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Computing

Head of Department	Mrs Iwona Mash
Email	i.mash@habstrustsouth.org.uk

There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.

Jim Lovell

Subject Overview

The Hatcham Computing curriculum is designed equip pupils to understand and apply the fundamental principles and the concepts of Information Technology, digital literacy and computer science. Using the concepts of abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation pupils can analyse problems in computational terms. Learners are provided the opportunity to develop their computational thinking in order to solve such problems as to shape our world.

We believe that students need to be computer literate to successfully navigate the modern world. We want them to move away from using technology as an entertainment medium and allow them to develop the skills to harness its creative and business-related capabilities. With modern day innovations stemming from Computer Science we also endeavour to give our learners an understanding of this challenging discipline through a range of programming and problem-solving activities.

Key Stage 3 Overview

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils learn about computer architecture, how computers systems work, how to code programmes in different languages as well as a range of design and image-editing skills. Our curriculum is designed to stretch, challenge and prepare our pupils to study GCSE Computer Science or ICT and then progress onto A-level Computer Science or Technical courses before pursuing courses in higher education or careers in computing.

Year 7 topics

Functional Skills for ICT
eSafety + Digital Graphics
Spreadsheet Modelling
Programming with Micro:Bit
Data Representation

Year 8 topics

Web Development
Inside the Computer
Networks
Algorithm Development with Scratch
Programming with Scratch

Year 9 topics

Programming with Python
Database Design + Development
Trends in Computing Project

Key Stage 3 Homework

Pupils can expect to receive an extended piece of homework twice per term. This might include a research project or creative assignment which will encourage pupils to take what they have learnt in the classroom and apply it to real-life scenarios and the world around them.

Key Stage 4 Overview

There are two qualifications offered at Key Stage 4. The GCSE Computer Science qualification offered is, above all else, relevant to the modern and changing world of computer science. This specification is being delivered at Hatcham College to get students working with real-world programming and provide them with a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing.

Year 10 topics

Systems Architecture
Memory, Storage
Wired & Wireless networks
Network topologies, protocols and layers, System Security
Ethical, Legal, cultural & environmental concerns

Year 11 topics

Programming techniques; Producing Robust Programmes
Computational Logics; Translators & facilities of languages
Data Representation
Exam Preparation

How is this qualification assessed?

OCR GCSE Computer Science | Specification: J277

Component 1: Computer systems

Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 50%

Systems Architecture
Memory and Storage
Computer networks, connections and protocols
Network security
Systems software
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 50%

Algorithms
Programming fundamentals
Producing robust programs
Boolean logic
Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

At Hatcham College we also offer an ICT-based qualification in Creative iMedia which takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. It will equip learners with a range of skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. The course is industry relevant, geared to key sector requirements and very popular with schools and colleges because it suits such a broad range of learning styles and abilities

Year 10 topics

R081: Pre-production Skills
R082: Creating Digital Graphics

Year 11 topics

R087: Interactive Multimedia Products
R091: Game Development

How is this qualification assessed?

OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia | Specification: J817

R081: Pre-production skills

Written paper - OCR set and marked, 1 hour 15 mins – 25%

R082: Creating digital graphics

Centre assessed tasks - OCR moderated, approx 10 hours – 25%

R087: Creating interactive multimedia products

Centre assessed tasks - OCR moderated, approx 10 hours – 25%

R091: Designing a game concept

Centre assessed tasks - OCR moderated, approx 10 hours – 25%

Key Stage 4 Homework

Pupils are set homework once per week. This might include an exam question, a revision task or a research assignment which encourages them to apply what they have learnt in class to examples in the real world.

How is this subject assessed?

Students are assessed through class work, quizzes, homework, walking talking mock exams and formal Pre-Public Examinations. Students are routinely required to complete exam responses in timed conditions during lessons and they receive detailed feedback in response to algorithmic questions, programming activities and homework in addition to feedback they receive for assessments or exam papers that they complete.

How does this subject fulfil SMSC needs?

Students are continually reflecting on their own lives and the lives of others as they look at various technology-based case studies. Computing provides opportunities to reflect on how computers have impacted us as a society and where students fit into as young citizens. As part of our curriculum students are taught about the digital divide, online safety and social networking. Students are taught to understand the moral responsibility they have as computer users.

How does the subject challenge more able pupils?

More able pupils are challenged through effective questioning that encourages pupils to explore and engage with higher level computational thinking and programming concepts. More able pupils will be given regular algorithmic activities and research case studies that will allow them to further their learning from class. Extension work is built into the curriculum and often gives more able pupils the chance to explore more challenging issues in Computing and other programming languages.

What provision is made for pupils with SEND?

Pupils with SEND are supported through effective use of learning support assistants and through the development of specific classroom materials designed to give additional support to pupils who require it. All Computing pupils are given appropriate modelling and scaffolding, often using technology in the classroom to encourage their learning; for pupils of SEND this is carefully designed to support their varying needs. Across all Key stages, our resources are differentiated to support students varying learning abilities.

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities

JS Code Club – weekly @ lunch - With projects that vary from programming Raspberry Pi’s to dynamic websites with JavaScript, lunchtimes in J11 will never be boring! Coding Club explores various programming languages, technology and more stretching your skill and imagination.

KS4 Computing – weekly after school - GCSE Computer Science students are welcome to gain a deeper understanding of topics covered in lesson, receive 1-2-1 support and spend more time at your own pace on programming or theoretical CS work.

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual program dedicated to inspiring students to take interest in computer science. It is a global program that takes place in the second week of December each year. At Hatcham College we celebrate this with form time activities, assemblies and a Computer Science Fair that all students are welcome to take part in!