St Thomas More RC College

At KS3 the Computer Science curriculum is designed using the Computing National Curriculum (2013). Pupils are timetabled for 2 hours per fortnight.  Our aim is to develop pupils who are digitally literate, responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. 

 

At KS4 pupils can choose options in GCSE Computer Science, GCSE Media or vocational Cambridge Nationals imedia. Subject schemes follow the respective subject exam-board programmes of study.

 

GCSE Computer Science builds on the computing concepts taught at KS3. Pupils who choose this option develop a deeper understanding of Computational Thinking, Code Tracing, Problem-Solving, Programming Concepts along with the workings of Computer Systems, Networks, Cyber Security, Databases and the ethical, environmental and legal impacts of technology. Pupils are assessed at the end of the course by completing two examinations.

 

GCSE Media offers learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the world of media and the ability to debate important questions. Learners will draw on their existing experience of the media but will also extend their appreciation and critical understanding through the study of different products with which they may be less familiar, including products for different audiences. During the course, students will study a range of topics such as newspapers, magazines, print advertising, film posters, computer games, radio, music videos, TV and film. Pupils will sit two examinations and complete a practical production as part of their Non - Examined Assessment.

 

Cambridge Nationals Creative i-media equips students with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed to work in the creative digital media sector. This is a vocational, practical based course that enables students to research a variety of media-based products (primarily Digital Graphics like music album covers, film posters and educational leaflets; Multimedia Products like websites, apps and interactive displays; and digitally created Comic Strips), then plan, create and evaluate their own examples based on a brief set by the exam board. Pupils are assessed over the course by completing three coursework units and one written examination.

 

Core Computing is taught at KS4 if a pupil does not choose GCSE Computer Science. This involves working independently to complete the Bronze and Silver Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA. Pupils develop digital literacy, enterprise and employability skills through completing badges, to gain this industry-recognised Award. 

 

To reflect new developments in Technology the KS3 Computer Science Curriculum is constantly adapted and refined to continue to engage all pupils. The curriculum is mapped and planned to build on skills developed from previous years. In developing our curriculum map we build opportunities to promote careers in computing, media and technology that link to Gatsby benchmark 4.

 

Since the pandemic and the success of remote learning, all Computer Science and GCSE media lessons are now delivered via TEAMS or ONENOTE ensuring all pupils have a consistent learning experience and lessons that are sequenced the same for each teaching group. In delivering subject content we use a variety of media is used to enthuse, engage and promote enjoyment in the topics taught.

 

Literacy continues to be a key focus and development area, particularly, ’planning for reading’. Pupils are continually introduced to new terminology throughout all KS3 and KS4 programmes of study.

To support literacy development and information recall we use past exam questions, writing tasks, online quizzes and flashcards (e.g. Kahoot/ Quizziz/ Memrise). When using software pupils are encouraged to use spelling functions and the immersive reader to help with sentence structures. Use of text language is also challenged. Oracy is used and modelled by staff in lessons to encourage use of key vocabulary.