"Computers are such a huge part of our everyday lives; they are all around us. From electronic control units in cars to self-scan checkouts at the supermarket, computers are shaping and changing the world around us and their influence is only going to grow. We all carry a mobile computing device in our pockets, they keep us connected to our social networks and the world around us - we'd be lost without them!

We are all great consumers of technology and give little thought to how computers do what they do - to most of us it's magic! What I enjoy most about my job is teaching our students about computer systems & architecture and how to control computers through programming, getting the computer to do what we want. The best part is that, fundamentally, it's all really very simple logic and not magic at all."

(Mr Mckune - Subject Lead)

Subject Overview

Our Computing Programme of Study offers students an opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the fast-moving digital world around us. The diverse range of topics taught at Key Stage 3 ensures that we provide full coverage of the Computing National Curriculum and not only provides an insight into how digital systems work but also gives students the opportunity to demonstrate creativity through the development of their own digital content.

At the core of Computing is Computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. We believe that computer Science is not just about programming but the notion of Computational Thinking; a set of problem-solving and logical-reasoning tools that our students begin to develop throughout the Key Stage 3 programme of study. Analysing problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving these problems – including designing, writing and debugging programs – prepares our students for further study of the subject into Key Stage 4.

During Key Stage 3, students should expect to have up to four x 50-minute lessons per fortnightly cycle. During Year 9, students are tasked with selecting their options subjects for Key Stage 4; students can opt to study Computer Science GCSE or, alternatively, can choose the BTEC Technical Award in Digital IT. Students progressing to the Computer Science GCSE will follow a set program covering topics set by the OCR (9-1) GCSE in Computer Science (J277).

Facilities

We have six ICT suites, including two newly refurbished rooms, within the Computing and ICT department, in which all students will have access to their own workstations. Each room has 30+ student PCs, an excellent choice of software packages and high-speed Internet access.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students are encouraged to develop their enthusiasm for Computing by registering online to partake in a number of online activities to further extend their learning. Sites such as Code.org, Code Warriors, Code Combat and Codecademy have provided students with access to several exciting resources which encourages their engagement with the subject.

We are running a Coding Club and EV3 Lego Mindstorms Club after-school on Wednesdays which provides our students with access to our fantastic new STEAM Lab; complete with top of the range computers and software (not available in other computer suites), a large touch-screen monitor, robotic kits and 3D printer!

Please see Mr McGuigan in C22 to register your interest in joining our after-school clubs.

Each year we take part in a number of national and international Computing-related competitions, including UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, Oxford Computing Challenge and we host our own CS50x Puzzle Day in relation with Harvard University in the United States. We have also provided several Computing-related field trips; students have attended PyCon, Liverpool Makefest, Manchester MOSI and, through our STE@M provision, have represented the School and Region in a number of activities including the EEP Tomorrow’s Engineers Lego Robotics and BBC Micro:Bit Faraday challenges.