Philosophy and Vision
Over the next 10 years there will 1.4 million jobs in Computing. But there will only be 400,000 qualified people available. Most Job require people to be computer literate as technology is advancing our society. It is our job to prepare the youth of today for our ever-changing world and job landscape. Computing is not a study of computers but of how we see our world.
Computing teachers at Wellfield School support the new Computing curriculum. The focus of the new programme of study moves towards programming and other aspects of Computing. Programming has been part of the ICT national curriculum for some time but has frequently been overlooked or treated superficially. However, there is more to Computing than Programming. Computing incorporates techniques and methods for solving problems and advancing knowledge and includes a distinct way of thinking and working that sets it apart from other disciplines. The role of Programming and Development in Computing is similar to that of practical work in other sciences – it provides motivation and a context within which ideas are brought to life. We strongly believe that Computing also provided cross curricular links to a wide range of other areas of study. Computing as a subject helps to opens door to careers in all walks of life not just the computing industry.
Our simple vision is that all students enjoy and learn about the developing world we live in through the eyes of technology. We believe there are no limits to what you can achieve if you dare to try. Every failure is one more step closer to success. As Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
Curriculum overview
All students in year 7 and 8 study Computing. During their KS3 studies students will learn to understand and apply fundamental principles of Computing such as Problem Solving, Logic, Algorithms, and Data representation. They will learn the vital life of Computation Thinking to solve problems and evaluate information using technology. Students will also become responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of Information and Communication Technology. Digital Literacy is a life-long skills our students will thrive on.
KS4 Curriculum (Y9-11) – links to GCSE specifications
BTEC Digital Information
This course is our vocational route option. The course is made up of three components. Components 1 and 2 are coursework based and Components 3 is an externally accessed exam. Component 1 involves pupils exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques. Pupils will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface. Component 2 involves pupils collecting, presenting, and interpreting data. Pupils will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information. Component 3 involves pupils learning about effective working practices. Pupils will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use. Pupils will then be examined on this knowledge. Pupils must pass all 3 elements to achieve an overall grade of a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.
Computer Science
This course is a challenging option for budding future programmers. It will run alongside the BTEC Digital Information and is offered to those who show an aptitude for programming in the lower school. It has two themes running throughout the course. The first theme is programming. The language used is Python a structured language that ensures pupils develop good habits in structuring their programs and writing efficient code that solve a wide variety of problems they are presented with. There is a piece of coding coursework that help develop practical skills needed for the real world and their final examination. The second theme deals with the theoretical side of computing. This includes looking at the components of a computer system, the peripheral devices needed and the way that a computer operates internally as well as how people are able to interface with the machine and the social aspects of computer use. Pupils will earn their final grade from sitting two final exam papers worth 50% each.
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/
KS3 Curriculum (Y7-8)
Teaching in year 7 is designed to introduce students to their technology life at Wellfield school and build their digital skills knowledge. They will learn a wide range of skills and educational structures that they will need to be successful at the new GCSE with its increased demands for the ability to understand, apply, evaluate, and justify their knowledge and reasoning. In year 7 students will learn about technology in the wider world and the impact that it has on their lives though the topic of E-Safety. They will gain an understanding of Abstraction, Decomposition, Computational Thinking, and Algorithms through the topic of Visual Programming with KODU. Students will learn about Data Representation, Modelling and Finance using Spreadsheets and Data Analysis. They will be able to study the use of different Media’s used to communicate Finally, they will learn about how society has developed through the use of Networks and the Internet to be able to communication and share knowledge.
Teaching in year 8 students will learn advanced skills in Data Representation, Modelling, and data analysis using Spreadsheets. They will learn about how user Interface and Design impact the technology we use and meet user needs. They need to be able to understand the process of Research, Design, Development, Feedback, and Evaluation. They will develop cross links with other subjects by developing an informative interface basis on ‘Health Eating’. This topic links with Food/Design technology, Personal, Social and Health Education and science. Student will study programming concepts using Python, which builds prior knowledge for studying GCSE Computer Science. Finally, student will learn about Binary and Logic to understand how a computer works and understands data.
Students will acquire the following Digital Literacy Skills during the core modules such as word processing, spreadsheets, Desk Top Publishing, User Interfaces, Networks, Internet and Research, Programming, Problem Solving, Thinking Skills, Animation, Email.
Assessment
Throughout the academic year, students are prepared for and formally assessed in 4 teaching modules each year. Students are assessed in each module 3 different ways such as Knowledge checking, Practical assessment and module exams. All assessment during KS3 prepare the students for our expectations and demands of the future GCSE examinations.
