ICT and Computing

 ICT and Computing Members of Staff:

  • Miss S Burton: Head of ICT and Computing
  • Mr J. Vyse: Learning Technologies Co-ordinator

Curriculum Overview 

Intent:  

In an ever changing, technologically advancing society it is necessary to equip our students with the desired skills needed for future life and work. With new technological jobs emerging that did not previously exist, it is vital that students are digitally literate, logical and adaptable thinkers who have the knowledge and skills to meet ever challenging and new demands of future society. 

The national curriculum for computing has been developed to equip young people in England with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives. Through the new programme of study for computing, they will learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, they will develop their ideas using technology, and create a range of digital content. 

At King Edward VI we aim to develop digitally literate students who have an interest and enthusiasm for technology and the amazing things it can do and contemplate what it is yet to do.  Embedding Literacy 

There are many key technological terms used throughout ICT and Computing so it is important students have an awareness of them and their definitions.  

Throughout the subject, there are occasions when students are asked to state, describe, explain and justify elements. Specific occasions include within the MicroPet, Scratch rides and reports, Sea Life Centre Apps and Adventure Quest Graphics. In KS4 and 5 these skills are even more paramount within the Cam Nats L1/2 iMedia and Cam Tec Level 3 IT. Students research areas, prepare proposals for clients and then evidence projects meeting client needs. Students must be clear and articulate in evidencing their work. Staff model high standards of literacy to enable students to produce clear evidence. 

Additionally in use with all year groups are websites such as ictworkout which tests knowledge of key words and concepts, teach-ict and Yacapaca. 

Digital Literacy is extremely important with emphasis on safe, effective web searching, analysis of bias and validity of sources and source recording. 

Encouraging Independence 

Students are encouraged to be independent and explore topics. There are many links to the outside world for students to see the relevance of ICT and Computing outside the classroom. Various materials are provided, again ictworkout, teach-ict, Yacapaca and also the iDEA Duke of York award.  

Students have to prioritise and manage their time particularly in KS4 and 5. 

In addition students in Y10 are offered the Microsoft Office Specialist – MOS course – in after school sessions that offers an accredited qualification outside of normal curriculum time. 

In KS3 we often have students in class who act as envoys passing on their knowledge and skills. 

Enrichment  

Students are offered a wealth of opportunities at King Edward VI.  

In terms of educational visits there have been many trips organised from Harry Potter World to Disneyland Paris. Students visited the Emmerdale Studios in Leeds where they took part in a workshop ‘From Script to Screen’ which explores how a real life soap opera is produced from storyboarding through to camera angles and lighting. 

Students in Y10 also visited the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford where they took part in an animation workshop looking at the production of Claymation. There were also exhibits on the growth of the internet and digital developments. In addition developments in TV, Photography and the use of IT in Sport. 

Y12 visited Lichfield Cathedral for a talk from a guest lecturer at Keel University on Artificial Intelligence and they took part in a debate on emerging forms of AI.  

As the Cambridge Tec L3 course involves a degree of ‘Meaningful Employer Involvement’ there are many opportunities to embrace this. Guest speakers have included Internet Radio DJs, Web Developers and a Senior Flood Risk Specialist.  Clients for projects have included Five Spires Academy, Lynne Bateman Careers Advice, Staffordshire Young Teem Fiction and Nuffield Health. This is an ongoing initiative and staff are always on the lookout for opportunities to enhance real world experiences and links. 

Within the subject there are many competitions/experiences students can take part in across all year groups. 

Students in all years take part in the Bebras competition, sponsored by Oxford University, trying out their computational thinking skills on progressively challenging puzzles. 

The Top 10% go through to The Tata Consultancy Services Oxford Computing Challenge (TCSOCC) which involved a series of progressively challenging programming tasks. 

Students from Years 8-13 enrol on the iDEA Award. A relatively new initiative to rival the Duke of Edinburgh but in digital form. Year 8 and 9 have been allocated badges to complete at home which tie in with the topics studied each term. 

Students will also take part in the Codementum competition. 

Many in class activities reflect key world events and experiences. 

