Curriculum-Overview-Computer-Science-and-IT-Updated-September-2024.pdf

Computer Science - KS3

Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the NCCE Teach Computing Curriculum, that provides them with an opportunity to engage with hardware projects, multiple programming languages, an understanding of computers at their most primal level, as well as exposure to various applications, most of which are open-source and can be accessed freely from anywhere with an internet connection.

Each year, the curriculum provides a deepening of knowledge and acquirement of new skills that build on what has occurred previously, taking into consideration student experience and any pre-existing knowledge.

We recognise the significance and impact of digital deprivation, as well as a gender imbalance, and seek to address these issues, not only through our curriculum, but by allowing access to an IT room during break, lunch and after school. We also run a Minecraft club that encourages social interaction across year groups and peer groups. We also engage with annual events such as the ‘Hour of Code’ in December and local STEM activities at Canterbury Christ Church University.

IT - KS4

In years 10 and 11, students opt to study the BTEC Tech Award for Digital IT. This consists of the following 3 components*:

• Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques; students learn different project planning techniques that can be used to plan and deliver a project that meets a set of user requirements. Students learn the different design principles that can be used to design effective user interfaces and apply appropriate project planning techniques to create a user interface that meets user requirements.
• Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data; students learn the different data manipulation tools that can be used to change the way that data is presented. Students provide clear summaries of the data and present them in a dashboard that will allow organisations to make effective decisions. Students learn the different presentation features that can be used to ensure that information is understood clearly in an objective way so that it is not misinterpreted.
• Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices; students have an opportunity to explore how the developments in technology over recent years have enabled modern organisations to communicate and collaborate more effectively than ever before. Students explore the digital systems available to organisations and how their features have an impact on the way organisations operate. Students also explore how developments in technology have led to more inclusive and flexible working environments, and how regulation and ethical and security concerns influence the way in which organisations operate.

Students also gain experience outside of the classroom at the beginning of year 10 as part of an IT Interface day trip to Chessington World of Adventures. Also, where possible, we invite external speakers to discuss project management techniques in practice.

We continually seek novel and fun ways in which we can bring the world into the classroom and welcome any externally interested party to contact our Lead Teacher of IT.

*Information taken from the qualification specification found here - https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/information-technology/2022/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-tech-award-digital-information-technology-spec.pdf

Computer Science - KS3

Progress is assessed through in-class projects and/or end of topic assessments, alongside a wide range of assessment for learning techniques that are implemented in lessons. These feed into future lesson plans as well as giving teachers the opportunity to assist student progress by providing high-quality feedback.

We have high expectations of students, and assessments that show students are not yet meeting or exceeding targets are followed up with various interventions that initially start with contacting home, and/or seeking student voice and discussing measures that can be put in place to achieve success. We often find that giving students an opportunity to have input into the solution provides them with a sense of responsibility over their own learning.

IT - KS4

As part of the newly revised BTEC Digital IT qualification (2022), students at KS4 are formally assessed as follows:

• Component 1: The assignment will take approximately 6 supervised hours to complete. The assignments will be marked by centres and moderated by Pearson. The grade achieved in this component is equal to 30% of the final grade.
• Component 2: The assignment will take approximately 6 supervised hours to complete. The assignments will be marked by The Archbishop’s School and moderated by Pearson. The grade achieved in this component is equal to 30% of the final grade.
• Component 3: An exam worth 60 marks will be completed under supervised conditions. The supervised assessment period is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The grade achieved in this component is equal to 40% of the final grade.

Tracking of mock grades and final outcome of each component or unit is provided on Pupil Progress, and students receive regular in-class feedback as well as half-termly written feedback via Teams.

Students not making the expected progress are first dealt with via communication with home; this often has a positive impact on engagement in the classroom and work output. In addition, attendance is regularly monitored by the class teacher, and discussions with the student are held to aid in addressing any obstacles before escalation takes place.

Six-week blocks of intervention sessions also target Year 11 students at risk of not achieving their potential: delivered once a week, this enables students to practise a discrete skill and receive feedback as part of that session.

Examination Board:  Pearson (Edexcel)
Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology

What is the BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology?

The digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Around 1.46 million people work in digital companies and there are around 45,000 digital jobs advertised at any one time. The modern world expects digital skills to be as important as English and Maths. This qualification will develop important skills in data interpretation, data presentation and data protection. Pupils will cover aspects of user interface design and development, as well as learning how to develop a project plan for their own user interface designs.

The main focus of the Tech Award is on four key areas:

• the development of key skills such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data
• effective ways of working in digital information technology, such as design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct
• personal management and communication
• the development of knowledge including how different user interfaces meet user needs and how organisations collect and use data to make decisions

The course is made up of three mandatory components:

How will the BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology be assessed?

Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed and will involve the completion of tasks and assignments that are set and marked by the teacher. Component 3 is externally assessed by Pearson and assesses the knowledge and skills developed across all three components. It will test pupils’ ability to recall knowledge and demonstrate that they can apply it in realistic scenarios and situations. Component 3 must be completed in 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where can the BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology take me?

Study of this qualification will help pupils make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. Pupils may consider progression to the study of the Level 3 BTEC National in IT, offered at The Archbishop’s School, which prepares them to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the digital sector.

For further information, please contact Mr R Millett-Collins - Lead Teacher – Business and IT - rmillett-collins@archbishops.kent.sch.uk

GCSE

The Archbishop’s School is offering the opportunity for some pupils to undertake an additional GCSE in Computer Science. This will involve learning programming languages such as Python and Visual Basic to understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science to solve problems and design and write programs. The qualification consists of two externally-examined units and one programming project.

Due to the requirement of mathematical content in this qualification and its application to computer science, pupils applying to study this course must be in Set 1 in mathematics currently.

Please note that pupils following this qualification must understand that this is an additional GCSE and should be prepared for the increased workload. The majority of lessons will take place during afternoon form time.

For further information, please contact Miss S. Barnes, Lead Teacher – Business and IT - sbarnes@archbishops.kent.sch.uk

IT-Learning-Journey.pdf