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.
Learning Journeys
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- Computer Science strand
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- Computer Science Overview
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- Digital Literacy strand
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- Information Technology strand
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 Computing
ipa@baines.lancs.sch.uk
Mr A Manderson
Teacher of Business and Computing
amn@baines.lancs.sch.uk
Computer Science
| HT1 | HT2 | HT3 | HT4 | HT5 | HT6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Lessons | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 15 |
| Topics Covered | 1.1: Embedded Systems, CPU 1.2: Primary Storage, Secondary Storage | 1.2: Units, Data Storage – Characters, Data Storage – Images, Data Storage – Sound, Data Storage – Numbers, Compression | Computational Thinking Designing, Creating and Refining Algorithms Searching and Sorting Algorithms Programming Fundamentals Data Types Languages IDE | Practical Programming Skills Additional Programming Techniques | Practical Programming Skills Defensive Design Testing | Revision of all topics from both paper 1 and paper 2. End of Year Exam |
| Assessment Opportunities | End of Topic Test – Systems Architecture Python - Multiple Choice Quiz based on all the topics, split up into groups. Python - Multiple Choice Quiz completion | Revision and Pre-Lim Exam (Paper 1) | Paper 1 Full Exam Paper Practice | Revision and Mock Exam (Paper 1 and Paper 2) | Paper 2 Full Exam Paper Practice |
Computing
| HT1 | HT2 | HT3 | HT4 | HT5 | HT6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Number of Lessons | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
| Content | Welcome to the computing lab Impact of technology: Collaborating online respectfully | Networks from semaphore to the Internet | Everyday Algorithms | Scratch Basics | Using media : Gaining support for a cause | Introduction to Modelling | |
| Career Focus | Animator | Network Manager | Market research data analyst | Computer games developer | vloggers | CAD Technician | |
| Year 8 | Number of Lessons | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Content | E-Safety recap Build a computer | Binary | Kitroniks | Google Sketchup | Python Basics | Computing in the wider context | |
| Career Focus | IT Trainer | IT Support Technician | App Developer | CAD Developer | Software Developer | ITrade mark attorney | |
| Year 9 | Number of Lessons | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
| Content | Python Advanced | What are my options? | Creative multimedia project | E Safety - Be Internet Citizens | HTML | Cyber Security | |
| Career Focus | Robotics engineer | IT Projects manager | Media researcher | Forensic computer analyst | Web developer | Cyber intelligence officer |
Creative iMedia
| HT1 | HT2 | HT3 | HT4 | HT5 | HT6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 10 | Number of Lessons | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 15 |
| Topics Covered | R094 Start. Visual Identity identification. Graphic Editing Skills. | Live Assessment: R094. LO1 LO2 LO3 | R093 Start | R093 | R094 Improvements and Resubmissions. | R093 Mock Exam Revision and Practice. | |
| Assessment Opportunities | End of R094 C/W – Pre-production documents. | R094 Coursework Feedback. | R093 End of Topic Test. | R093 End of Topic Test. | R082 Full Exam Paper Practice | June 2023 - R093 Mock Exam | |
| Year 11 | Number of Lessons | ||||||
| Topics Covered | R087 Preparation; skills for advanced IMM products. | Live Assessment: R087 Start. LO1 LO2 LO3 LO3 LO4 | R085 Preparation; skills for advanced websites using HTML/CSS. | Live Assessment: R085 Start. LO1 LO2 LO3 LO3 LO4 | R081 Exam Revision and Practice. | ||
| Assessment Opportunities | Improvements and re-submissions of R082 coursework. R087 Preparation marks. | R087 Coursework Feedback. | Exam Re-sit | R085 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) offered | Exam Board | Link to Spec | Nature of assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE Computer Science | OCR | https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-j834/ | 50% Computer Systems Exam (Theory) |
| 50% Computational Thinking (Algorithms and Programming Theory) | |||
| Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia | OCR | https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817// | R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry – Exam |
| R094: Visual identity and digital graphics – Task One optional unit - Task |
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.
Last updated September 2023