Computing

ICT is now an everyday part of any students developing world. Society today uses masses of information in many forms text, graphics, animated visual images and sounds. The increasing use of technology to put this information across to different audiences has changed the face of communication.
In recognition of this ICT has become a Core Subject at South Wirral High School.

Key Stage 3 Computing

Students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) are taught discrete ICT for one hour a week in one of five ICT suites. Also there are 2 option groups in Year 9 in which students develop their computing skills to a higher level. The curriculum, based on the New Computing Curriculum, involves pupils applying their ICT skills within a given context. The pupils learn to analyse problems, develop their own skills and solutions involving the following areas of study.

Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual – “Python”, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions

Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]

Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems

Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits

Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem

Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users

Create, reuse, revise and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability

Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognize inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns

Key Stage 4

GCSE ICT WJEC Board

Our WJEC GCSE course in Information and Communication Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for students to identify and solve real problems by designing information and communication systems in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests. Information and Communication Technology develops student’s interdisciplinary skills and their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence.

The course encourages the investigation and study of Information and Communication Technology in a variety of contexts. In these contexts the candidates are given opportunities to acquire competence, capability and critical skills through the creation, implementation, use and evaluation of a range of information and communication systems.

Students will study two units in preparation for 2 Controlled Assessments and 2 exams will be taken at the end of year 11.

Key Stage 5

Applied ICT

This course aims to produce effective, discerning ICT users

The qualification has an AS/A2 structure

AS

Three mandatory units
· The Information Age
· The Digital Divide
· The Knowledge Worker

A2

Three Units from AS plus two mandatory units
· Using Database Software
· Managing ICT Projects
· + One Optional Unit