Head of Department: Mr J Radbourne -radbournej@wellandparkacademy.com
Computing, Business and ICT - Key Stage 3
The Computing and ICT Department encourages all students to develop their ICT capability in a wide range of contexts and to become problem solvers through Computational Thinking. We look at specific uses of ICT in society and how computer technology has changed the world we live in. We encourage our students to be independent thinkers and users of ICT and to continue this process across the curriculum and at home. Work is increasingly set through a combination of Microsoft Teams and OneNote with all work being accessible seamlessly through the academy’s Office 365 system.
In Year 7 all students receive 2 “CICT” lessons per week. One lesson is dedicated to Computer Science and one to the development of ICT skills. The areas of Computer Science covered introduce students to the world of problem-solving through Computational Thinking, project development and coding using a range of programming packages, including Kodu, Scratch and Flowol. ICT lessons deal with digital literacy, the safe and efficient use of online resources and presenting information to a number of audiences. Students will also have the opportunity to use standard business software to process information and model solutions during a business-based project.
In Years 8 and 9, students have one lesson of CICT per week and complete longer, more demanding tasks that cover both Computer Science and ICT topics in the same unit of work. Students will have the opportunity to:
· Design and develop their own computer games using Scratch and Gamefroot
· Setting up a new sports shop business, researching, designing and creating documents for the launch
· Investigate the role of different hardware and network components
· Learn to create programs using Python 3
· Research and create a magazine in groups using graphics and page setting software
· Work in groups to combine their knowledge of programming and graphics to create a game app
Computing, Business and ICT - Key Stage 4
The CICT and Business faculty offers three courses at GCSE; Computer Science, Creative iMedia and Business.
Computer Science students follow the newly updated AQA syllabus. In the first year students cover computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms, the designing, writing, testing and refining of code and computer systems. In the second year we look at computer networks, cyber security, relational databases and the ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology. All students are taught to program using Python 3 and it is helpful for them to have access to a PC at home so they can practice programming techniques away from the classroom.
Creative iMedia students follow the OCR Creative iMedia course. Thiscourse equips students with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed to work in the creative digital media sector. They start at pre-production and develop their skills through practical assignments as they create final multimedia products. Creative iMedia is a vocational course that is made up of four units; three are assessed by portfolio of evidence and one externally set examination. During the course, students will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of digital graphics editing for the creative and digital media sector, the development of cartoon strips and the creation of websites.
The OCR GCSE in Business equips students with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decision-making. They develop their understanding of concepts, objectives and terminology, and the impact of contemporary issues on business operations. The course is divided into two parts; In “Business activity, marketing and people”, students are introduced to business concepts. They explore the purpose and role of a business from spotting an opportunity through to the growth of an established business. They also look at the role of marketing and human resources. In “Operations, finance and influences on business”, students take a closer look at the role of operations and finance in business activity. This includes production processes, quality of goods and services, customer service and working with suppliers. Finance covers its role, its sources, costs, profit and loss, cash and cash flow.