Computing

Subject Leader: Ms Sharon Cossutti

Computing at QKS

We aim to equip students with essential IT skills for their future to ensure they become digitally literate.

That means they will be able to able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

We want students to:

understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

IT skills are fundamental to the daily life of young people today; it is crucial that these skills are established to provide a solid foundation.

Technology is also changing at a rapid pace; having an understanding in Computer Science will open a door to unknown possibilities in the future, where students can become contributors rather than consumers of IT.

Key Stage 3

Students are introduced to the role of hardware and software and data representation.

They learn how to use email software, search and browse the Internet effectively, produce word-processed reports, presentations, publications as well as handling data in a spreadsheet and database. They explore graphics and multimedia as well as learning the programming constructs and how to solve programming problems.

In Year 9, students have the opportunity to specialise in Computer Science, iMedia and Information Technologies.

Year 7 ICT and Computing

Year 8 ICT and Computing

Year 9 Computing

Year 9 iMedia

Year 9 Creative Core ICT

Key Stage 4

Students can opt for GCSE Computer Science, Cambridge National iMedia or Cambridge National Information Technologies.

Computer Science will encourage learners to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science. This includes abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, data representation and analysis of computational problems through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Students will think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. They will understand the components that make up digital systems, how they communicate with one another and with other systems and understand the impacts of digital technology to both the individual and to wider society whilst applying mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

Information Technologies will teach students what different technologies could be used, why they should use them and how to make the best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data; this is known as data management.

Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital animation and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning.