Classrooms have interactive whiteboards and all teachers have laptops.

Computing and ICT in the Curriculum

Year 7  (one hour per week)

After an initial foundation project, which supports the transition from Primary to Secondary school, pupils work on a series of projects based on the Computing curriculum, including basic algorithms, core file management skills and programming in Scratch. They learn how to use our OneDrive cloud storage and Office Online systems, developing their presentation and word-processing skills using applications such as Word and PowerPoint. Pupils are also introduced to BBC micro:bits to explore simple physical computing. Throughout the year, eSafety is taught explicitly, including how to use AI tools safely and responsibly, so that pupils understand how to stay safe and make good choices online.

Year 8 (one hour a week)

Year 8 builds on the foundations laid in Year 7 and introduces pupils to the basics of Python programming through a series of small, structured projects. Pupils continue to use Scratch as a bridge between block-based and text-based programming, helping them to transfer their understanding of sequence, selection and iteration into Python. They also study binary and data representation, and learn about the roles of hardware and software in a computer system. Later in the year, pupils are introduced to simple database concepts, developing an understanding of how data can be stored, organised and searched effectively.

Year 9 (one hour a week)

With GCSE options in mind, Year 9 reinforces pupils’ Python programming skills and develops them into more challenging projects, giving more able pupils clear opportunities to extend and deepen their learning. Early in the year, pupils receive updated, age-appropriate e-safety guidance relevant to their online lives. They then study binary arithmetic and logic gates to strengthen their understanding of how computers process data at a low level, and explore how AI works in more detail, considering its safe, responsible use in the real world. The year finishes with a project in which pupils practise their office and research skills by developing a small digital campaign.

Year 10 and Year 11 (Three hours per week)

Pupils follow the AQA GCSE Computer Science course. During Year 10, pupils study all of the theory pertaining to GCSE Computer Science and they are regularly tested and assessed. They implement the three core algorithms in a range of circumstances so that they become confident programmers. They re-visit all of the theory again in Year 11 to consolidate and develop their knowledge whilst coding a solution to the exam board’s annually-set project. We believe the practical programming aspect of this course to be of absolute importance, despite the qualification resting on the strength of two written exams; we shall continue to prepare our pupils as practical and self-reliant programmers ready for further challenges.

A Level Computing (Five hours per week)

Students learn a range of programming techniques and data structures and are introduced to a number of programming languages and programming paradigms. Students complete a programming project to solve a “real-life” problem, which makes up 20% of the assessment. There are two external exams, the first of which is a screen-based exam of short answer questions, plus a programming challenge based on previously-analysed skeleton code. The second paper tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding through a series of short and extended answer questions. Students get their teeth into Reverse Polish Notation, Boolean algebra, finite state machines, trees, stacks and graphs, and computer architecture. A large percentage of our students go on to study Computing at university or take up a degree-level apprenticeship. Some students have studied Oxbridge Computing degrees and we are proud of the number of female students we have supported over the years too.