Key Stage 3 

There are 3 main strands in the National Curriculum for Computing. The Computing at School guide for secondary teachers states that these are: 

  • Computer ScienceComputational Systems, Algorithms, Programming, Logic and Binary, Hardware Software. 
  • Information TechnologyCreative projects using multiple applications. Meeting user needs, designing for a given audience. Creating digital artefacts 
  • Digital LiteracyUse technology safely and responsibly. 

All 3 strands are covered throughout KS3 as well as tasks that support further work at KS4, KS5 and beyond. 

Y7 students are taught in form groups one hour a fortnight. Year 8 are taught in forms and 9 are taught in mixed ability sets. Both Y8 and 9 have one hour a week.  

STRAND  Year 7  Year 8  Year 9 
Computer Science 
  • Bebras Juinor 
  • Hour of Code 
  • Microbits 

 

  • Bebras Intermediate 
  • Computational Thinking  
  • Programming intro 
  • Python Turtle 
  • PC Basics – How computers work  
  • Ride Design/Simulation 
  • Bebras Intermediate 
  • Python Basics 
  • Web Design – html 
  • The Internet 

 

Information Technology 
  • Basic Spreadsheets 
  • Word Processing 
  • Presentations 
  • Dear Zoo 
  • Graphics 

 

  • Adventure Quest: 

Survey – Graphs in Spreadsheets 

  • Multimedia E-Book 
  • Spreadsheets – Advanced Functions 
  • Databases 
  • Graphics 
  • Desktop Publishing 
Digital Literacy 
  • Intro to Network 
  • Teams 
  • Typing  
  • Using Email 
  • E-Safety 

 

  • Folder Management 
  • Teams 
  • iDEA 

 

 

  • Folder Management 
  • Teams 
  • iDEA 

 

Assessment 

Student work is assessed in many ways including Yacapaca tests and Skill Checks in class. Teams acts as an electronic exercise book. 

Homework 

iDEA, planning and review tasks are used for homework. 

Key Stage 4 

There are 3 different qualifications taught at KS4: OCR GCSE Computer Science, OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia and the Microsoft Office qualification – MOS. 

OCR GCSE Computer Science 

Relevant to the modern, changing world of computing, the course is designed to boost computing skills essential for 21st century. The course has been created in conjunction with Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Computing At School (CAS). The OCR GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. 

OVERVIEW 

Component Title  Content Overview 
Computer Systems (01)  Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science. 
Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming 

(02) 

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators. 
Programming Project  Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B). 

Assessment 

There are 2 exams of 1 hour 30 mins each and a Programmimng Project to complete. In class there are Yacapaca tests and end of section tests. 

Homework 

Homework can consist of: 

  • Yacapaca quizzes 
  • Research/Challenge Tasks 
  • Flipped learning tasks 
  • Consolidation tasks 
  • Revision 

OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia 

The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will provide learners with opportunities to develop, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Learners will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products. 

The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will also challenge all learners, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and techniques; encouraging independence and creativity and providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the National Curriculum. 

Students will gain the following skills: 

  • Knowledge of the main preproduction skills and techniques that are integral to the planning and creation process when developing digital solutions.  
  • A range of skills in the use of digital packages to express creativity when designing a creative and digital media solution. 
  • Awareness of the associated legal requirements. 

Assessment 

The OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia consists of two mandatory units and two optional units. 

Unit  Assessment Method  Description 
Mandatory 
Pre-production skills  Written paper 

OCR set and marked 

1 hour 15 mins 

Developing the students’ understanding of preproduction skills that are used in the creative and digital media sector. 
Creating digital 

graphics 

Centre assessed tasks 

OCR moderated 

Plan and create new digital graphics to meet a specific client brief. 
Optional 
Creating digital characters  Centre assessed tasks 

OCR moderated 

Creating a digital character.  
Creating a digital animation  Centre assessed tasks 

OCR moderated 

Designing and developing a digital animation.  

Homework 

Homework can consist of: 

  • Yacapaca quizzes 
  • Research 
  • Planning and Design work 
  • Revision 
  • Prep tasks 

Microsoft Office MOS 

Students also have the opportunity to study the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in after school study sessions. 

