Technology is forever changing and evolving and the Computer Science curriculum encourages creativity, it enables students to learn independently, it introduces students to computer programming and it enables them to understand computational concepts they had never thought about before. Students learn how to create their own programs rather than how to use programs that others have already created. It introduces students to programming and problem solving concepts and encourages them to design and implement their own programs.
It answers such questions as; “how do computers work?”, “what is the internet?”, and “how can I create my own computer program, game or mobile application?”
Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)
Coding their own games Basic computer infrastructure
Sequencing, selection, iteration Reliability, testing & legislation
Years 10-11 (GCSE)
Examination Board: OCR
Computer Science is a practical subject, developed in conjunction with companies like Microsoft and Google, where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. It is an intensely creative subject that involves invention and excitement. Our Computer Science qualification will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so.
Component 01 – Computer Systems
The first component is an exam focused on computer systems covering the physical elements of computer science and the associated theory – examined at the end of Year 11 (40%).
Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
This component is focused on the core theory of computer science and the application of computer science principles – examined at the end of Year 11 (40%).
Component 03 – Programming Project (non-exam assessment)
This component is the non-exam assessment where candidates will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in a practical programming format. (20%)
Through this qualification, students can:
- Develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and how they work.
- Look at the use of algorithms in computer programs.
- Acquire and apply creative and technical skills in a range of contexts.
- Develop computer programs to solve problems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs.
Sixth Form (A Level)
Click here for the sixth form section.
Other Information
BIMA Digital Day
Every year our Computer Science students take part in BIMA Digital Day, an annual national event designed to promote careers in the digital sector. The day challenges students to work together to design digital solutions and develop innovative ideas to real life technology problems.
The event is sponsored by BIMA, with challenges provided by a variety of nationally recognised companies and the day itself is organised by Mr Worden with industry expert Michael Cain from local digital media company TwentyOne Digital Agency, based in Blackburn.
Cyber First Online Cyber Security Competition:
For the first time this year we entered a team of four year nine students to take part in an extremely challenging cyber security competition organised in conjunction with GCHQ. The students worked for a week on a range of complex problem solving tasks and encrypted codes. Although they did not win, I was delighted with their achievements and application to such a difficult set of challenges. Their teamwork was excellent and they took away a great deal from the experience.
Details of the competition are here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/events/cyberfirst-girls-competition-2
BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition:
For the first time, we have aided students with their entries to this exciting competition and hope to make this a regular event in our curriculum. Students were required to develop and idea for a computer game and code part of the solution in a language of their choice. More information can be found here: http://ygd.bafta.org/