It involves students learning how computers and computer systems work and requires them to develop the ability to think computationally. They design and build computer programs and, in the process, learn how to use IT effectively, becoming digitally literate.
How learning is organised
Students learn the three strands of the Computing curriculum. These are Digital literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science.
In Years 7, 8 and 9 there is a discrete Computing lesson once a week and students receive reports on their Computing capability. Students are assessed at the end of each term. Students also use the skills learnt in their discrete computing lessons to support their learning in other curriculum subjects: use of ICT permeates the curriculum.
Years 10 & 11
In Year 10, students can choose to follow either the OCR GCSE Computing course or the Level 2 OCR Cambridge Nationals course in Information Communication Technology, which is equivalent to one GCSE.
The OCR GCSE Computing course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works including computer programming. The course consists of three units: a written exam on computer systems and programming; a practical investigation and a programming controlled assessment project.
The Level 2 OCR Cambridge Nationals course in Information Communication Technology has been developed to recognise learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding of Information and Communication Technology functions, environments and operations.
This course comprises four units. One unit is a written exam on ICT theory and systems, the second unit is based on the practical use of Office programs and is assessed through a series of controlled assessment. The final two units are assessed through coursework, on the topics of web design and spreadsheets.
Current syllabus: GCSE Computing and ICT - Cambridge Nationals - OCR
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