
- Systems architecture
- Memory and storage
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Network security
- Systems software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
GCSE Exam Board Specifications
The current exam board is OCR. The specification code is J277. More information can be found : https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/
At KS4 students, students who opt to study Creative iMedia will study the following:
The exam board that is currently being used is OCR National and the topics are:-
- Pre-production skills
- Creating digital graphics
- Storytelling with a comic strip
- Creating a multipage website
GCSE Exam Board Specifications
The current exam board is OCR. The specification code is J907. More information can be found: https://ocr.org.uk/Images/115888-specification.pdf