Computing
Computing
At The Angmering School we aim to inspire our students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills they need to become confident, resilient and responsible users of computing technologies who are able to adapt to an ever changing technological landscape. Our school’s values of Ambition, Respect and Courage are embedded within our curriculum.
Ambition is embedded through our high expectations for every learner via challenging exercises across a range of different applications and computing disciplines
Respect is built through building our understanding of our personal responsibility to protect our own and others online safety, for instance considering our digital footprint and responsible use of AI
Courage is developed through developing problem solving skills for instance through the exercise of programming in a variety of languages and contexts
The curriculum aims to be ambitious and inclusive for all learners regardless of starting point. We adapt our lessons and resources to support students with SEND and disadvantaged students through adaptive teaching, modelling, scaffolding and practical learning opportunities.
We aim to develop the three core strands of computing; IT (how to use computers), Digital literacy (how to use computers responsibly) and computer science (how computers work) as we move through our curriculum with the aim that all students leave us as competent, responsible and knowledgeable users of computing able to adapt to an evolving world.
Students say…
"I like how it’s not all programming and we learn more about how computers actually work, for example learning about what to look for when buying the components of a computer such as the different characteristics of a CPU".
"I really enjoy the challenge of computer programming and have enjoyed working in pairs to program games such as rock paper scissors, battleships and text based role-playing games…"
Computing in KS3 follows the National Curriculum and is centred around the three central strands of Computer Science (the study of how computers work), ICT (the study of how to use computers) and Digital Literacy (the study of how to use computers responsibly) which are interleaved across the units of the curriculum.
What will my child study in year 7?
- How to use computers (mechanics, essential google apps, online safety)
- How computers work 1 (hardware, binary representation)
- Internet safety
- Programming algorithms (designing using flowcharts, flowol, microbits)
- Connected world (website building)
- Revision techniques for our end of year exam
What will my child study in year 8?
- Further programming (with python)
- Data science (with spreadsheets)
- How computers work 2 (binary, networks, encryption)
- Internet safety
- Creative IT (Vectors Vs. Bitmaps)
- Revision techniques for our end of year exam
What will my child study in year 9?App Development (with AppLab)
- How computers work 3 (famous algorithms, circuits, cybercrime and legislation)
- Internet safety
- Graphical programming (with python, snap and microbits)
- 3D Modelling & Animation (with blender)
- Revision techniques for our end of year exam
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Students are taught in mixed ability groups
Students are taught in mixed ability groups
What equipment is needed?
Students are expected to bring their standard school equipment. Each student will have access to a Windows operating system based desktop computer in one of our dedicated, modern computing labs.
What assessment is used? (formative and summative)
Assessment includes both formative assessment during lessons and summative assessment at the end of units.
How do you give feedback to students?
Formative feedback is provided through a variety of methods, such as whole-class feedback, and verbal guidance. We often utilise screen control to either model an approach or to display a student's work on screen to provide live feedback and the chance to improve the work in real-time for all students to benefit from.
What course(s) is/are offered?
OCR Computer Science GCSE J277
The specification can be found here:
What will my child study in year 10?
Your child will study the following units:
- Systems architecture
- Memory & storage
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Ethical, legal, privacy, cultural and environmental impacts
- Boolean logic
What will my child study in year 11?
Your child will study the following units:
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Producing robust programs
- Network security
- Systems software
- Programming languages and integrated development environments
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed via two exam papers which are each one hour and thirty minutes long.
What course(s) is/are offered?
AQA Computer Science A-Level
The specification can be found here:
What will my child study in year 12?
Your child will study a mix of practical skills and theoretical computer science knowledge:
The units they will study in Y12 will include Fundamentals of programming, data structures, data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture and consequences of uses of computing
What will my child study in year 13?
Your child will study a mix of practical skills and theoretical computer science knowledge:
The units they will study in Y13 will include Fundamentals of communication and networking, Theory of computation, big data and functional programming.
They will also work towards completing their independent programming project NEA.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed via two examination papers each worth 40%.
An independent programming project NEA worth 20% of their final grade is also completed.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
This A level can be the start of a career in computing in any sector, online development, video gaming, software engineering, finance, 3D rendering etc. It is also a very useful support to any science or mathematical based career. Additional career opportunities that are growing fast are cyber security, data analysis and computer forensics which again the A-level provides a starting foundation.
The Computing department is made up of three dedicated professionals with a passion for computing and success in delivering strong outcomes at GCSE and A-Level. We have considerable subject and industry experience in our team from software engineering to business analysis which enables us to teach with a view on the real world reality.
We combine practical experiences of teaching computing in tandem with the conceptual aspects of the subject. Students are typically engaging in using various forms of software and tools as they navigate their curriculum. Our teaching approach focuses strongly on modelling to the students techniques and skills such as programming solutions to challenges. We often complete project work, such as designing, developing, testing and evaluating a phone app which they are able to show at home if they wish.
We aim to interleave the disciplines of IT skills, computer science and digital literacy across our units of work so that students develop a rounded set of skills and knowledge ready to pursue computing at a higher level as well as support them in their other subjects and personal lives. Knowledge retention is supported by regularly revisiting core concepts, as well as low-stakes quizzes, retrieval based practice and regular deliberate practice.
Computing supports the development of literacy, numeracy and of course technology skills, with key vocabulary identified, taught and revisited. We promote numeracy in a number of ways such as when we visit the concepts of binary or in data science when analysing data in spreadsheets.
In KS3, there is a homework set for every unit of work, which usually takes the form of revision work for assessments which could include completing an online revisional quiz. Students log in with their normal school Google log-ins.
In KS4, students will generally be assigned homework every other week, which usually takes the form of consolidation work. We use platforms such as Seneca and Isaac Computing, as well as exam practice questions.
In KS5, students will be assigned a mix of preparation for new learning (flip learning), consolidation work using online platforms such as Isaac Computer Science or exam practice questions. Students will also from towards the end of Y12 and into Y13 be expected to be completing work towards their independent programming project each week.
We run a lunchtime club each week over KS3 students where students have an opportunity to use the computers to further progress their knowledge and skills in the subject. We have run sessions around lego robotics programming, cyberexplorers by the UK Gov and blender 3D modelling. There is also the opportunity for students to use the sessions to complete their home learning across their subjects on online platforms such as Sparx and Educake.
Each week we also run a lunchtime support session available to KS4/5 where we work with them to master challenging parts of the syllabus as well as give them the opportunity to have a space to practice or complete their independent programming work.
We regularly invite our alumni to come into our lessons to talk to our students about their experiences in work or higher education to help show the pathway from class to getting into the industry.
We have also entered competitions, for instance the Y8 CyberGirls competition where multiple teams of girls compete nationally with a cybersecurity focus.
In addition, we have recently arranged a trip to visit the Apple UK headquarters in London for some of our computer science students to help them understand more about career opportunities in the computing industry.
