The mission statement and ethos of Computer Studies mirrors and follows the school values, which are to provide opportunities for student success through a broad curriculum and empowering experience. Computer Studies aims for our students to become confident and digitally literate, enabling them to access the modern workplace.
Computer Studies put students first and at the heart of everything we do. We work collaboratively with them and enable them to achieve their best. We develop independent workers and highlight the importance of GRIT and growth mindset. We strive for the best and enable critical thinking to flourish.
Pupils will be given the opportunity to experience the benefits and uses of computer science, digital literacy and ICT. They will be stretched to enable more critical thinking and develop computing skills and gain basic computing knowledge. They could go on to GCSE Computer Science and/or Digital Information Technology providing employability and digital skills that will allow them to work with modern technologies productively.
Basic computer and digital literacy skills will be delivered during computer studies lessons in Y7-9. These will include Office skills, photo editing and effective use of the web.
Data manipulation and modelling will be practiced preparing students for a work in a data driven society. They will learn how to read and analyse data. They will look at what makes an effective user interface and practice making their own user interfaces.
Students will solve problems and prepare solutions using a range of programming technologies including HTML, Python and SQL. They will practice reflecting on the best and most effective way to solve problems or complete tasks. Students will be able to perform Computational Thinking. They will be able to write, follow and complete Algorithms and students will be able to write their own computer programs, spot mistakes, test and evaluate programs using programming techniques.
Students will know how to stay safe when using online technologies and understand the risks associated with the Internet. They will understand how web technologies work enabling them to make better decisions regarding their digital footprint and response to online communication.
Students will understand how design principles allow designers to created better and more usable user interfaces to meet user needs. They will understand how modern technologies are used in the workplace as well as how network managers protect their networks.
Students will understand the purpose of computer hardware components and how they work together to solve problems. Students will look at how software works alongside hardware, they will understand the different types of software and their purpose. Students will understand how computer communicate with each other over computer networks and the technologies required to protect them from both internal and external threats. Students will understand how computers impact society and how society responds to modern technology through the creation and implementation of laws. Students will understand how computers represent data and how a computer has to translate between binary and understandable signals for humans to understand.