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is the leading IT certification in the world. More than 1 million MOS exams are taken every year in over 140 countries. Students demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to productively use Microsoft Office.  

MOS promotes success in the classroom for students (and instructors), builds individual distinction, and prepares students for an increasingly competitive workforce. 

Units covered: 

Word   Enhanced features, collaborative tools and almost anywhere file access make it easy to create high-quality documents. 
Excel  New analysis, visualization and access tools make it easier to manage and share data. 
PowerPoint  Exciting and easy-to-use audio/visual capabilities make it simple to create powerful, polished presentations. 
Access  Simplified tools and new Web databases make it easier to track, report and share information. 
Outlook  Advanced e-mail organization, search, communication and social networking features enhance productivity. 

Assessment 

To achieve Microsoft Office Specialist Certification students will sit a performance-based exam conducted in a “live,” or simulated, environment. Exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. 

All Microsoft Office Specialist exams are administered by Certiport. 

In class progress will be measured using: 

  • Use of Criteria Checklists. 
  • Yacapaca quizzes 
  • Independent learning. 

Homework 

Students will be expected to consolidate in class work at home using the prepared materials or using simulation software GMetrix. 

Key Stage 5 

OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 Introductory Diploma in IT 

The Cambridge Technicals are vocational qualifications at Level 3 for students aged 16+.  

The qualification was designed with the workplace in mind and provides a high-quality alternative to A Levels. The course covers the knowledge and skills required for employment and for the community as a whole whilst developing the behaviours and attributes needed to progress and succeed in education and work. 

Students follow the Application Developer Pathway: 

This pathway focuses on the development of a range of applications across platforms and sectors.  

Students will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st century, enabling them to demonstrate the skills of writing specifications, and the design, build, testing and implementation of applications. 

Assessment  

The course is assessed in 2 ways. 

  • 2 x MANDATORY EXAM UNITS: 
  • Unit 1 Fundamentals of IT  
  • Unit 2 Global Information  
  • 3  x OPTIONAL INTERNALLY MODERATED: 
  • Unit 6 Application Design 
  • Unit 9 Product Development 
  • Unit 21 Web Design and Prototyping 

Homework 

  • Reports 
  • Planning and design work 
  • Presentations 
  • Research 

Independent study 

There are a variety of opportunities for independent learning across all Key Stages in ICT and Computing. 

Below are some of the options offered through our area of the School website.  

KS3 and 4: 

Yacapaca 

The ICT and Computing department regularly use Yacapaca as a means of task setting, tracking and motivation. 

Students can use www.yacapaca.com to access their own profile using their username and password. 

Want to stay safe online? 

Use the following sites for further info. 

https://www.bbc.com/ownit 

Coding 

Interested in developing your coding skills further? 

Use the following sites for further help, tutorials and tasks. 

6th form 

  1. Go to http://www.ictworkout.co.uk/topics.php  and log in using the username KingEdward6 password ratio88. Starting with Computer Systems work through the topics, read through the presentations and complete the exercises.  
  2. Got to the Computing at School’s hub for the West Midlands – https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/crcs/west_midlands  
    1. Select a relevant article and review; read and make notes on this topic. 
  3. Produce revision notes or flash cards for the topics you have just completed.
  4. Read BBC click http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry for new developments in ICT. Produce a short presentation to showcase the new development to the class.  
  5. Research into IT jobs that are available; What field of IT?  What job requirements? What does the job involve on a day to day basis? What skills and attributes would be desirable in that role?  
  6. Go to http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/GCSE_A451_topics.html  and select a topic. Try out the online activities in each section.  
  7. Use w3 schools to work through online coding tutorials in html and JavaScript 
    1. HTML – http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp  
    2. JavaScript – http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp  
  8. Familiarise with Laws associated with IT. What are they? Who is involved? What can be the consequences? Find examples of when the law was broken and what happened. 
  9. Investigate security issues related to IT. What are they? Who is involved? What can be the consequences? Find examples of when the security issue was breached and what happened.