Computing
In the Computing department, there are two full-time teachers and one part-time teacher who also serves as the deputy head. We follow the National Curriculum at KS3, where students learn a mixture of ICT, computing, and digital literacy. Students can then opt to take Computer Science at GCSE or undertake a vocational route in Creative iMedia.
In our Sixth Form, we offer Cambridge Technical in Digital Media. This is a new and exciting course that looks at the media industry. Students look at how the media industry works and work on different projects around visual, audio, or print-based products.
In recent years we have strived to attract more girls into STEM subjects by running extra-curricular trips, raising awareness, and ensuring our resources appeal to a wider audience. We have seen a large increase in the numbers of girls taking Computer Science and IMedia as an option, something that we are immensely proud of.
We’re running trips to the Digital Media Museum, #GirlsTech, Lego Land Robotics, Bletchley Park and Thorpe Park. As well as careers talks from Burberry, Ripple Technology Solutions, Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit, Leeds University, STEM Learning, Ex-students, and more.
Curriculum Content
Assessment Summary
iMedia and Digital Media
In KS4 (year 10-11) there are 3 units in the Creative iMedia qualification. Unit R093 is assessed externally through a 1 hour 15 minute written examination. All other units are project-based and are assessed internally and moderated externally by the exam board. Students will be continually assessed through the completion of coursework, a percentage mark will be awarded and reported against a school average.
In KS5 (year 12-13) there are seven units in the Digital Media qualification. Units 1 and 2 are assessed externally through a 2 hour written examination. All other units are project-based and are assessed internally and moderated externally by the exam board. Students will be continually assessed through the completion of coursework, a percentage mark will be awarded and reported against a school average.
After each assessment students will receive feedback and be supported in making improvements to their work.
Computer Science
In KS3 (years 7 -9) all students will complete one assessment per half-term. Each assessment will be based on the recent topics covered and be made up of multiple choice and extended answer questions.
A percentage mark will be awarded and reported against a school average.
In KS4 (year 10-11) all students will complete at least one assessment per half-term. These assessments will include multiple choice and GCSE style questions.
A percentage mark will be awarded and reported against a school average.
In KS5 (year 12-13) all students will complete at least one assessment per half-term. These assessments will include multiple choice and A-level style questions.
A percentage mark will be awarded and reported against a school average.
After each assessment students will receive feedback and be supported in making improvements to their work.
Y9 Bridging Year
Our Wider Modern World Curriculum that all Year 9 students will study enables students to continue to develop their computer skills which are vital for most modern-day careers. Through the Wider Modern World curriculum students will develop their employability skills, they’ll create a job application by exploring their skillset, abilities and achievements and learn how to combine their creative work and personal profile to create a professional identity suitable for sharing with prospective employers, higher education institutions and for other career progression pathways.
Computing Specialism
Our Year 9 curriculum gives students the ability to ‘go beyond the specification’, be it learning a new programming language, completing additional projects or developing a love for Computing/iMedia. Students also have more time to read around the subject; students can delve further and learn additional skills; for example, in Computer Science, the ability to learn how to code in CSS on top of HTML. This will benefit those students who wish to pursue the subject further as they will have worked at a higher-level content than GCSE, which prepares them better for higher education. Furthermore, the extra year allows us to engage with extra-curricular opportunities such as the Matrix Challenge, a Yorkshire-based cybersecurity competition run by West Yorkshire Police.