The Computing curriculum at Bluecoat Wollaton enables students to develop skills and knowledge in Computer Science and Digital Media, preparing them for a future in a world fully immersed in the use of computer technology. Students will have tenacity when using computers, so that they can solve problems independently and learn from their mistakes. Whether they want to learn the science behind computers and be able to write algorithms and develop programs, or to design and produce creative digital content for users to see, we have designed a curriculum which goes far deeper than the interface that’s in front of them.

An important life skill for anyone is to problem solve. We aim to develop our students’ problem-solving skills, in order that they may be able to use computer technology confidently, safely, effectively and efficiently in a range of circumstances. We practice this through programming and computational thinking, using real life problems and expressing these as algorithms using logic and reasoning. Computational thinking is essential to the development of computer applications, but more so is a vital skill to support problem solving across all disciplines. It will not only aid learners with their Computing journey but is also embedded within their everyday life. Our learners will tackle of range of real-world challenges developing other skills such as resilience and tenacity.

The curriculum covers the following key areas which are revisited strategically, building up knowledge as students become experts in each area:

Digital Literacy
To ensure that our students understand how to use computers in an appropriate way. We ensure that students can use IT safely, responsibly, and legally. Furthermore, we use a wide range of different software and platforms to prepare our students for a future using different technology and systems.

Computer Science
Students will learn how computers function, for example how data is stored and processed. This includes learning about Binary numbers, and the different hardware used to interact with computers.

Computational thinking
We provide students with the skills to analyse, design, and develop a solution to a problem. We develop programming skills each year by building layers of understanding; for example, in Year 7 students use flowchart software to write simple algorithms, in Year 8 they use block-based software to develop more complex programs, which leads onto full text-based programming using Python.

By the end of their journey, students will be equipped with a strong core of knowledge to engage with computer technology in their future careers.

OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277)

Computer Science is both engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages you to develop your understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. You will also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science consists of two compulsory components that are externally assessed.

Component 01: Computer systems
Introduces you 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.

• This is a compulsory component.
• It is worth 80 marks, representing 50% of the total marks for the GCSE (9–1).
• This component is an externally assessed written examination testing AO1 and AO2.
• The examination lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.
• All the questions are mandatory.
• The question paper will consist of short and medium answer questions. There will also be one 8-mark extended response question. This question will enable students to demonstrate the ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
You apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. You will develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

• This is a compulsory component.
• It is worth 80 marks, representing 50% of the total marks for the GCSE (9–1).
• This component is an externally assessed written examination testing AO1, AO2 and AO3.
• The examination lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is formed of two sections.
• All the questions are mandatory.
• Section A is worth 50 marks, and assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts of Computer Science. Students then apply these to problems in computational terms, where they may use an algorithmic approach.
• Section B is worth 30 marks, and assesses students’ Practical Programming skills and their ability to design, write, test and refine programs.
• The question paper will consist of short and medium answer questions.

OCR Cambridge National in IT (J836)

R050: IT in the digital world

The IT industry is vast and provides work for a wide range of people across sectors. In this unit you will learn the theoretical knowledge and understanding to apply design tools for applications, principles of human computer interfaces and the use of data and testing in different contexts. Topics include:

• Design tools
• Human Computer Interface in everyday life
• Data and testing
• Cyber-security and legislation
• Digital communications
• Internet of everything

R060: Data manipulation using spreadsheets

Data manipulation is an important part of many job roles, supporting development and growth in different sectors such as IT, finance, retail, hospitality, education, and government who all manipulate data for different purposes. In this unit you will learn how to plan, design, create, test, and evaluate a data manipulation spreadsheet solution to meet client’s requirements. Topics include:

• Planning, designing, creating, and testing the spreadsheet solution
• Evaluating the spreadsheet solution

R070: Using Augmented Reality to present information

Augmented Reality has made it possible to present information so that users can see more detail in items with 2d or 3d images and can place the item digitally in their surroundings. In this unit you will learn the basics of AR and will plan, design, create, test, and review a model prototype to meet a client’s requirements. Topics include:

• Augmented reality
• Designing and creating an Augmented Reality model prototype
• Testing and reviewing

Assessment

The course has two internally assessed components, and one that’s externally assessed, all units are mandatory:

• R050 IT in the digital world: Externally assessed 1.5 hour exam, 70 marks
• R060 Data manipulation using spreadsheets: Centre assessed task, 60 marks
• R070 Using Augmented Reality to present information: Centre assessed task, 60 marks

What next?

This course will provide you with the learning for a range of IT related further study, important transferable skills and some basic industry knowledge and skills. It could help you to progress onto a range of academic, technical and applied post-16 study including A -Level Computer Science, Level 3 Technical qualifications or digital apprenticeships such as IT, Digital Technology or Data analyst.

Resources

OCR Computer Science qualification information

BBC Bitesize – OCR Computer Science

OCR Cambridge National in IT qualification information

BBC Bitesize – ICT

Careers Links

Studying Computer Science can help develop transferable skills that can be applied to a vast range of different career paths. Click here for examples of some of the employability skills Computer Science can provide.