Computing
The Computing Learning Journey is currently in progress and will be uploaded as soon as it is complete.
Overview
In today’s technological society ICT and Computing skills are an essential part of everyday life at home or in the world of business. At Upper Batley High School we teach our learners to develop these skills and challenge them to become the ‘Bill Gates’ and ‘Steve Jobs’ of the future. Therefore our focus is to:
● Equip young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to design and make, effective digital products for others to use
● Challenge young people to reflect on what they produce and strive for excellence
● Prepare young people with professional, real-world skills in planning, project management and communication
● Provide young people the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to support future learning and exploit the creative digital industries.
Outline of Course Content
Year 7 Topics include:
- Digital Learners
- E-Safety
- Algorithms and Boolean Logic
- Graphic Design
- Scratch programming
- Microbits
Year 8 Topics include:
- Computer Hardware
- Binary and Data
- Python Programming
- Advanced Graphic Design
- Modelling data and spreadsheets
- iDEA Award
Year 9 Topics include:
- An introduction to iMedia (Pre-Production Documents)
- An introduction to Computer Science (Computational thinking and Algorithms)
- An introduction to Enterprise and Marketing (Market research)
- Creating a media product
- Advanced Python Programming
- GCSE Coursework preparation
KS4 Options
Learners have the opportunity to select OCR GCSE Computer Science, Cambridge Nationals in iMedia and Cambridge Nationals in Enterprise and Marketing.
Cambridge Nationals in Enterprise and Marketing J837
Aims and learning outcomes
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Enterprise and Marketing including characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, market research, financial viability, the marketing mix and factors to consider when starting up and running an enterprise
- develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically •
- develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the business and enterprise sector.
Learners must complete three units:
R067 (Enterprise and marketing concepts) which is an externally assessed unit (exam)
R068 (Design a business proposal) and R069 (Market and pitch a business proposal) which are two centre-assessed units (NEA)
Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia J834
Aims and learning outcomes
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production planning techniques, legal issues and creation/publishing/distribution considerations
- develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the media industry and more widely
- design, plan, create and review digital media products which are fit for purpose meeting both client and target audience requirements
Learners must complete three units:
R093 (Creative iMedia in the media industry) which is an externally assessed unit (exam)
R094 (Visual identity and digital graphics) and R095 (Characters and comics) which are two centre-assessed units (NEA)
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/610942-specification-cambridge-nationals-creative-imedia-j834.pdf
GCSE Computer Science J277
Aims and learning outcomes
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
- apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Learners complete two externally assessed written papers on the following components:
J277/01: Computer systems This component will assess:
| J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming This component will assess:
|
Assessment overview:
Component 1: Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes, 50% of total GCSE 80 marks. This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory. This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
Component 2: Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes, 50% of total GCSE 80 marks. This is a non-calculator paper. This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. All questions are mandatory. In Section B, questions assessing students’ ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with.
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/558027-specification-gcse-computer-science-j277.pdf
Extracurricular and Enrichment Opportunities
Learners are given the opportunity to further their learning through after school revision lessons and lunch time clubs.
Computer programming classes are also available for learners who wish to extend their interests in Computing. All learners are encouraged to attend the session.
To aid learner understanding of algorithms and decomposition, learners are provided with Rubik's cubes and tutorials on how to accomplish this task.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElBEg_c0kh8&list=PLAZR8i5qbOZIqFIajtcKLbcHvGpFAs_ww
Other Information
The Computing department has touch screen computers which are at the cutting edge of communication technology providing a truly 21st century learning experience.