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Computing, ICT and Business

Through the study of Computer Science, Information Technology (IT) and Business we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will require for their future studies and the ever-developing work environment.

We are a dedicated team of teachers driven by the pursuit of achievement for all students. The department has three fully equipped computer rooms to ensure the students have full access to the software requirements for both KS3 and 4.

We use Microsoft Teams and The Hurst VLE to deliver IT at both Key Stage 3 and 4. All students can log onto their Teams account and give their parents a sneak preview of the topics we follow.

Every student follows a course in IT and Computing in Key Stage 3, with various Key Stage 4 courses available in GCSE IT, Computer Science and Business Studies.

As well as the computing rooms, IT is also used in all departments around the site to support the subject teaching in these areas.

Department Staff

Head of Department - Miss Bancroft

Teachers - Mr Reeves and Mr Scott

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In year 7 we deliver the Programme of Study through topics covering E-Safety, Visual Basic coding, micro bit coding as well as Spreadsheet solutions to problem solving.

Year 8

Our Year 8’s focus on a Charity Event and using IT to solve issues around this big event. They build a website through understanding HTML Coding to promote their chosen product. They also develop their understanding of text-based coding with Small Basic.

Year 9

Year 9’s use flow diagrams to create a dance, make a game coded in Python and develop their modelling skills in excel.

Curriculum mapICT

Key Stage 4

BTEC Digital Information Technology

Employers frequently mention the skills gap in the area of IT. This course will ensure that learners are equipped with the skills they need to live, learn and earn in the 21st century. Students follow the Pearson course.

Component 1 – Understanding, Planning, and Developing a User Interface. In this component, students learn about various User Interfaces designs, planning for an extended project and product development. Assessed by coursework 30% of the final grade.
Component 2 – Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data. Students use a spreadsheet to make sense of data, calculate results and present findings through a dashboard. Assessed by coursework 30% of the final grade.
Component 3 – Digital Working Practices. Students study how IT is used in companies and the impact it has on the work environment. Assessed by examination 40%

Curriculum Information - Digital Information Technology

GCSE Business Studies

The GCSE Business Studies course is offered to students at KS4, and teaches them about all skills required for running a business, such as managing money, advertising and employing staff.

Students will consider the practical application of business concepts. The units provide opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world. Students also learn transferable skills, like leadership and how to be a team player.

Taking the Business Studies GCSE is also a great way to improve employability skills, and the knowledge and skills gained from this course will provide students with a firm foundation for further study should they wish.

Students will have two exams, one for each unit. Each exam is 1hr and 45 mins in duration and they are equally weighted so that both are worth 50% of the overall GCSE grade. In both exams there is a mix of multiple choice and longer writing questions as well as calculations. Students follow the AQA course.

Business studies curriculum map

GCSE Computer Science

This course in a rigorous knowledge-based subject. It aims to promote knowledge and understanding of developing and applying computational skills in order to analyse problems and design solutions. Students will be expected to a have a good mathematical understanding.

Assessment - programming is an important element of this course whilst focusing on the underlying principles of logic, decomposition, algorithms, data representation and communication. The assessment model is one online programming exam worth 50% and a written examination worth 50% looking at the principles of Computer Science.

Computer Science is a fast-moving field that brings together many disciplines including maths, programming, engineering, natural sciences, psychology and linguistics. Students follow the Pearson course.