Computer Science and Digital Literacy
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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: