Computing

Mr Andrew Williamson
Head of Computing

Please email Mr Andrew Williamson if you need to make an enquiry about computing.

Curriculum Time

In Key Stage 3, all students receive 2 hours per fortnight of computing. At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to opt for GCSE computing, which equates to five hours per fortnight on the timetable.

Homework

Homework is set routinely for all Year 10 and 11 GCSE students, as part of the school Homework Timetable. Pupils keep a record of the homework in their planners. Computing homework is not set for Key Stage 3 students.

Class Groupings

All classes in computing are mixed ability.

GCSE specification

Our current GCSE students follow the Edexcel GCSE in Information Communication Technology. The course is divided into two distinct elements: Unit 1 “Living in a Digital World” is assessed in a 90 minute examination at the end of Year 11 and contributes 40% towards the overall assessment. Unit 2 “Using Digital Tools” is a controlled assessment within school, which contributes 60% of the overall assessment. The controlled assessment begins in the Spring Term of Year 10 and is usually completed by the end of the Autumn Term in Year 11, taking a total of approximately 40 hours to complete.

Rooming and resources

We have 2 specialist computing suites providing a wide range of software.

Departmental Ethos

The curriculum is grounded in a project based approach to computing. We emphasise the need to be creative in responding to set design briefs and stress the importance of developing practical and technical skills. We also place great importance on thorough research paying particular attention to copyright issues.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Extra- curricular clubs offer pupils the opportunity to catch up on any missed work or to obtain additional support if they require it.