Computer Science & ICT
1. Computer Science
Key Stage 3 overview
In years 7 and 8 students encounter a variety of contexts where they use programming to solve challenges given. They are taught the basic structure to forming structure to their solutions (algorithm’s) and then through a language create a solution. Skills are carefully constructed through trial and error. Hence it is important that students learn quick failure is a positive outcome when you review and make improvements.
Key Stage 4 overview
Most employment opportunities requires students to be able to use computation thinking, problem solve, some code tracing and use computers in a Business-like manner. The course investigates how a computer works, how they are used to communicate and develop programming skills in more than one language. The skills and knowledge learnt are applicable in real world situations and many of the challenges reflect this during the course.
The understanding behind the Computer System is Interesting and in depth expecting students to be able to apply their understanding in an examination environment. The course encourages critical thinking and students independence; expecting them to have patience to understand what data has been entered and reflect on data output and reasons for this outcome.
Qualification assessment overview
100% of external assessment.
When do external assessments take place?
Two 1.5 hours examinations at the end of year 11.
Curriculum map
Please CLICK HERE to view the curriculum road map for Computer Science.
How can parents support their child and Sir Thomas Boughey Academy in Computer Science?
- Students will need to download and work on Python (programming language)
- Somewhere quiet and with equipment capable of running the software to develop their understanding outside of the classroom.
- Have a good size pen drive to transfer and backup files as needed to present work to the standard as expected from a Computing student.
Teaching staff
Email link:
2. iMedia
Key stage 3 overview
In year 7, 8 and 9 students use ICT mainly as a tool to organise, develop and present many aspects of their studies but in particular their Computer Science course. They are taught skills in how to make more independent use of the ICT resources and the safety hazards involved with their use. The course covers some presentation using a wide variety of software but in particular realting to IMedia graphical editing using Photoshop and Fireworks, and web design using Serif Web Plus. Students should be resilient users of ICT and be able to develop transferable skills to use with different software applications.
Key Stage 4 overview
This is a practical based course using the skills learnt to apply to set scenarios to create a range of digital products. Student learn and practise the skills in a variety different styles in order to have the ability to adapt their understanding and apply this to the written exam. Lots of time is taken to build skills and confidence on the software used to create the digital products, and answering exam questions.
Qualification assessment overview
75% of controlled assessment internally assessed, 25% written exam externally assessed.
When do internal assessments take place?
These are undertaken in lesson time over the duration of the course, students practice and develop skills in software and then apply this to the set scenario to create the digital product.
R082-Creating digital graphics-set assignment pupils work through to plan, create and evaluate a Book Cover
R085-Designing multipage website -set assignment pupils work through to plan, design and evaluate a website for a travel blogger
R087-Creating Interactive Multimedia Products-set assignment pupils work through to plan, design and evaluate an interactive multimedia product for healthy eating.
When do external assessments take place?
R081-Pre-production documents-written exam that takes place in the summer for year 11 this is 1hr15minutes.
Curriculum map
Curriculum road map for iMedia
How can parents support their child and Sir Thomas Boughey with iMedia?
- Students will be expected to be highly organised and save files with appropriate naming conventions.
- Work will be expected to be completed in full and to a high standard using ICT unless requested otherwise.
- Students would benefit from a good size pen drive to store and transfer content to continue their work outside the classroom. It also doubles as a backup device to ensure the security of work completed and transfer work from home to print and aid to their studies.
