ICT & COMPUTER SCIENCE @ HAYES
OUR CURRICULUM PURPOSE
In the ICT and Computer Science department, we want pupils to use their learning to function in the modern world. This includes all the benefits of being able to use IT and programming skills proficiently and confidently in the working world and their social and home life. We also aim to increase awareness of the risks and downfalls when online and how to avoid them.
We encourage independent thinking and creativity. The curriculum offers opportunities for challenge, problem solving, investigation and self-reflection. It gives pupils the skills and knowledge to be independent and ambitious programmers and users of IT.
DEVELOPING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
KEY FEATURES OF LEARNING
Our students are taken on a journey which starts in Key Stage 3 with building the base of all the skills they will need to move onto Key Stage 4. In Key Stage 4, students understand and use advanced skills and additional theoretical knowledge of IT systems, programming concepts and computational thinking. This then takes them onto Key Stage 5 where students use the skills independently and are able to decide which skills/software is optimal in different scenarios. By this stage, students will have more in-depth theoretical knowledge and an ability to understand and analyse systems.
We provide a structured programme where students learn about a vast number of different software systems to use in different contexts. Students become proficient in spreadsheets, databases, using computers safely, building websites, understanding how computers work, user interfaces, data dashboards, building Apps and using social media in business. Students explore how to code in Kodu, Scratch, Python and OOP in C++ and Defold.
One of the key skills needed to be great in ICT and Computer Science is to be a problem-solving risk taker. There is a lot of innovation and creativity in everything we do. Students are encouraged to be resourceful and independent in all of their work and in the selection of software to use.
DEVELOPING LEARNERS
As a result, our students leave us equipped with the knowledge they need to understand, interpret and improve the world:
Software skills:
Create and link web pages using web authoring software,
Create animations using graphics software,
Embed a variety of multimedia into website pages
Graphic design with professional software
Mail merged letter in word processing software
Database software:
Data types (text, number, Boolean), Sort and filter data, data validation
Spreadsheet software:
Functions, formula, graphs and charts, what-if scenarios, conditional formatting, nested “ifs”, vlookup and macros
Efficient use of search engines
Conforming to relevant legislation
Consideration of purpose and target audience.
IT systems:
Input or output devices, hardware and software
Data capture
Operating systems
Utility software
CPU
Storage devices
Computational thinking, algorithms, decomposition, pseudocode:
move, objects, bump objects, use paths, shoot, scoring, Timers, Health, Creatables, subroutines, input and output, simple logic (AND/NOT/OR), illustrate loops in flowcharts and use loops in code. Explain algorithms. Produce complex and complete solutions with annotation to explain its function
Algorithms, original and detailed test plan, functions within code, import intermediate modules into code (file input/output), lists and arrays, effectively explain a range of software development life cycles.
Coding in range of industry standard languages
Systems life cycle of application development:
Design, input, output, process and decision, flow charts, show consideration of purpose and target audience, efficient planning, test plan, meet clients’ needs
Thus, allowing students superior knowledge of applications required in the workplace, which will help in any profession our students choose to pursue.
An introduction to Year 7 ICT & Computer Science
In this video produced for Year 6 Induction Day, students are taken on a tour of the ICT department and told about the areas of study in ICT & Computer Science when they join the school.