Head of Department: Emma Wentworth (emma.wentworth@buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk)

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Key Stage 3

Throughout Year 7, 8 and 9 we intend to support every child regardless of their ability. Students focus on the foundation of computing and ICT and cover a wide variety of projects to give them a good base for GCSE; should they choose to opt for it in year 10.

The scheme of learning is as follows:

Year 7 – Basic Skills (word, email, power point and spreadsheets), Binary, HTML, Computers, Social Networking, E Safety and Computational thinking.

Year 8 – Python, Networks, Binary, Website and Representations from silicone to clay.

Year 9 – Back to the Future, Python, APPshed, Computer Hardware, Internet Safety, Imedia & Graphics and Cyber Security.

Key Stage 4 

At GCSE (examined through OCR) the students study three components to make up their GCSE Computing qualification

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software.

It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

• Systems Architecture
• Memory
• Storage
• Wired and Wireless networks
• Network topologies, protocols and layers
• System Security
• System Software
• Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental concerns

Examination

80 marks
1 hour 30 mins
Written paper
Non calculator
40%

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and data representation.

The skills and knowledge developed within this component will support the learner when completing the Component 03 Programming Project

• Algorithms
• Programming techniques
• Producing robust programs
• Computational logic
• Translators and facilities of languages
• Data representation

Examination

80 marks
1 hour 30 mins
Written paper
No calculator

Component 03: Programming project

NEA – non examined assessment. Students use OCR assessment tasks to demonstrate their practical ability in the skills developed in components 01 and 02. In a controlled environment they will, define success criteria from a given problem, and then create suitable algorithms to achieve success criteria.

Students then code their solutions in a suitable programming language, and check its functionality using a suitable and documented test plan. Students have a total of 20 hours to complete their programming project.

• Programming Techniques
• Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Testing and evaluation and conclusions

Assessment

40 marks
20 hours
Non exam assessment
20%

 

OCR National in creative i-media

Our OCR National in Creative I-Media equips students with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed to work in the creative digital media sector.  They start at pre-production and develop their skills through practical assignments as they create final multimedia products.

25% RG081 exams 1 hour and 15 minutes, pre-production for I-Media

25% RG085 Website  - website for a travel blogger visiting six different countries.

25% RG082 Graphics - graphics for a vinyl record company.  What needs to go on the sleeve of the record cover?

25% RG090 Digital Photography - Local area project eg Buxton.

This subject is taught by Mrs Wentworth and is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction Star.  Mrs Wentworth will deliver the Pre-Production (RG081) side of the court first.  

Students will sit the exam in June of Y10.  They will have 2 attempts at exam one in Y10 and 1 attempt in Y11, if they don't get the grade they are looking for.