“Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn.”
 Steve Jobs

Subject Leader:	Mr Goodman
Computing Teacher:	Mrs Wright
Website:	St Wilfrid's Catholic School: Computing

 

Overview
In the rapidly changing world we live in, capability in Computer science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an essential life skill that will enable all learners to innovate and strive towards excellence in this field.

Computer science and ICT are fundamental components of teaching at St Wilfrid’s School. Computing and ICT is taught as a compulsory subject to all students in Years 7, 8 and 9. As such, it is intended that all students acquire a number of transferrable skills in a broad range of software, both in Computing lesson and across the curriculum. Our aim is also to equip students with the ability to use technological tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information creatively and responsibly.

By following a progressive and innovative Computer science and ICT curriculum, students will develop the expertise and confidence to use ICT across a broad range of activities. Outside of formal teaching, students have access to well-resourced, modern computer suites where they are encouraged to work independently, using facilities for presentation of work in a range of subjects and for research. All students have their own email address and access to the internet.

 

Key Stage 3
Throughout years 7, 8 and 9 students study a wide variety of topics and learn new computing skills through exposure to a range of innovative technologies.

Year 7:

• 7.1 E-safety and e-literacy
• 7.2 Computer Basics
• 7.3 Spreadsheets
• 7.4 Databases
• 7.5 Flowol
• 7.6 Scratch

Year 8:

• 8.1 Spreadsheets
• 8.2 Hardware and Networks
• 8.3 Scratch
• 8.4 Small Basic
• 8.5 Understanding computers
• 8.6 My Digital World

Year 9:

• 9.1 Physical Computing – BBC Micro:Bits
• 9.2 Python
• 9.3 Websites
• 9.4 Back to the Future
• 9.5 Pygame
• 9.6 Cybersecurity

 

Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 we offer OCR GCSE Computer science and OCR Creative iMedia

Computer Science GCSE – OCR
The course consists of three components:

Component:	Marks	Duration	Weighting
Computer Systems (01)	80	1 hours 30 mins	50%
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02)	80	1 hours 30 mins	50%

Component 1 and 2 are assessed by written exams, each worth 50% of the GCSE. In addition, all students are given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study. Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in Practical Programming.

Component 1 - Computer systems– Exam 50%

• 1.1 Systems architecture
• 1.2 Memory and storage
• 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
• 1.4 Network security
• 1.5 System software
• 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology Component 2

Component 2 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – Exam 50%

• 2.1 Algorithms
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals
• 2.3 Producing robust programs
• 2.4 Boolean logic
• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Creative iMedia – OCR

The OCR Creative iMedia course is a vocational qualification that focuses on developing skills in digital media production, including planning, creating, and reviewing digital products. The course is designed to give students practical experience and knowledge of the media industry.

Course Structure

The course consists of 3 units, with a combination of both coursework (controlled assessments) and a written exam. Students will complete two coursework units and one exam unit.

Unit Breakdown

1. R093: Creative iMedia in the Media Industry (Exam Unit)
   • This is the mandatory written exam unit.
   • Students learn about the media industry, different types of digital media products, and how they are used for different purposes and audiences.
   • Topics include:
     • The structure of the media industry.
     • Legal and ethical issues in media.
     • Job roles and workflows in media production.
     • Audience segmentation and targeting.
   • Assessment: Written exam (1 hour 15 minutes), worth 40% of the final grade.
2. R094: Visual Identity and Digital Graphics (Coursework)
   • This is a mandatory coursework unit.
   • Students explore how to create visual identities (logos, branding) and design digital graphics.
   • Topics include:
     • Researching and planning visual identity.
     • Creating digital graphics using software.
     • Understanding the purpose and audience for digital products.
   • Assessment: Controlled assessment (coursework), internally assessed, worth 25% of the final grade.
3. R095: Characters and Comics (Optional Coursework)
   • Students learn how to design and create characters for digital media products like comics or animations.
   • They research, plan, and create comic strips or character designs.
   • Assessment: Controlled assessment (coursework), internally assessed, worth 35% of the final grade.
4. R096: Interactive Digital Media (Optional Coursework)
   • This unit focuses on creating interactive media products, such as websites, apps, or interactive presentations.
   • Students design, build, and evaluate interactive digital products.
   • Assessment: Controlled assessment (coursework), internally assessed, worth 35% of the final grade.
5. Other Optional Units
   • • R097: Digital Games
     • R098: Digital Animation
   • The format and weighting of these optional units are similar to the ones above.

Assessment and Grading

• Exam Unit (R093): Worth 40% of the final grade.
• Coursework Units (R094 and two optional units): Together worth 60% of the final grade.
• Grades range from Level 1 Pass to Level 2 Distinction.

The course is ideal for students interested in careers in digital media, graphic design, or creative industries. It emphasises practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge of the media sector.

 

Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5 we offer OCR A Level Computer Science

OCR A Level Computer Science consists of three components:

Component:	Marks	Duration	Weighting
Computer Systems (01)	140	2 hours 30 mins	40%
Algorithms and programming (02)	140	2 hours 30 mins	40%
Programming project (03)	70	-	20%

 

 

Component 1: Computer Systems The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices. Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software. Data exchange between different systems Data types, data structures and algorithms Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Component 2: Algorithms and programming What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.) Problem solving and programming - how computers and programs can be used to solve problems. Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems
Component 3: Programming project Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.

Prior Knowledge

For A Level Computer Science, students should have completed the GCSE Computing course to a Grade 5 or above and have a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths