Computing & IT
KS3
The intent of the Computing Curriculum
The Computing curriculum at Sir John Leman High School has been created to develop students’ practical computing skills in a range of software applications, as well as develop their understanding of the science behind how computers work.
How is the Computing Curriculum implemented?
There topics we cover in Computing each term (listed below) which are taught through lesson-based projects. This enables students to use and develop their computing skills in a real world context.
Each topic will be assessed by the completion of a discrete task or test that covers the materials and checks the students’ ability to apply and use their knowledge. All assessed tasks will be marked and the results recorded on Go4Schools. There will be at least 1 homework task (published on Go4Schools) each half term which will be based around the topic that is currently being taught.
ere are 6 Computing based topics each term (listed below) which are taught through lesson-based projects. This enables students to use and develop their computing skills in a real world context.
Curriculum Road Map - Computing & IT
Curriculum Sequencing Plan - Computing and IT
The impact of the Computing Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
The key impact of the KS3 Computing curriculum is to increase student confidence and knowledge in key areas, providing them with a good foundation for further study at KS4 in either GCSE Computer Science or Creative i-Media.
How is it assessed?
Each section of the curriculum will be assessed by use of an assessed task that covers the materials and assess the students ability to apply and use their knowledge. All assessed tasks will be marked and the results recorded on the task cover sheet and the results will be entered on Go4Schools.
How can I help my child?
You can help your child by encouraging them to use the computer at home and to practice the skills they learnt in class. Encourage them to use Sam Learning, which is a great resource for extended learning and improving subject knowledge. Help you child with their Computing homework projects by encouraging them to complete the challenging topics.
Creative iMedia (KS4)
The intent of the Creative iMedia Curriculum
Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia focuses on the creative side of ICT and digital media, including graphic design, web development, and interactive multimedia products.
This course is suited to students who want to go into the more creative side of ICT.
How is the Creative iMedia Curriculum implemented?
Creative iMedia in the media industry
In this unit, students will learn about the sectors, products and job roles that form the media industry. They will learn the legal and ethical issues considered and the processes used to plan and create digital media products. They will learn how media codes are used within the creation of media products to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences. They will learn to choose the most appropriate format and properties for different media products. Completing this unit will provide students with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative job roles within the media industry.
Visual identity and digital graphics
In this unit, students will learn how to develop visual identities for clients. They will also learn to apply the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics, which incorporate their visual identity to engage a target audience. Completing this unit will introduce the foundations for further study or a wide range of job roles within the media industry.
Digital games
In this unit, students will learn to interpret client briefs to devise original digital game concepts. They will learn to plan digital games effectively and to use a game design document to create engagement among developers and clients. They will learn to create, edit, test and export playable digital games, which they have designed. Completing this unit will provide students with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative and technical job roles within the media industry.
Curriculum Road Map - Creative iMedia
The impact of the Creative iMedia Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
Creative iMedia in the media industry is assessed by a one hour thirty minute written exam and the other two units are Non-Examined Assessments (NEAs) and are centre-assessed and externally moderated by an OCR Visiting Moderator.
What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?
- OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia
From the Cambridge National in Creative iMedia you could go on to study A Levels in Computer Science, Electronics, or ICT, or continue to study Apprenticeships or Diplomas in Engineering or Cambridge Technicals in IT (levels 2 and 3). - Career directions might include: Games Developer, Web Designer, Network Manager, Computer programmer, Teaching, IT Help and Support, and IT Analysis.
Computer Science (KS4)
The intent of the Computer Science Curriculum
Computer Science will enable students to acquire and apply knowledge, some technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming in a range of contexts. Mathematical ability and understanding is important to enable success in this course.
Use their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning users of IT, able to make informed decisions about the use and awareness of the implications of different technologies.
Develop computer programs to solve problems. It is very important that students are resilient and persevere in problem solving. They will develop the skills to work collaboratively.
Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of, and issues related to, the use of computer technology in society.
This course is suited to students who want to go more into the side of IT.
Curriculum Road Map - Computer Science
How is the Computer Science Curriculum implemented?
Unit 01 – Computer Systems
The first component is an exam focused on computer systems covering the physical elements of computer science and the associated theory. This unit will cover: Systems architecture, memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers, network security, system software, data representation and moral, social, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.
Unit 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
This component is focused on the core theory of computer science and the application of computer science principles. This unit will cover: Translators and facilities of languages, algorithms, high- and low-level programming, computational logic and programming techniques, design, development, effectiveness and efficiency, technical understanding, testing, evaluation and conclusions and a programming challenges and a programming project.
The impact of the Computer Science Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
By examination. Units 01 and 02; Computer systems and computational thinking, algorithms and programming units are assessed by examination and worth 50% for each of the two exams.
What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?
OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science
You could go on to study A Levels in Computer Science, Electronics, or ICT, or go on to study apprenticeships or Diplomas in Engineering or Cambridge Technicals in IT (levels 2 and 3).
Career directions might include Games Developer, Web Designer, Network Manager, Computer programmer and Teaching
Computer Science (KS5)
Computer Science – A-Level Qualification
Examining Body:
OCR
Entry Criteria:
Ideally Grade 5 GCSE Computer Science (or equivalent) plus Grade 6 GCSE Mathematics
Course Leader:
Mr P Robinson
Why? :
Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. This is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement which will help students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. This Computer Science qualification will be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer Science at degree level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.
Course Structure:
The course consists of the following units:
Computing Systems (40%) - Assessed by an examination (2hr 30 mins).
It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following:
• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues.
Algorithms and Programming (40%) - Assessed by an examination (2hr 30 mins).
There will be a short scenario contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem solving. Areas covered include:
• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem solving and programming
• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Programming Project (20%) - This will be a portfolio based assessment. Students will choose a programming problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification for which they will need to develop a solution using an appropriate programming language (for example Python). Students will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement the solution and give a thorough evaluation
Extended Learning:
Students will need to devote a significant amount of time out of lessons to progress with their programming skills which is critical to their success. This will involve completing both online and workbook tutorials. In addition there will be a range of extended learning tasks that will include research activities and practice exam questions.
Curriculum Road Map - Computer Science
Digital Games Production (KS5)
Digital Games Production – Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Digital Games Production
Examining Body:
Edexcel
Entry Criteria:
Level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements and having gained a qualification in Level 2 Creative iMedia of similar subject would be advantageous
Course Leader:
Mr P Robinson
Why? :
This qualification, equivalent to one A Level, is designed to provide an introduction to digital games production and is suitable for learners who are looking to progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, employment or to higher education / training. You will develop skills in areas such as game development, 3D modelling and games testing. It is expected you will engage with sector employers as part of the course, where you will be given opportunities to develop practical skills in preparation for employment.
Course Structure:
You will develop skills using industry standard game making software such as Blender, Construct 3 and Unreal Engine with an emphasis on games development. The course is made up of the following 5 units:
• Digital Games Production – Covering game genres and the principles of game design, in this unit you will design and make your own digital game. You will learn about the main features of different types of games and the key elements to think about when designing them. You will gather the graphics, sounds and other assets to make your chosen game while creating a level design for your game and creating it in a game engine.
• Digital Media Skills – This unit allows you to demonstrate, through constructing a digital game, the skills you have developed in media production across other units. You will learn to work to a client brief relating to a specific media sector and choose the format and medium for your digital game. You will demonstrate your understanding of production and post-production activities by working on the skills required to produce the product, and by preparing appropriate documentation.
• 3D Modelling – You will understand how 3D models for games are structured, used and produced before planning and creating 3D models for use in a 3D game engine. You will learn how 3D models are structured, what they are used for, the different elements in them and plan ideas for your own. You will also import your models into the engine and check to make sure they function effectively.
• 3D Environments - You will understand the components of 3D environments and texture types, plan a 3D environment, make textures for it and build it in a 3D game engine. You will learn about the tools in a 3D game engine that enable a game world to look really good and the different types of textures that make models, terrain and other game elements look so impressive. You will also plan and create graphics to go on models and surfaces in a game environment before planning and building that environment.
• 3D Digital Animation - You will explore the purposes, development and technical characteristics of 3D animation while developing the appropriate skills. 3D animation is extensively used for a variety of purposes. In this unit, you will learn about the different uses of 3D animation and develop skills in digital tools and techniques, creating a final 3D animation for use in a media product
Extended Learning:
Students will need to devote a significant amount of time to a range of extended learning tasks that will include research activities, portfolio based tasks and practice exam questions.