Wigmore School
Academy Trust

Computing

Intent

We aim to provide all students with a high-quality computing education that equips them to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and be able to contribute to the rapidly changing world. They will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. Students will have the opportunity to write programs, design animations, produce web pages and produce professional digital products to evaluate and analytically solve problems. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be responsible, confident, competent, creative and independent learners. It is our intention that at Wigmore they have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this. Students will be studying a new curriculum devised by the NCCE (National Centre for Computing Education) which will effectively prepare them with the knowledge, skills and technical vocabulary to fully embrace a future of rapidly advancing computer technology.

Implementation

Key Stage 3

Six components are studied in each year. This consists of six lessons per half term, plus time built in to allow for a spaced learning focus.

• In Year 7 we have 4 lessons per fortnight each lasting 55 minutes.
• In Year 8 we have 4 lessons per fortnight each lasting 55 minutes.
• In Year 9 we have 4 lessons per fortnight each lasting 55 minutes.

Key Stage 4

The Pearson Edexcel 1CP2 GCSE course is followed, and we have 7 periods a fortnight in Year 11 and 6 periods per fortnight in Year 10 each lasting 55 minutes. The qualification will be studied over a two year period and involves understanding and applying the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. During the two years, students will learn how to:

•  Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including designing, writing and debugging programs.
•  Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
•  Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
•  Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
•  Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

Link to the GCSE Computer Science specification

Vocational Award ICT

Intent

Our intent with the WJEC Vocational ICT course (Technical Award) is to build on the learning that has already taken place at Key Stage 3. We aim to recognise the value of learning skills, acquiring knowledge and using vocational attributes in a digital context to complement other GCSEs. We feel it is essential to give students the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge underpinned with the appropriate skills, so that they can use these in a practical learning environment. Broadening experiences and skills participation covering different types of digital activities, will allow the opportunity to apply their knowledge and use these skills. This will be done practically through project work, such as interrogating a database and using image manipulation.

Implementation

Two components are studied and focus on the assessment of knowledge, skills and practices. These are all essential in developing a basis for progression. Students must achieve both components to achieve the qualification. They are interrelated and are best seen as part of an integrated whole, rather than as two totally distinct study areas. We have 7 periods a fortnight in Year 11, each lasting 55 minutes and the qualification will be studied over a two-year period.

Link to the Vocational Award ICT specification