Computing and Business

Key Stage 3

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 a challenging curriculum that addresses the opportunities and future development of technology and the business world. 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 and extend understanding from a range of other subjects outside of IT and Computing including DT, Graphics, Maths, Science and Personal Development 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.

Key Stage 4

We offer 3 option subjects at KS4; AQA GCSE in Computer Science, Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Digital Information Technology and Edexcel GCSE Business.

AQA GCSE in Computer science

AQA 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

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 GCSE in Business 

Edexcel GCSE in Business GCSE Business is a rich and varied subject that prepares students for all aspects of working life. No matter what industry students will eventually find themselves in after their learning journey, they will need to work successfully and understand the nature of working in an organisation with other people and clear objectives. People who are successful in business not only transform their own lives but the lives of others, James Dyson helped keep our houses clean and Steve Jobs connected us to the world around us through his revolutionary Apple products. Business is a broad and fascinating subject that keeps evolving with the world that we live in as employers, employees and consumers do to.