St Leonard's

KS3 Computing curriculum

Intent: The KS3 curriculum has moved its focus from traditional ICT to a Computer Science based curriculum, with the intent to engage and prepare students for Computer Science courses at KS4 and KS5. This is in response to the need for more qualified programmers in the computing industry. In KS3 students are introduced to the concept of Computer Science through a variety of small projects covering the origins of computer science, problem solving, binary and programming using graphical and text based languages.

Computer Science assists in developing an understanding of current and emerging technologies, how they work and how to apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts. It gives students the technical skills and understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning Computer Scientists, who are able to make informed decisions about its use while being aware of the implications of different technologies. The course encourages students to acquire and apply technical skills, knowledge and understanding to a range of contexts, specifically in developing computer programs to solve problems.

The BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production provides pupils with the opportunity to acquire sector specific applied knowledge and skills through investigating, exploring and creating a range of media products for a given context. The qualification allows pupils to develop skills in a range of media sectors such as audio/moving image, print or the interactive sector. Pupils will investigate and develop ideas in pre-production, production and post production processes. They will also learn to respond to feedback in relation to planning and developing their ideas, as well as learn skills in personal management and communication.

KS4 GCSE Computer Science

Exam board: OCR
Course code: J277
Examinations: Two written papers, 1 hour 30 minutes each. Computer Systems – 50%, Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – 50%. Compulsory programming project – 0%.
Progression routes: Many of the students who have studied GCSE Computer Science have gone on to study A Level Computer Science. Future employers and apprenticeships will value the rigour of this GCSE as it encourages logical thinking, technical and problem-solving skills.

KS4 BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production

Exam board: Pearson
Course code: 603/7053/1
Examinations: The course is made up of two Pearson Set Assignments (PSA) which are set and marked by the centre then moderated by the exam board and one external assessment which is taken in the summer term of Year 11. PSA – Component 1 – Exploring Media Products, PSA – Component 2 -Developing Digital Media Production Skills, Exam – Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief – this is taken in timetabled exam sessions over 10 hours.
Progression routes: The Tech Award complements the learning in other GCSE subjects such as Art and Design, Design Technology and Computer Science enabling pupils to study A Levels in a range of subjects. It also enables pupils to study BTEC Level 3 qualifications in ICT and also Media.

KS5 courses