Computing
Computing Vision Statement
Empowering Future Innovators: Cultivating Excellence in Computing at Hellesdon High School
In our vision for the Computing Department at HHS, we aspire to be a dynamic and forward-thinking hub that nurtures the next generation of digital pioneers. Our mission is to inspire, challenge, and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset essential for success in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
At HHS our Computing curriculum across KS3 to KS5 is designed to provide students with a cohesive learning experience that aims to foster computational thinking, technological literacy and digital skills while nurturing creativity, problem-solving abilities and ethical considerations.
1. Holistic Learning Journey: Our curriculum aims to provide a seamless learning journey from KS3 to KS5, building upon prior knowledge and skills while introducing new and advanced concepts as the students move up the school. Students will develop a strong foundation in both IT and Computing, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of technology, its applications and its impact on society.
2. Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving: We aim to place a strong emphasis on developing computational thinking skills across the curriculum. Students will learn to approach problems analytically, break them down into manageable components, design algorithms and develop efficient solutions. The goal is to empower students to confidently tackle complex challenges, not just within the IT and Computing domains but also in broader contexts.
3. Technological Literacy: Our curriculum aims to develop students' technological literacy, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, and operations behind IT and Computing systems. From hardware and software to networks, databases and cybersecurity, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying technologies that drive digital systems.
4. Practical Application and Project-based Learning: As the students move up the school our students will increasingly engage in a range of projects and practical exercises, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. By working on authentic problems, they will develop creativity and critical thinking abilities while gaining practical experience in programming, product development and more.
5. Ethical and Responsible Technology Use: We instil a strong sense of ethics and responsible use of technology in our students. Our curriculum explores the social, legal, and ethical implications of IT and Computing. Students will examine topics such as data privacy, cybersecurity, digital rights and the impact of technology on society. They will develop the skills to make informed decisions, act responsibly and become ethical digital citizens.
6. Preparation for Further Study and Careers: Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for further study and careers in the IT and Computing fields. Students will develop a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve as a stepping stone for advanced study or employment opportunities.
7. Integration of Emerging Technologies: Our curriculum recognizes the significance of emerging technologies and their impact on the IT and Computing fields. We introduce students to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and cloud computing. We also have a set of VR headsets which the students are encouraged to use and can even borrow. Our discussion on how we are "using technology in an innovative way in our school" was published in an article in Leader magazine. We believe that by staying at the forefront of technological advancements, students will be well-equipped to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.
By aligning our curriculum with these core principles, we aim to empower our students to become versatile, adaptable and ethical IT and Computing professionals. They will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue higher education, enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the digital world, ensuring a positive impact on society.
Useful Links
Examination Courses
Key Stage 4
OCR GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. It is an intensely creative subject that involves invention and excitement. The Computer Science qualification values computational thinking, problem solving and system design.
Computer Science is a great way to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to further learning and to everyday life. Computer Science contributes towards the English Baccalaureate and is considered the fourth Science.
Assessments
Computer Systems - examination (50%)
Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming - examination (50%)
OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia
The Cambridge National in Creative iMedia equips students with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed to work in the creative digital media sector. They start at pre-production and develop their skills through practical assignments as they create final multimedia products.
Most of the qualification is tested by coursework that is set and marked by the class teacher and moderated by the exam board throughout Years 10 and 11. If students like project work, enjoy research and doing practical things, they will enjoy Creative iMedia.
The course structure overview and assessment can be seen below:
Pre-Production Skills – this unit will enable students to understand pre-production skills used in the creative and digital media sections. This is assessed by a written examination which is worth 40% of the qualification.
Creating Digital Graphics – this unit is for students to understand the basic of digital graphics editing for the creative and digital media section. This is assessed by internal coursework which is worth 25% of the qualification.
Additional units include:
Creating a Multipage Website & Designing a Computer Game. Both of these units are assessed by internal coursework which are each worth 35% of the qualification.
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, students have the opportunity to study either or both of the following courses:
OCR Computer Science
Unit 1: Computer Systems 40% (exam)
This is an examined unit covering the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices, software and software development, exchanging data, data types, data structures and algorithms, legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues.
Unit 2: Algorithms and Programming 40% (exam)
This is an examined unit covering computational thinking, including programming and problem solving, pattern recognition, software development, abstraction and decomposition, algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms.
Unit 3: Computer Systems 20% (coursework)
This unit gives students a chance to demonstrate their programming ability learnt throughout the course. To complete this project, students will need to analyse a problem, design a solution and give a thorough evaluation.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Information Technology (A Level equivalent)
The course consists of two external examinations for the following units of study:
- Creating systems to manage information (5 hour exam)
- Information Technology Systems (2 hour exam)
There are two internal coursework assessments for the following units of study:
- Using social media in business
- Website Development
