Skip to content ↓

Computer Science and Digital Literacy

By studying ICT and Computer Science at Radnor House, pupils learn to embrace the benefits and challenges that computers bring to their world.

In the Junior School and Lower Years, the focus is on ensuring that pupils become competent ‘users’ of technology and are able to apply these skills across the curriculum.

 As our pupils move up the school the focus changes to encouraging our pupils to be computational thinkers and technology ‘creators’. As technology evolves and continues to make many traditional jobs redundant, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have developed so-called ‘soft’ skills in creative thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.

Junior School ICT Curriculum - Key Stage 2

The objective of the Junior School ICT curriculum is to produce confident and safe users of technology.

Pupils learn skills and gain experience in using cloud computing and other presentation, word processing, spreadsheet and DTP software. Pupils follow the Google “Be Internet Legends” e-safety curriculum to ensure they have an understanding of the risks and benefits of playing and working online.

In addition, they start laying the groundwork for coding and problem solving further up the school. At KS2 the focus is on block-based languages such as Scratch. By dragging and dropping the coding blocks pupils can learn the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking without the frustration of worrying about spelling errors and incorrect syntax.

Beyond The Classroom

The popular and enthusiastic Junior Coding and Robotics Club create their own games in Scratch or Python, and use Lego Mindstorms to build and program Lego robotic creatures

Senior School ICT Curriculum - Key Stage 3

In Years 7 to 9 throughout KS3, pupils learn a mixture of ICT skills and Computer Science. Pupils are taught ICT skills to ensure that they can effectively and safely use technology across all subjects.

However, the focus as they approach Year 9 is very much on Computer Science with all pupils learning coding languages such as Python and  HTML/CSS, as well as computational thinking, systems security, computer architecture and networks.

Beyond The Classroom

Coding and robotics clubs are offered to both Lower School (years 7 and 8) and Upper School. The focus is on supporting individual development and interests whether it is in coding, robotics, 3D graphics, or system security. Pupils aged 13 or over are encouraged to participate in the GCHQ Cyber Discovery programme, which aims to produce the cybersecurity experts of the future.

Computer Science GCSE - KS4

Pupils study the OCR GSCSE Computer Science in KS4. The curriculum includes computational thinking, coding (Python), computer architecture, networks, cybersecurity as well as considering the legal, moral and social implications of computers in society.

It is assessed through two written exams. In addition, pupils must complete a project in which they must analyse, design, code, and test a solution for a given scenario.

Further details on the Computer Science GCSE Syllabus can be found in the GCSE Booklet within the Year 9 GCSE Options Section here:

Year 9 GCSE Options

Beyond The Classroom

Coding and robotics clubs are offered throughout the Senior School. The focus is on supporting individual development and interests whether it is in coding, robotics, 3D graphics, or system security. Pupils aged 13 or over are encouraged to participate in the GCHQ Cyber Discovery programme, which aims to produce the cybersecurity experts of the future.

Computer Science A Level - Sixth Form

The AQA GCE Computer Science A Level is offered in the Sixth Form. The A Level builds on GCSE knowledge and requires mathematical ability, a logical mind and an interest in how computers and networks operate.

A Level Computer Science is a creative subject which requires thinking and problem-solving both in abstract and real terms.  Pupils learn how to code in Python to a high level and gain experience in other coding languages. In addition to the two final exams, pupils must complete an in-depth project that counts for 20% of the overall mark.

Further details on the Computer Science A Level Syllabus can be found in the A Level Booklet  which can be accessed below:

You have not allowed cookies and this content may contain cookies.

If you would like to view this content please

Paste in video URL and save page via the "Edit" tab at the top of the page