Computing

ICT and computing skills are vital in today’s world and opens the door to a variety of professions. The use of computers has become part of our everyday life with everything today using a computer in some way. The faculty aims to provide students with a broad range of ICT and computing skills and experiences so that they can become competent individuals who can contribute to a digital society.

Students are given access to a variety of programs and knowledge in the faculty and can develop these skills to a high level. Computer suites are open at lunchtimes and after school to enable students to use computers outside normal lesson times and complete computer-based homework for other subjects. Enhancements are available to support students at all ages and enrichment activities available for the young aspiring Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg.

Curriculum Overview

We offer two different pathways within the Computer Science faculty at Leventhorpe. All students follow the KS3 curriculum, which teaches them all of the aspects of the National Curriculum. Students then have the option to specialise in Digital Media or Computer Science; with some students taking both subjects.

Key Stage 3

Our KS3 curriculum aims to enable students to be computational thinkers; creative in their use of technology and digitally literate when communicating information. Within each area of the course, students will build on a develop their knowledge and ability to apply their understanding to a range of contexts.

Our Key Stage 3 course offers the following key units of work:

• School Systems & E-Safety
• Digital Literacy
• Algorithms
• Programming Designing & Developing
• Digital Media
• Computer Systems

Each aspect of the course is in-line with the National Curriculum. Students are taught to:

• Solve problems to real-world and physical systems, using computational methods (using flow charts and pseudocode)
• Use 2 different programming languages (block – Scratch and text-based – Python)
• Use appropriate data structures of certain situations (lists)
• Understand how data is represented within computers (binary; binary and denary conversion; binary addition; hexadecimal)
• Select appropriate hardware and software for particular situations
• Creatively manipulate digital products, for specific audiences (using graphic and video editing software)
• Use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely (e-Safety)

GCSE and Post 16

Computer Science

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

The aims of Computer Science are to enable learners to develop:

• An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
• The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so
• The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
• Mathematical skills

Digital Media

The Digital Media pathway focuses on the development of a range of applications across platforms and sectors. Students will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st century, enabling them to demonstrate the skills of writing specifications, and the design, build, testing and implementation of applications. In addition to understanding the fundamentals of IT and how information is used, transmitted and applied globally, students will be able to effectively plan digital products for a range of purposes; design products effectively; develop these to meet the needs of a client; continuously test and receive feedback; implement improvements and review final versions. Students will be proficient in selecting suitable software to use in various situations and use the software effectively and to communicate in a digital world.

KS3 ICT Overview (Years 7-9) KS4 Computing Overview (GCSE)KS4 Cambridge Nationals in iMedia Level 1 & 2 KS5 Computer Science Overview (A Level)Level 3 BTEC in IT

Extra-Curricular Activities

• KS3 Enhancement
• KS4 Enhancement
• KS5 enhancement
• Programming Club
• Raspberry Pi Club

Ways in Which Parents Can Support Their Children

• Check they have completed their homework using ShowMyHomework
• Provide support when preparing for an exam or assessment
• Speak to your child’s teacher with any concerns or questions you may have
• Encourage the use of digital learning (researching using the Internet, reading e-books, developing ICT and Computing skills)
• Install any free software required on your home computer so your child can extend their learning at home (please speak to your child’s teacher for a list of software)

Useful Links

Blockly DemoLearn CodeCodecademyInvent With PythonJsbin

Program Arcade GamesStencylYoyo GamesScratch