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Computer Science/iMedia
INTRODUCTION
As we live in a digital age, most industries rely on data and software programmes. Computer Science & IT impacts everything, from scientific research to health development, transport, banking, communications, you name it.
KS3
Computer science at KS3 covers: computational abstraction, key algorithms, block and text based programming, Boolean logic, hardware, software, binary representation, creativity within ICT and Internet safety.
KS4
OCR GCSE Computer Science
Students will be introduced to binary and logic gates. GCSE computer science allows students to develop logic and mathematic skills. Students will gain advanced skills in programming and algorithms. They will complete a computer science project, creating and testing a working program written in Python. Students will study memory, storage and networks. GCSE computer science will develop their understanding of the theory of computer science and how computers work.
| Paper 1 - Computer Systems (50% written examination) | System architecture |
| Memory | |
| Storage | |
| Wired and wireless networks | |
| System security | |
| System software | |
| Ethical and legal concerns | |
| Paper 2 - Computational Thinking (50% written examination) | Algorithms |
| Programming techniques | |
| Producing robust programs | |
| Computational logic | |
| Translators and languages | |
| Data representation |
OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia:
Students will design and make a DVD cover, a photo multipage comic-strip and a trailer for a thriller film. They will research the product, create pre-production documents (mood-board, mind-map, storyboard, script and visualisation), plan, create, test and evaluate their final product.
| Paper 1 R081 - Pre-Production Skills (25% written examination) | Mood-Boards |
| Mind-Maps | |
| Visualisations | |
| Storyboard | |
| Script | |
| Target audience | |
| Work plan | |
| Files | |
| Hardware and software | |
| Legislation | |
| Evaluation | |
| Unit R082 - Creating Digital Graphic (25% Controlled Assessment) | Research |
| Design | |
| Creating a DVD using Photoshop | |
| Evaluation | |
| Unit R084 - Storytelling with a Comic Strip (25% Controlled Assessment) | Research |
| Design | |
| Photographing and creating a comic strip using Comic Life | |
| Evaluation | |
| Unit R089 - Creating a Digital Video Sequence (25% Controlled Assessment) | Research |
| Design | |
| Filming and creating a video trailer using Premier Pro | |
| Evaluation |
OCR Cambridge Nationals IT
Students will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of IT, including: the use of IT in the digital world, Internet of Everything, data manipulation and Augmented Reality. Students will understand, apply and use IT appropriately and effectively for the purpose and audience. Students will develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations. Students will think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically to develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the IT sector and more widely.
| Unit R050 IT in digital world (40% written examination) | Design |
| Human Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life | |
| Data and testing | |
| Cyber-security and legislation | |
| Digital Communications - Internet of Everything (IoE) | |
| Unit R060 Data manipulation using spreadsheets (30% controlled assessment) | Planning and designing the spreadsheet solution |
| Creating the spreadsheet solution | |
| Testing the spreadsheet solution | |
| Evaluating the spreadsheet solution | |
| Unit R070 - Using Augmented Reality to present information (30% controlled assessment) | Augmented Reality (AR) |
| Designing an AR model prototype | |
| Creating an AR model prototype | |
| Testing and reviewing |
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- UCAN Code club
- UCAN Robot club
- UEA computer science taster visit (Year 11)
- Hackathon inter-house competition
FURTHER EDUCATION
Computer Science
If students enjoyed the GCSE computer science course, they can consider studying this subject further:
- AS and A2 in computer science
Creative iMedia
If students enjoyed the Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia course, they can consider studying this subject further:
- Creative and digital media
- Creative media production and technology
- Digital arts animation and games
IT
If students enjoyed the Cambridge Nationals IT course, they can consider studying this subject further:
- AS/A2 in IT
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Web designer
- Software engineer
- Video game developer
- Software application developer
- Computer science engineer
- Database administrator