Subjects

Computer Science and Creative iMedia

Intent

At KS3 Computing we offer a broad and balanced curriculum covering three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Throughout KS3 we use programming languages such as Scratch and Python, explore a wide range of areas on how to stay safe online and enhance the students IT skills. Computing is fast developing and our aim is to offer students the opportunity to be involved in this by experiencing some elements of programming at KS3 so that thy have a strong foundation for study.

This strong GCSE prepares problem solving experts in the future by encouraging students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students will analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs to help prepare them for the world of software engineering. With the speed of software and hardware development, it is crucial for pupils of the 21st century to have a strong foundation of problem solving prowess. The new GCSE Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

Names of staff, role & contact details

Mrs E Dawber
Subject Leader for Business and Computing
edr@baines.lancs.sch.uk

Mr I Patel
Teacher of Computer Science and ICT
ipa@baines.lancs.sch.uk

Mrs C Coulthard
Teacher of Business and Computer Science
cco@baines.lancs.sch.uk

Computer Science

 HT1HT2HT3HT4HT5HT6
Year 10Boolean Logic
Data Storage - Numbers
Designing, Creating and Refining Algorithms		Designing, Creating and Refining Algorithms
Programming Fundamentals
Data Types
Practical Programming Skills		Practical Programming Skills
Additional Programming Techniques		Data Storage - Characters
Data Storage - Images
Data Storage - Sound
Compression
Systems Architecture		1.1.1 Primary Storage
1.1.2 Secondary Storage
Topic Test 1.1
1.3.1 Networks and Toplogies
1.3.2 Wired and Wireless Networks, Protocols and Layers		1.3.2 Wired and Wireless Networks, Protocols and Layers
Topic Test 1.3
Revision
End of Year Exam
End of topic test - Computer systems and software

Python - Multiple choice quiz based on all topics, split up into groups

Python - Multiple Choice quiz completion		Revision and Pre-Lim Exam Paper 1Paper 1 Full Exam Paper PracticeRevision and Mock Exam Paper 1 and Paper 2Paper 2 Full Exam Paper Practice

Computing

  HT1HT2HT3HT4HT5HT6
Year 7Number of Lessons786657
ContentWelcome to the computing lab

Impact of technology: Collaborating online respectfully		Networks from semaphore to the InternetIntroduction to ModellingUsing media: Gaining support for a causeEveryday algorithmsScratch basics
NCCENCCENCCENCCENCCECAREER FOCUS - NCWNCCE
iDeaCitizen: Safe online
Worker: Collaboration		Citizen: Internet and web
Worker: Internet of things		Entrepreneur: Money management
Entrepreneur: Big data		Worker: Animation
Citizen: Teamwork		Worker: Automation
Entrepreneur: Problem solving		Maker: Coding solutions
Gamer: Intro to gaming
Career FocusAnimatorNetwork ManagerCAD TechnicianVloggerMarket research data analystComputer games developer
Year 8Number of Lessons776666
ContentE-Safety recap

Build a computer		Scratch advancedGrand designs - Google sketchupPython basicsComputing in the wider contextBinary
NCCENCCENCCENCCE
iDeaCitizen: E-Safety
Citizen:fake news		Maker: JQuery codingMaker: Virtual reality
Maker: Graphic Design		Gamer: Make a game
Gamer: Python quiz		Citizen: Digital Ethics
Entrepreneur: Research		Entrepreneur: Advertising
Entrepreneur: Innovation
Career FocusIT TrainerSoftware DeveloperApp DeveloperTest LeadTrade mark AttorneyIT Support Technician
Year 9Number of Lessons786657
ContentE-Safety - Be Internet safe CitizensPython advancedWhat are my options?Creative Multimedia projectHTMLCyber Security
NCCENCCENCCE
iDeaCitizen: GDPR
Citizen: Social Media ethics		Worker: Random coding
Gamer: Bafta game concept		Worker: Digital research
Gamer: Game designer		Worker: Colours
Worker: Projects		Maker: Making websites
Maker: Junior web designer		Citizen: Cyber spies
Citizen: Cyber security
Career FocusForensic computer analystRobotics engineerMedia researcherIT Project managerWeb developerCyber intelligence officer

