Computer Science
The ICT department at Carre's Grammar School is situated in a specialist ICT Suite which is fully air-conditioned and equipped with 32 desktop computers, a laser printer and multimedia projector.
Staff within the department have a passion for the subject and a keen interest in keeping up to date with new technologies and advancements.
Staff
- Mr C Baker (Head of Computer Science)
- Mr G Ahmed
Vision
The department aims to put forward a curriculum to help build resilience and analytical skills to best prepare them for the jobs of the future. As technology advances, so does our way of working and the career opportunities available, it is probable that most of our students will be working in job roles that did not exist before they were born.
As the digital transformation continues, cyber-security, artificial intelligence and big data will become larger social issues and we feel that it is important that our students have an understanding of these topics and an awareness of how it will affect their future, regardless of their career path.
Resources
The department is well resourced with a specialist computing suite; extra-curricular opportunities are offered to use new technologies such as Raspberry Pi’s and Arduinos as well as practical activities such as building a computer. This club meets regularly and covers a wide range of topics that will help those with a keen interest in the subject to learn new skills and interact with the subject beyond the curriculum.
Schemes of Work
Key Stage 3
Throughout Key Stage 3, a blend of computer science and IT is taught to the students to provide them with the key skills for using computers to meet business needs and to provide them with a background understanding of the key concepts that govern how computers work.
As technology advances, we feel that it is important for our students to have a thorough understanding of new technologies and issues that are likely to be faced such as Cyber-security, Big data and the social issues faced with new technologies.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Computer Science – OCR (J277)
Introduced in 2016 GCSE computer science forms three parts:
Paper 1
Computer Systems
- Systems Architecture
- Memory
- Storage
- Wired and wireless networks
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- System security
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
Paper 2
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
- Alogorithms *
- Programming techniques
- Producing robust programs
- Computational logic
- Translators and facilities of languages
- Data representation
* Algorithm questions are not exclusive to Component 02 and can be assessed in either component
Controlled Assessment – Coursework, A programming based task where students undertake a project approach to design, create and test a program that they have created in order to meet the needs of the client.
Key Stage 5
A Level Computer Science is offered as part of the Sleaford Joint Sixth Form (SJSF); these lessons are taught across site and follow the AQA A-level specification.