Computing and IT

Computers are incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid. Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate, and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination

Albert Einstein

At St George's students are taught both ICT and Computer Science courses during their time here:

1. ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

This focuses on the creative and productive use and application of technology and computer systems.

2. Computer Science
This is the study of the foundational principles and practices of computation and computational thinking and their application in the design and development of computer systems.

The two subjects overlap and are taught as a combined subject in Years 7, 8 and 9 and as two option subjects from Year 10 onwards.

Our aim is to help pupils think in a more logical way and become better at making decisions and problem solving.

Students learn about how different parts of a computer work together and why they work like that. In addition, we develop skills in programming systems and start to understand how computers communicate via networks.

We then look at how important Technology is in today’s society and the impact and issues that can arise from using computer systems and how to improve them.

ICT and Computing is fast developing in school and our aim is to offer pupils the opportunity to be involved in this by experiencing some elements of programming at KS3 so that they have a strong foundation for KS4 and KS5 if they wish to study it.

Our aim is to ensure that they develop ICT and problem solving capabilities that are directly transferable, not only to other subjects but also to the KS4 curriculum and beyond.

Want to find out more?
If you wish to find out more about Computer Science at St George’s please feel free to contact Ms Sultana at n.sultana@stgoerges.org

KS3

We offer students a comprehensive and engaging education in technology, empowering them to become confident, independent learners. Our curriculum provides a diverse exploration of Computer Science and ICT, with a strong emphasis on Python programming and computer hardware.

In addition to fostering computational thinking, which enhances problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, our students acquire practical IT skills and digital literacy. They delve into the principles of computer networks and hardware, gaining insights into how these components interact and influence our daily lives.

Students further deepen their understanding by tackling more complex challenges, learning to deconstruct problems, and developing efficient algorithms. They express their solutions through flowcharts and executable Python programs, equipping them with the tools to navigate and innovate in the ever-evolving tech landscape. By examining the societal impacts of technology, we prepare them to think critically about the role of computers in our world:

Topics taught in Key Stage 3:

Year 7

· Basic IT skills and Online Safety

· Computer Hardware

· Microbit

· Excel

· Flowol

· Photoshop

Year 8

· Networks

· Binary

· HTML

· Python

· Artificial Intelligence

Year 9

· Computer System Architecture

· Logic Gates

· Computational Thinking

· Advance Python

· Cyber Security and Risks

· Interface Project

Useful Resources https://www.w3schools.com/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvc9q6f

Assessment details

At the end of each half term, students are assessed through topic tests and practical tasks, allowing us to evaluate their progress effectively. Teachers provide ongoing feedback during lessons, ensuring that students receive timely insights into their performance. This continuous support is designed to help our pupils reach their full potential and achieve their best outcomes

KS4

At Key Stage 4 the department offers two subjects which lead to two pathways of study to suit the needs of our pupils at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

We regularly review the ICT and Computing curriculum to ensure that all our pupils develop up to date knowledge and skills fit for the 21st century workplace and needs of the society. We look to provide an exciting and innovative curriculum with different pathways to suit the needs of our pupils.

We currently offer the following:

1. Information Technology (Edexcel)
Level 2 BTEC in Digital Information Technology

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is a qualification which for pupils who like creative computing. It equips young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills to create effective digital products and to work appropriately within the digital environment.

Topics covered are:

Unit 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques

Pupils will:

Explore user interface design and development principles
Investigate how to use project planning techniques to manage a digital project
Discover how to develop and review a digital user interface

Unit 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

Pupils will:

Explore how data impacts on individuals and organisations
Analyse and draw conclusions and make recommendations on data intelligence
Develop a dashboard using data manipulation tools

Unit 3: Effective Digital Working Practices

Pupils will:

Explore how modern information technology is evolving
Consider legal and ethical issues in data and information sharing
Understand what cyber security is and how to safeguard against it.

2. Computer Science GCSE (OCR)

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces pupils to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Pupils apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Practical programming

Pupils are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Pupils will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).

KS5

At Key Stage 4 the department at offers two subjects which lead to two pathways of study to suit the needs of our pupils at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Computer Science and Information Technology.

We currently offer the following:

1. Information Technology (Edexcel)
Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Information Technology

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Nationals in Information Technology is a qualification which is a modern, work-related qualification which progresses into higher education or. Pupils develop high-level skills employers and universities look for such as teamwork, creative thinking and presentation skills the opportunity to build independent research and study skills essential for success at university and in the work-place.

Topics covered are:

Unit 1 Information and Technology Systems (External Assessment)

Unit 2 Creating Systems to Manage Information (External Assessment)

Unit 3 Using Social Media in Business (Internal Assessment)

Unit 6 Web Development (Internal Assessment)

2. Computer Science A-Level (OCR)

At AS level, the pupils will need to demonstrate the ability to research the different topics and gather and present information to their peers. They will also need to learn how to use a range of software applications effectively including a scripting language and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of real ICT organisations.

Topics covered are:

Components of a computer
Systems software
Software development
Exchanging data
Networks and web technologies
Data types
Data structures
Boolean algebra
Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues
Computational thinking
Programming techniques
Algorithms

Cambridge Technical (OCR) Level 3 Introductory Diploma

The Cambridge Technical Level 3 IT course offers students a dynamic and industry-focused curriculum that prepares them for a range of careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering essential topics such as programming, data management, and computer systems. Students engage in hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. With an emphasis on digital literacy and emerging technologies, this course equips learners with the expertise needed to thrive in today's digital world and pursue further education or employment in IT.

Topics covered are:

Unit 1 Fundamentals of IT

Unit 2 Global Information

Unit 5 Virtual And Augmented Reality

Unit 13 Social Media And Digital Marketing

Unit 17 Internet of Everything

Careers

Studying ICT or Computer Science can lead into many opportunities in the technology sector and many others as technology continues to develop around us.

Possible specialist careers with Computer Science include:

Application analyst
Applications developer
Cyber security analyst
Data analyst
Database administrator
Forensic computer analyst
Game designer
Games developer
Information systems manager
IT consultant
Software engineer
Systems analyst
UX designer
Web designer
Web developer