iMedia

 HT1HT2HT3HT4HT5HT6
Year 10MindmapsStoryboards Workplans/SchedulesLive Assessment: R082 StartLive Assessment: R082 ContinuedR081 Exam Revision and PracticeR081 Exam Revision and Practice
MoodboardsLegislation Scripts Hardware/Software File Types Compression
Visualisation DiagramsLO1LO3R087 (IMM Products) Preparation
Graphic EditingGraphic EditingLO2LO4
LO3Improvements
Client Requirements and Target AudienceResearch Legislation and Version Control
End of Topic Test – Pre-production documentsEnd of Topic Test – Pre-production documentsR082 Coursework FeedbackR082 Coursework FeedbackR082 Full Exam Paper Practice3rd June 2020 (PM) – R081 Exam
Year 11R087 Preparation; skills for advanced IMM products.Live Assessment: R087 Start.R085 Preparation; skills for advanced websites using HTML/CSS.Live Assessment: R085 Start.R081 Exam Revision and Practice.
Improvements and re-submissions of R082 coursework.LO1LO1
LO2LO2
LO3LO3
LO3LO3
LO4LO4
ImprovementsImprovements
R087 Preparation marks.R087 Coursework Feedback.Exam Re-sitR085 Coursework Feedback.Exam Re-sit

Some of the content in these schemes of learning may differ during the academic year 2020-2021 as departments prioritise skills and knowledge from the extended period of remote learning from March to July 2019-2020 and plan for periods of remote learning during this academic year.

How and when is my child assessed?

The Computer Science department assess pupils in Key Stage 3 every half-term following the Lancashire Assessment model. Over the course of an academic year we assess the full range of Computer Science skills, culminating in an end of year assessment.

Name of course(s) offeredExam BoardLink to SpecNature of assessment
GCSE Computer ScienceOCRhttps://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/50% Computer Systems Exam (Theory)
50% Computational Thinking (Algorithms and Programming Theory)
Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMediaOCRhttps://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817//25% Written Paper (Pre-production Skills)
25% Mandatory Skills Unit (Creating Digital Graphics)
25% SKills Unit (Creating Multimedia Products)
25% Skills Unit (Creating a Multipage Website)

Teaching Strategies

Computer Science and Creative iMedia are practical subjects and students are given lots of time to demonstrate their learning in a practical way. They will use Google Classroom both within lessons and from home.

There are three strands to the curriculum at key stage 3

  • Digital literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies. In key stage 3 we build on our skills and knowledge by exploring different areas of E safety such as Cyberbullying in Year 7, Computing in the wider context looking at areas such as Ethics and legal issues in Year 8 and then in Year 9 explore areas such as Fake news, Hacking and Cyber Security.

  • Computer Science

Computer science is the scientific and practical study of computation: what can be computed, how to compute it, and how computation may be applied to the solution of problems. In key stage 3 we build on our knowledge and skills from Year 7 through to Year 9. We start by looking at Algorithms (sets if instructions) and Block programming in Year 7, In year 8 we build on our Block programming and then learn a second programming language Python a text-based language. In Year 9 we further develop our knowledge or the text-based programming language Python.

  • Information Technology

Information technology is concerned with how computers and telecommunications equipment work, and how they may be applied to the storage, retrieval, transmission and manipulation of data. In key stage 3 we build on our knowledge and skills looking at Networks in Year 7, Build a computer in year 8 and Binary in Year 9.

All homework is set using Google Classroom. In KS3, homework will be using IDEA, where they will work towards awards. At KS4, homework will be set based on classroom learning. Students will have the chance to explore and develop the areas studied in class.

Within the department we use GCSE Pod and Google Classroom as our main online learning tools.

On Thursdays after school, the department run a catch-up clinic and revision session for students to attend. The GCSE students focus is on examination technique and students studying vocational subjects can attend to catch up on work.

How and when is my child assessed?

The Computer Science department assess pupils in Key Stage 3 every half-term following the Lancashire Assessment model. Over the course of an academic year we assess the full range of Computer Science skills, culminating in an end of year assessment.

Name of course(s) offeredExam BoardLink to SpecNature of assessment
GCSE Computer ScienceOCRhttps://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/50% Computer Systems Exam (Theory)
50% Computational Thinking (Algorithms and Programming Theory)
Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMediaOCRhttps://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817//25% Written Paper (Pre-production Skills)
25% Mandatory Skills Unit (Creating Digital Graphics)
25% SKills Unit (Creating Multimedia Products)
25% Skills Unit (Creating a Multipage Website)