Computer Science
at Bishop Perowne Church of England College
Intent
At Bishop Perowne, in Computer Science our intent is to educate students to be ethical and creative in order to apply their knowledge and skills in an increasingly technological world.
In a typical lesson, learning could look very different. Part of the lesson could be devoted to coding and developing decomposition and problem solving skills while another part could be focused on knowledge of threats to networks. While these two aspects of the curriculum could, at face value, appear very different, the ability to highlight the commonality and interdependence between them is crucial to developing students understanding of the subject area.
Overall our goal is to prepare students for further education, higher education and jobs in the ever changing landscape in Computer Science. A good number of students go on to further study.
Key Stages 3 & 4
year 7
In year 7 students begin by learning about our school network and how to safely use computers. They go on to utilise a range of themes to explore a range of creative design, programming and logic skills.
Year 8
Year 8 starts with considering the ethical and practical nature of AI and it’s impact on society. As the year progresses students being programming with python in order to create practical solutions to thematic challenges such as building a ticketing system for a travel agent. This is alongside more creative endeavours such as writing, recording and editing a script to advertise a school fete.
Year 9
Year 9 begins by exploring what the future of technology could look like and what impact tis could have on our cultural. They go on to apply marketing and creative skills to practical endeavours such as a mobile phone shop and creating an App to support users to stay cybersafe.
KS4
In CS students will develop the ability to think logically in order to solve real world problems using high level programming skills. We program predominantly in Python which is used by Google, NASA and a wide variety of industries.
Further to this students will learn how computer hardware works together to form networks and develop an understanding of how this shapes their experience of technology.
We aim to give students the skills to become critical users of technology through the analysis of current issues which will impact them now and in their future. In order to support this they will also use and interrogate data in order to develop their ability to find trends and information from a data set.
Assessment & Lessons
Assessment in KS3 is done via a combination of project based creative work and more traditional written assessment.
At Key Stage 4, students can opt to specialise in their GCSE choice. We offer two options of iMedia and Computer Science.
iMedia OCR Cambridge Nationals is a creative course which involves planning, designing and creating different multimedia and printed works through a range of scenarios. This is assessed with two pieces of coursework done in lessons and one exam completed in year 11.
OCR GCSE Computer Science is a more traditional computing course which focuses on programming and developing logical reasoning skills, considering threats and performance issues to networks, cultural and ethical implications of technology and a wide range of other aspects.
Enrichment & Co-curricular
Students have the opportunity to take part in a Girls Coding Club which has been hugely successful this year and is delivered on a Friday lunchtime by Ms Preece.
We also offer a coding club for KS3 boys run by Mr Bradshaw.
Students will get the opportunity to speak to industry professionals working in a wide range of computing industries such as sport, software development, cyber and networking.
