Computing is the study of how computers and computer systems work and how they are constructed and programmed. Here at All Saints we have a curriculum that encompasses the key principles of Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy across all units of work.
My aim, as subject leader, is to make the curriculum engaging whilst giving students an ability to be digitally literate and know how to stay safe on the internet. Ultimately, pupils should complete Key Stage 3 fully equipped to either study Computing at a higher level, or as minimum, have strong ICT skills that can complement further or higher level study in other subjects, or transfer skills into employment.
How is Computing a Sacred Subject?
Computer Science opens up for learners the possibility of being key influencers and transformational leaders at a local, national and global level. The development of computational thinking and operation skills calls for the formation of learners who prioritise the importance of justice, equality, truth and the common good of all people at a global level.
At Key Stage 3 students study a core programme of Computing once per week in Year 7 and Year 8, and once per fortnight in Year 9. Over this time they study the following units:
- e-safety
- Office documents and Cloud computing
- Visual programming and animation
- Games design (using Kodu Game Lab)
- Programming with the BBC Micro Bits
- Programming Constructs (Advanced Scratch)
- Web Design using HTML
- Text-based programming using Python
- Computer Hardware
- Basic Binary
Students can choose an ICT based early entry GCSE.
Students have enjoyed participating in our hacking workshops where they have used Raspberry Pi’s
There are a number of competitions that take place in KS3 such as a Google Doodles and the Kodu Cup, which is an X Factor-style competition which tests the best computer games created in Year 8 lessons and is judged by a staff panel.
Key Stage 4
Students can choose GCSE Computer Science as an option class. The course is studied for two hours in the very first year and three hours in the second and it builds on the skills learnt at KS3 allowing students to study units such as Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Binary Logic, Networks and Programming. The programming language we study is Python, which is a free download.
Key Stage 5
Students can choose A-Level Computer Science. The course builds on the skills learnt at KS3 and KS4 and allows students to study similar units to GCSE at a higher level, plus new content, such as Virtual Machines, Encryption, Web Technologies and Computing Legislation. Students can also develop skills in JavaScript as well as Python and even has the option for students to work with any programming language they may have studied at home.
Clubs
In KS3 there is a Digital Leaders group which runs twice per week, this is a club for our most talented and enthusiastic students, who enjoy learning more about computers. Here they do advanced programming projects , receive master classes on software and hardware as well as have a significant student voice to inform future curriculum content.
At KS4 and KS5 we run a Retro Games Club where students can gain an insight into computer games released before 2000. We have Sega consoles such as the Saturn, Megadrive and Master System plus the Nintendo64. Students can take on staff in battles like Virtual Fighter and Mario Kart or play classics such as Donkey Kong, Tetris, Sonic or Pacman.
ICT Suites
We have 5 computer rooms capable of accommodating a whole class and 3 smaller suites across both sites. All rooms have monochrome laser printing available. Additionally, colour laser printing is available for A4 work and inkjet printing is available up to A3
