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Computer Science
BackHead of Department: Mr C Humphrey
Teachers: Mr S Hamilton, Mr G Roberts, Mr M Smith, Mr J Stephens
Technicians: Mr T Bance, Mr D Conway, Mr T Huie-Miles, Mr J Murrell, Mr H Tucker
The Computer Science department is a forward-looking department that looks at changes within computers and other technologies. We spend time examining the impact that technology has on individuals and communities, as well as teaching and improving students' skills and understanding of the subject. We provide opportunities for students to study Computer Science at GCSE and at A Level. [Updated 2023/24]
Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination.
(Albert Einstein)
Years 7, 8 and 9
Year 7
Students look at basic skills and move onto LOGO and basic computational thinking and problem solving. We also show the students how to design and create and how to program a small, single board computer.
Year 8
Students in Year 8 look at databases and database theory. We also cover spreadsheet modelling and we build on the student’s game design skills to design and program games using more complicated software which gives them control over far more of the design process.
Year 9
We introduce the students to programming using Python. We then move on to improving the students' web design skills and bring in their video editing skills to create a multimedia website. We round off the year looking at how different software packages can interact with each other and can be used within a business environment.
GCSE: Years 10 and 11
Course content
The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application. The new specification will enable learners to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. They will analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
Assessment/examination
Two written papers (1½ hours each)
Exam board: OCR
A Level: Years 12 and 13
The course focuses on programming, building on the GCSE Computing and emphasises the importance of computational thinking as a discipline. It has an expanded maths focus, much of which is embedded within the course. It has computational thinking at its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence – a valuable transferrable skill. It allows students to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.
It will give students a clear progression into higher education, as the course was designed after consultation with members of BCS, CAS and top universities.
Assessment/examination
80% exam (two written exam papers 2½ hours each)
20% programming coursework
Exam board: OCR
Careers Education
- We equip the students to be able to solve real-world problems, using computers and appropriate software.
- Students have left to follow many university courses across a wide variety of computing related courses after successfully completing GCSE and A Level courses within the school.