ICT/Computing
The curriculum of the ICT/Computing department in KS3 is designed to prepare pupils so that they make the correct decision in terms of their KS4 options subjects. In Years 10 and 11 pupils can opt for either GCSE Computer Science or the Cambridge National Creative iMedia course. Computer Science focuses on coding and computer hardware and software whereas Creative iMedia focuses more on the design aspect of websites, computer games and other graphical products.
Extracurricular activities
Pupils can attend Coding Club after school to pursue their interest in programming. Coding Club allows students to explore programming wherever their imagination leads them without having to satisfy an examination board assessment plan.
Most nights pupils can avail themselves of coursework drop-in sessions to supplement their timetabled lessons.
As part of the process of forging links between St Hilda’s and local businesses, entrepreneur Liam Mitchell from Breeze Development, a Merseyside digital marketing and web design company, was invited to speak to Year 12 BTEC level 3 IT pupils. Liam spoke on the subject of how businesses can utilise social media to improve their brand presence and how to formulate strategies to attract new customers.
Years 7-9
Introduction
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year 7 | E-safety, coding 1 (algorithms, sequence, iteration, selection) | Input/output devices, accessibility, storage devices, graphic design | Video design, robotics |
| Year 8 | E-safety, mobile phone technology, coding 2 (variables, relational operators) | Binary/denary number systems, data representation of graphics | Coding 3 (data types, arithmetic operators), landmarks of computer development |
| Year 9 | E-safety, e-commerce, computer related legislation (DPA, CMA, CPA) | Turing Test, artificial intelligence, coding 4 (test plans) | Digital products in the art world, cyptography |
Textbooks/other useful resources
GCSE Computer Science
Introduction
GCSE Computer Science comprises of three components: 01 Computer Systems, 02 Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming and 03 Programming Project. Components 01 and 02 are assessed via written examinations and 03 is a coursework unit.
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year 10 | 01: systems architecture, memory, storage 02: algorithms, programming techniques 03: analysis, design | 01: wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers 02: producing robust programs, computational logic 03: design, development | 01: system security, systems software, moral, legal, cultural and environmental concerns 02: translators and facilities of languages, data representation 03: testing and evaluation and conclusions |
| Year 11 | 01: systems architecture, memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers 02: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs 03: Programming techniques, analysis, design, development, testing and evaluation and conclusions | 01: protocols and layers, system security, systems software, moral, legal, cultural and environmental concerns 02: computational logic, translators and facilities of languages, data representation 03: Programming techniques, analysis, design, development, testing and evaluation and conclusions | 01 and 02 written examinations Submission of 03 programming project |
Detailed specification is available at:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/225975-specification-accredited-gcse-computer-science-j276.pdf
Text books used:
OCR GCSE Computer Science (9-1), OCR Computing for GCSE
Further reading/resources:
http://ocr.org.uk/skillsguides
Cambridge National Creative iMedia
The Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia comprises of four units: R081 Pre-production skills, R082 Creating digital graphics, R085 Creating a multipage website and R091 Designing a game concept. Unit R081 is assessed via a written examination and the remaining units via coursework.
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year 10 | Unit R081: Pre-production skills – mood boards, visualisation diagrams, storyboards, work plans, audience needs, legislation | Unit R081 examination Unit R082: Creating digital graphics – file formats, resolution, compression, identification of assets for digital graphics | Unit R082: Creating digital graphics – compatibility of assets, creation of digital graphics Unit R085: Creating a multipage website – devices used to access websites, methods of internet connection, client requirements |
| Year 11 | Unit R085: Creating a multipage website – work plan for website construction, resources required for website, create multipage website Unit R091: Designing a game concept – evolution of digital game platforms and digital games | Unit R091: Designing a game concept – comparison of console hardware, digital game genres, interpretation of client requirements, identification of design constraints and opportunities, creation of game proposal | Submission of coursework units |
Detailed specification is available at:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/115888-specification.pdf
Text books used:
OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia L1/2 Pre-production skills and Creating digital graphics
Further reading/resources:
http://www.teach-ict.net/software/dreamweaver/dreamweaver.htm
https://1stwebdesigner.com/graphic-design-basics-elements/
http://www.thocp.net/software/games/reference/genres.htm
http://hitboxteam.com/designing-game-narrative
A Level/BTEC
BTEC level 3 IT comprises of four units: unit 1 Information technology systems, unit 2 Creating systems to manage information, unit 3 Using social media in business and unit 6 Website development. Units 1 and 2 are assessed by written examinations and units 3 and 6 are coursework units.
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year 12 | Unit 1: Information technology systems – digital devices in IT systems, transmitting data Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information – the purpose and structure of relational database management systems, standard methods of design Unit 3: Using social media in business – impact of social media on business, business uses of social media | Unit 1: Information technology systems – operating online, protecting data and information Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information – creating a relational database structure Unit 3: Using social media in business – develop plan to use social media to meet business needs, implement use of social media to meet business needs | Unit 1: Information technology systems – impact of IT systems and ethical issues Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information – evaluating a database development project Submission of unit 3 coursework – |
| Year 13 | Unit 1: Information technology systems – revision of unit and examination technique Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information – revision of unit and examination technique Unit 6: Website development – factors affecting website performance, website design, common tools and techniques used to produce websites | Unit 1 and Unit 2 examinations Unit 6: Website development – website development, website review, website optimisation | Submission of unit 6 coursework |
Detailed specification is available at:
Textbooks used:
Pearson BTEC National Information Technology student book, Revise BTEC National Information Technology Revision Guide, Revise BTEC National Information Technology Revision Workbook
Further reading/resources:
http://www.gustofb.com/gustofb-10_key_elements_of_the_ideal_pos_system_for_the_next_decade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFi5_ctNFl0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGUPSvswmY0&feature=youtu.be
