As passionate and enthusiastic users of technology, we believe our learners should have an appreciation of the amazing past, present and future devices, pioneers and milestones that impact us all. Much of our current technology is now merely consumed by end-users and we aim to broaden our learner’s horizons by showing how they can master the devices, stretching them beyond their limitations. Lessons will be practical, engaging and theoretical, with an emphasis on expanding their ideas through independent problem solving, research and presentation of solutions.
We aim to develop fundamental principles of both problem solving and effective use of current technology through a range of tasks and scenarios, linked to real-world ideas. Solving technical and commercial problems with software, code and creative ideas for the use of systems will upskill learners to meet the demands of local and national employers in this exciting field. The benefit of these problem-solving approaches are not just restricted to the subject area; students who master computational thinking can apply these to everyday situations, across all aspects of modern life.
Ethos
We study Computing and ICT at Key Stage 3 in order to develop and instil the personal and technical abilities that will enable students to be both employable and active in an ever-changing technological world. Students will become enthused to look beyond the limits of the devices of today, using computational thinking skills to solve problems that exist now and in the future. Learners completing Key Stage 3 will have an appreciation of both what a computer can do and how it accomplishes its tasks, as well as how devices can be responsibly and effectively used to enhance their lives both in and out of the workplace.
At Key Stage 4 and 5 we aim to provide students wishing to deepen their knowledge and skills in technology to become creative, independent and resilient digital users.
The Computing and ICT department teaches a wide range of digital skills, aimed at preparing young people for life in the 5th industrial age. Technology changes over the lifetime of most of our students have been rapid and far-reaching and we only expect this process to continue at an even faster pace.
The department delivers a wide curriculum in years 7 and 8 before offering the chance to specialise in Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 3
The Key Stage 3 curriculum is closely aligned to the National Curriculum and the concepts of E-Safety and Digital Citizenship. We aim to provide students with an understanding of the safe and effective use of technology that they can take onwards into the next phase of their education and beyond.
Topics covered include:
- Digital Literacy - Use of computers and software to solve problems and present information
- Computer Systems - Understanding of the hardware and software that make up the computer devices we use today, as well as what could change in the future,
- Digital Safety - Using technology safely and productively while being aware of the risks and dangers it could expose young people to.
- Computer programming - Developing ideas and solving problems using computer coding environments including Python and other visual programming languages.
- IT project - Using the technology and the skills learned to produce a digital product that meets a brief.
Subject Information | Year 7 Computing
Subject Information | Year 8 Computing
Subject Information | Year 9 Computer Science and IT
Key Stage 4
Computer Science:
We follow AQA 9-1 course at The Cottesloe School. This course covers systems and programming elements, allowing a student to gain an understanding of not just how to use a computer but how it works and how we can change the instructions it acts upon. Alongside the study of the world of computing, we focus on Computational Thinking. This is a process for solving problems that can be applied to almost any scenario and will arm students with a methodical approach to some of the most complex tasks.
The course’s main areas of study include:
- Data compression and representation, including binary
- CPU and other hardware components
- Designing solutions to computing problems
- Creating and testing computer code
- Understanding the ethical, legal and environmental aspects of the use of technology
Computer Science GCSE is currently assessed with two papers, each worth 80 marks. The mandatory programming project currently does not count towards the overall grade but is valuable in supporting exam preparation.
Year 10
Subject Information | Year 10 Information Technologies
Subject Information | Year 10 Computing and ICT - Creative iMedia
Year 11
Subject Information | Year 11 Computer Science
Subject Information | Year 11 OCR Information Technologies
Key Stage 5
Year 12
Subject Information | Year 12 Computer Science
Year 13
Subject Information - Computing Year 13 A-Level Computer Science
Last updated 8 November 2021