ICT & Computer Science
ICT and Computer Science Teaching Staff
- Mr Parsons – Curriculum Leader
- MR Lakin
- Mr Petchy
- Mr Dennis
- Mr Lye
Why ICT and Computing is important
In the modern world in which we live the use of computers in some shape or form is almost guaranteed, it is important that all students have the basic skills to use the common office software that they will come across with additional understanding of why certain programs are used in certain ways and the best way to show the information on the screen. Key elements that link to this is the ability of student to be able to perform accurate and research and being able to present this information as well as understanding how to create letters and other written documents in word.
Moving on to computing one of the key elements is problem solving and being able to break a problem down in to small pieces, which allows you to tackle smaller problems rather than one large problem, and while not all students will go on to use these skills in programming this skill will help aid them in breaking tasks in other subjects down in to smaller and more manageable chunks such as revision and time management.
Teaching and Learning in ICT and Computing
Computing and ICT has a high priority of skills-based learning with student learning the key skills across the suit of Microsoft office 365 programs including word, excel and power point. The skills for these programs are taught in different topics across the terms with the computing and digital media skills.
In the lesson the students will use a combination of book work and computer-based tasks to learn the key knowledge and theory around that they are doing before applying these skills in practical tasks. Each unit contains and assessment piece of work at the end of each topic which will then allow the key skills to be checked off. In the lessons there will be time where students are completing task in a focused and silent manner as well as class discussions and working on collaborative documents together.
Key Stage 3
In KS3 the students follow a program of work that includes all the elements from the computing national curriculum exposing them to 2 different programming languages over KS3 as well as computational thinking and computer hardware. They will learn effective use of word, excel, power point and develop their skills in digital graphics, digital audio and evaluation. These will enable students with the basic skills they will need in KS4 for either Computer science or Creative I-media
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 students have the opportunity to study Creative I-media
If the students have an interest in digital graphics and any form of creative media, then the I-media course is well suited to them as they will have the chance to look at a range of planning techniques that are used through the industry and how just like in the real work you will be working from a brief that is set for you by a client and work to produce a given product that meets these criteria. There are currently 3 units that get studied on the course which are.
- R093 – Creative imedia in the media industry – Examined unit
- R094 – Visual identity and digital graphics – Set assignment
- R097 – Interactive digital multimedia products – Set assignment
Extra-Curricular Activities
Warhammer Club – Warhammer is more than a game – it’s a hobby, and it’s got something for every young person. Whether they like assembling stunning collections, building intricate models, or showing off their creativity through painting, it’s all here. Countless worlds and realms await to be conquered in tactical gameplay or discovered in the chapters of a gripping novel.
Over a number of activities sessions, they will learn how to collect, build, paint, play and read in the worlds of Warhammer.
For older students (14+) we also have the Warhammer Skills Development Programme that guides them through the hobby and works towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.