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OFSTED OUTSTANDING

Computing

Introduction

As part of the recent National developments, ICT is now a strand of the much larger programme of study called ‘Computing’. This includes Digital Literacy and Computer Science as well as Information and Communications Technologies. Logical thinking and problem solving form the foundations of many of the new schemes of work in this subject. These lessons will challenge pupils to think ‘outside the box’ and apply many transferrable skills using a range of medium including flowcharts and algorithms. Hardware such as CPU’s, Microbits and Raspberri Pi’s are used to bring the application of theory to life.

Staffing

  • Mr D Jousiffe (Head of Department)
  • Mr C Thomas (Assistant Headteacher)
  • Mrs L Rostron (Teacher of Computing  & Technology)
  • Mrs K Midgley (Teacher of Computing & Technology)
  • Mrs J Caw (Teacher of Computing & Technology)

Accommodation

The ICT Department has three purpose built rooms each containing 32 computers, an interactive whiteboard and a laser printer. We also have several specialist software applications in addition to the Microsoft Office Suite (We currently use Windows 7 across school).

Key Stage 3 CurriculumKey Stage 4 Curriculum

In Year 7 pupils study through:

Introduction to School System – E-Safety – Social Networking

Data Modelling – Spreadsheets

Computational Thinking – Algorithms

Introduction to Programming – Scratch

Data and Databases

In Year 8 pupils study through:

E-Safety – Cyber Bullying

Computational Thinking – Binary

Webpage Design – html

Problem Solving – Python Programming

Data & Information – Spreadsheets and Databases

In Year 9 pupils study through:

E-Safety – System Security – Viruses and Hacking

Computing Hardware – Internal Parts of the Computer

Developing Applications – Python Programming

Computer Networks & Topology

Independent Project – Application Software

Pupils study a full GCSE in ICT which consists of:

  • 2 GCSE Coursework Topics valued at 60% of the overall assessment
  • Two terminal examination papers (2 1/2 hours) valued at 40% of the overall assessment

There are no tiered papers in ICT and every pupil has full access to the whole range of grades A* to G. All coursework is individually produced and assessed although other topics are covered in teams and groups, which develop understanding and knowledge for the final examination.

The 2 coursework topics currently are:

  • Website design
  • Databases, Spreadsheets, Presentations

The GCSE Examination Board

The Computing department has opted for the WJEC Examination Board as the one which most suits All Hallows pupils. For further details their website is www.wjec.co.uk.

Extra Curricular Activities and Visits

We offer a computing club every Monday lunchtime for programmer and gamers. We also take part in various competitions throughout the year to allow our pupils to showcase their skills and knowledge. The first one this year will be the SISCO Microbit Challenge that will run every Tuesday after school. See Mrs Midgely or Mr Hodgson for more details.