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 11Computer Systems - CPU, Von Neumann, Fetch Decode Execute, Embedded Systems, RAM/ROM/Cache, Storage Devices.Networks - Intro, Wired Networks, Wireless Networks,ELEC - Ethical, Cultural and Environmental, Legislation and Licensing.Programming Theory - Arrays, 2D/3D, Functions, Procedures, File Handling, Error Types SQL Programming, Defensive DesignProgramming Theory – Maintainability and TestingN/A as exam is in very early May
Software - Operating Systems, Application Software, Utility Software, Systems Backups, Software Licensing (Important Topic)Threats, Hardening Systems, Layers and Protocols, Transmission Media and The Internet.Longer Answer Questions (6 to 8 markers) - Exam Technique.Past Paper 1s
Algorithms - Sorting and Search, Logic Gates (Symbols/shapes) Programming Theory - Basics, Data Types, String Manipulation and Operators.Revision and Mock Exam (Paper 1 and Paper 2)Past Paper 2s
End of Topic Test - Computer Systems and Software, Data - Binary, Number, Characters, Images, Sound and Hex.
Python - Multiple Choice Quiz based on all the topics, split up into groups, Paper 1 Full Exam Paper PracticePaper 2 Full Exam Paper Practice11th May 2020 (AM) - Paper 1
Python - Multiple Choice Quiz completionRevision and Pre-Lim Exam (Paper 1)14th May 2020 (PM) - Paper 2

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

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.

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)