Computer Science & IT

TRANSITION | FOUNDATION | EXAMINATION | ADVANCED

The intent of the curriculum in this subject area is to develop a real thirst for learning through equipping students with the variety of skills to actively participate in a rapidly-changing world. The curriculum journey incorporates challenging and engaging topics, giving students the opportunity to develop their capability, creativity and subject knowledge regardless of their socio-economic background, ability or learning needs. 

The curriculum covers the three strands within Computer Science: Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology and is developed so that students are taught the principles of problem solving and computation. By developing knowledge, skills and understanding, our students learn to think rationally and logically through key computational concepts and experience. 

Students will develop a deeper understanding of all the technology that surrounds them by not just understanding how computer systems work, but how to put this knowledge to use through programming and problem solving. Students will also be equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content whilst also developing programming skills and be able to devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling students to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that students have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this by learning to program using block and text-based languages to create computer programs. This will give them the knowledge and enthralling experience across the different stages.

Our dynamic curriculum has also been designed with the ever evolving digital world in mind. It will ensure our students have sufficient knowledge to stay safe online, are aware of the dangers of technology so that they can use computers safely and responsibly. We teach a variety of different online safety topics in each year group to ensure our students have a great understanding of how technology can be misused, can confidently identify any risks and be able to report any concerns.

The Computer Science curriculum will also ensure that students become digitally literate and are able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through information technology, which will help prepare them for the future workplace and be active participants in a digital world. 

The curriculum will provide a focus on developing resilient learners who are able to recover from mistakes and effectively solve problems.