Computer Science

Computer Science is concerned with the development of students’ problem-solving skills and teaching them to think logically to solve complex problems.

In Computer Science students create computer programs, build computer games, learn how a computer operates, build websites, learn to use a computer in a safe manner and develop their digital literacy skills.

Key Stage 3

Our Computer Science curriculum is both fun and stretching, covering aspects of Computer Science, digital literacy and creativity. The areas of study offer students broad experiences within the subject area. Over the course of Key Stage 3, students will have experienced and studied many different areas of Computer Science to give them a taste of what the subject entails.

Students study Computer Science for 45 minutes a week in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Assessment

Students sit end of topic tests or submit folders for formal marking.

Home Learning

None set in Year 7 and occasionally set in Years 8 and 9.

Key Stage 4

Students can select to study OCR GCSE Computer Science in Key Stage 4 or Cambridge Nationals in ICT.

OCR Computer Science

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

Builds on the foundation of knowledge acquired at Key Stage 3 and is intensely practical in nature. This qualification is assessed through two theory based examinations and one controlled assessment.

Students develop programming skills throughout the course in preparation to complete a controlled assessment during Year 11. This is a substantial project of 20 hours in duration. Topics are chosen from a range set by the examination board, but in recent years students have designed and developed programs such as complex calculators, hangman games, arithmetic quizzes and technical trouble-shooters.

As part of the theory based examination, students study many key topic areas; Systems Architecture, Networking and Protocols, Systems Security, Systems Software, Computational Thinking, Programming Techniques, Computational Logic, Data Representation and Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns.

Unit 1 Exam: Computer systems – This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems on which the examination will be based. 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (50%)

Unit 2 Exam: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming – This unit covers the data representation and computational logic and programming techniques. 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (50%)

Unit 3 Controlled Assessment: Programming project – Learners will need to design, create and test a fully coded solution. 20 hours programming task.

Cambridge Nationals in ICT (for assessment July 2018)

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-ict-level-1-2-j800-j810-j820/

Is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. This new Cambridge Nationals in ICT reflects this and provides students with a solid understanding of the subject which they can use in their working lives. In nature the course is very practical with 75% coursework and 25% examination.

The mandatory modules are:

Unit R001 Understanding computer systems:
Students will learn to understand how ICT can be used to meet business needs ICT to create business solutions. 1 hour Written exam.

Unit R002: Using ICT to create business solutions:
This unit will enable learners to develop ICT skills that would equip them to operate effectively in a business environment. Centre assessed tasks.

The optional modules which may be offered:

Unit R005:- Creating an interactive product using multimedia component
This unit will enable learners demonstrate creative flair by combining multimedia components to create a vibrant, energetic or stimulating www, webpage, or interactive product. Centre assessed tasks.

Unit R007:-Creating dynamic products using sound and vision
This unit will enable learners to learn skills that enable them to create, edit, enhance and save different types of digital video, sound and image. Centre assessed task.

Cambridge Certificate in Creative iMedia (from September 2018)

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817/

Creative iMedia students will complete the following units:

R081: Pre-production skills

R082: Creating digital graphics

R088: Creating a digital sound sequence

R087: Creating interactive multimedia products

Exam board OCR

Assessment: R001 is a written paper – 1 hour, 15 minutes, worth 60 marks. The remaining three units are Controlled Assessments which are internally marked then go through external moderation. Each unit is worth 25% of the final grade.

Home Learning

Home learning is once a week with both ICT/ Creative iMedia and Computer Science.

Key Stage 5

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technicals Certificate (AS in Y12) and Introductory Diploma (A Level in Y13). http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals-it-level-3-certificate-extended-certificate-introductory-diploma-foundation-diploma-diploma-05838-05842-2016-suite/

ICT Cambridge Technicals at Beaumont School is a popular option. It is a wide ranging subject that covers a range of current personal and ICT related components. These include communication and employability skills for ICT, Information systems, creating Interactive multimedia products and Website creation.

This can be taken as a one or two year course. In the first year students will take the two compulsory exam units. Students will look at and develop the skills that are directly relevant to employment situations, learning to work autonomously and effectively in an ICT context. In the second year they will also develop their understanding of specialist areas of ICT by looking at software use in industry, designing and creating their own products.

Assessment

First year: 2 units
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of IT.
Unit 2 – Global information.

Both units are written exams with a combination of multiple choice and long answer questions.

Second year: 3 units
There are a range of optional units which can be studied during this year. These will be practical, hands on units using a range of software including app, website and animation development and project manangement.

Home Learning

Once a week

Extra-curricular enrichment

KS3 Coding club
Yearly tips to Bletchley park and the National Computing museum.
Robotics trip Thorpe Park

Stretch & Challenge

The Computer Science faculty aims to enrich students learning beyond the classroom. We have developed close links with the University of Hertfordshire Computer Science faculty, as well as other companies and organisations.

Computer Science