In the Computing and Business department we are constantly evaluating and improving the curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 to ensure that the breadth of knowledge and experiences that are on offer meet the national curriculum needs. The aim of the computing curriculum is to provide pupils with an exciting and rigorous curriculum that addresses the challenges and opportunities offered by the technologically rich world in which we live. Pupils will gain secure knowledge and skills which will encourage them to use technology to create art, solve problems and develop computational thinking skills. Pupils will understand how computers work, how to be safe digital citizens and design and program robust solutions. We will incorporate ideas that help build the skills for successful enterprises that are transferable. With these skills pupils will then be able to relate their understanding of computing to real world scenarios and develop their understanding of key skills that are required in a modern working environment. Our vision follows the spiral curriculum model that is designed to allow students to progress at their own pace but build up knowledge and understanding every time we revisit a topic. This allows for a flowing process from Year 7 and through the GCSE content by the end of Year 11.
We offer 3 option subjects at KS4; OCR GCSE in Computer Science, Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Digital Information Technology and Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Enterprise.
OCR GCSE in Computer science will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application. The specification encourages learners to be inspired, and challenged through completing a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The specification will help learners to gain an insight into related sectors. It will prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Digital Information Technology is a course designed to create confident users of ICT applications. Students will learn how to use a number of software packages and apply these into a business context. This course gives students the foundations into how their data is harvested and used for a number of business purposes. Equivalent to one GCSE, this qualification will help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to go on to further education in IT or computing.
Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Enterprise is a course for pupils who wish to acquire knowledge and skills through vocational contexts. All businesses need enterprising employees to drive their organisations forward, to have ideas and initiatives to instigate growth, and to ensure that businesses survive in this fast-changing world. Enterprise skills provide a fantastic progression pathway into several roles in an organisation and are transferable into all businesses. Pupils will gain an insight into the world of enterprise by studying the knowledge, behaviours and skills related to researching, planning, pitching and reviewing an enterprise idea. The qualification enables learners to develop their technical skills, such as market research skills, planning, promotional and financial skills using realistic work scenarios, and personal skills, (such as monitoring own performance, time management and problem solving) through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment.
All of year 7 and 8 will have 1 hour of Computing & Business each week, at the end of year 7 students could also choose Computer Science as an option for year 8, this will be also be 1 hour a week in addition to the 1 hour of Computing & Business. At the end of year 8, pupils can choose Computer Science and/or Enterprise as an option for year 9. Both subjects will be 1 hour a week and act as a transition between KS3 and KS4. Year 10 and 11 will have 2 hours a week for their GCSE option in either OCR Computer Science, Edexcel BTEC DIT and Edexcel BTEC Enterprise.
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science allows students to:
Please click here to view the GCSE Computer Science exam board specification
Edexcel BTEC in Digital Information Technology allows students to:
Please click here to view the BTEC DIT exam board specification
Edexcel’s GCSE (9–1) in Business allows students to:
Please click here to view the GCSE Business exam board specification
Our curriculum ensures that we meet all of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks to provide our pupils with the skills and insight to develop their aspirations and explore careers they might be interested in. Upon successful completion of a Computer Science GCSE or Information Technology qualification on, learners may progress into employment within the IT/Computing industry and/or continue their study in the vocational area (e.g. AS/A level ICT, Computing or Computer Science, BTEC Nationals Level 3, dependent upon individual post-16 establishment entry requirements). IT has become an integral part of learning, the ability to create professional documents, manipulate data and deliver high quality presentations is a vital skill that can be used in further learning and work placements.IT skills are used a variety of job roles in all kinds of organisations including those in manufacturing, retail, education, hospitality, health and social care, business services, transport and public services.
We are developing partnerships with local enterprises to enhance the curriculum and give pupils a greater understanding of their local community. Enterprises such as Widnes Martial Arts, and Hatch Electrical work closely with the school and share their experiences with pupils and teachers to enhance the curriculum. During Component One: Exploring Enterprise other local businesses are invited in to give further context to our pupils. We are continuing to expand our connections with local businesses and if anyone would like to help us, please contact the school and ask to speak to Mrs Hatch or Mr Finnigan. There are plenty of opportunities after completing a BTEC in Enterprise in post 16 education for further learning. Learners might consider progression to the study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, which prepares them to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the business sector.
At Ormiston Chadwick Academy our year 11 follow a whole school intervention programme. This includes revision sessions 3pm to 4pm for pupils to catch up with missing work or revise with their teacher. We also have several Saturday Academies which run for 2 hours on a Saturday morning. This means that pupils who have no IT access at home will not be disadvantaged and can complete any work in school with the support of their teacher. Slots after school are also available for all pupils in our computer club. Pupils can complete revision and homework with the support of our staff.
How to use this resource: This book covers all content for both Comp 1 and Comp 2; reinforcing the learning that takes place in the classroom and giving them questions to test their knowledge and understanding.
How to use this resource: This can be used to create mind maps or quizzes. This can then be used to check subject knowledge and understanding. There are also some exam questions and quiz questions created at the end of every unit. This is particularly useful for checking and revising subject knowledge.
How to use this resource: Students will be issued with a CGP Exam Practice workbook. This can be used to develop and refine their approach to their final year exams. This workbook will be issued in Year 11 to support their preparation for the final exams. The workbook contains answers; allowing for students to check their quality and accuracy of their answers.
How to use this resource: Pupils have access to all lesson resources including PowerPoint’s and worksheets to support their learning by logging into office 365. (http://office.com )
How to use this resource: Pupils have access to videos that explain each topic in some detail. Pupils have been using this resource each week for homework. (https://student.craigndave.org/)
How to use this resource: This book covers all content from all three components; reinforcing the learning that takes place in the classroom and giving them questions to test their knowledge and understanding. Some copies are available to be used in the classroom.
How to use this resource: This can be used to create mind maps or quizzes. This can then be used to check subject knowledge and understanding. There are also some exam questions and quiz questions created at the end of every unit. This is particularly useful for checking and revising subject knowledge.
How to use this resource: This resource is useful for practising the skills you need for the external assessment. Within this resource there are four practice assessments, with guidance and support focusing on how to structure your answer. This resource is supported by the Revision guide which you also have a copy of, which is referred to throughout.
How to use this resource: Pupils have access to all lesson resources including PowerPoint’s and worksheets to support their learning by logging into office 365. (http://office.com )
How to use this resource: This book covers all content from all three components; reinforcing the learning that takes place in the classroom and giving them questions to test their knowledge and understanding. Some copies are available to be used in the classroom.
How to use this resource: This can be used to create mind maps or quizzes. This can then be used to check subject knowledge and understanding. There are also some exam questions and quiz questions created at the end of every unit. This is particularly useful for checking and revising subject knowledge.
How to use this resource: Pupils have access to all lesson resources including PowerPoint’s and worksheets to support their learning by logging into office 365. (http://office.com )
Pupils will also have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities which are usually cross curricular and incorporate over subjects mainly from a STEM background. In previous years students have completed challenges by Liverpool University, the ‘Rollercoaster Challenge’ by Seamans and the Matrix Challenge. Our school links with all about stem and other outreach companies to give pupils more opportunities outside the classroom.