Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of computer science and to develop their computational thinking skills. Through a combination of practical activities, problem-solving tasks and theoretical learning. Students will learn how to design and implement algorithms, use programming languages to create working programs, and understand the fundamental concepts of computer science.  Our curriculum will also help students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and collaboration, as well as technical skills such as coding, debugging, and testing.

We believe these skills are essential for success in a rapidly-changing world, and we are committed to providing students with the knowledge and expertise they need to thrive in an increasingly digital society. Ultimately, our goal is to help students to become confident, capable, and creative computer scientists who are ready to take on the challenges of the future.

At Key Stage 3 the Computing curriculum aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of computer science, including programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Through a combination of hands-on activities, projects, and discussions, students will develop a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science, as well as their applications in the real world. The course will also explore the role of computer science in society, and will prepare students for further studies and careers in the field.

Overall, the curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning and a passion for problem-solving in students, and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly-changing world of technology. By the end of the course, students will have a well-rounded understanding of computer science and ICT.

Through the OCR GCSE Computer Science course, we expect to see significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science. These skills will not only benefit students in their future studies and careers, but will also have a positive impact on the school community, as students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges and projects. Additionally, the course will help to increase students’ awareness of the role of computer science in society, and will inspire them to consider careers in the field, leading to a more diverse and well-rounded workforce in the future.

We also offer the L2 Technical Award in Digital Information Technology. This qualification is for students who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts.  They will acquire the knowledge and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. 

ICT & Computer Science in the Sixth Form 

In the sixth form, students are given the opportunity to further their studies through the Academic OCR A Level in Computer Science. It is a very practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learnt in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The aim is to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. Students  analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so and will have the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. The course will apply mathematical skills throughout.

We also offer the BTEC L3 Extended Certificate in ICT.  This gives learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further studies in the IT sector or other sectors. The study of IT particularly encourages development of research and analysis skills, project management and prioritising, effective communications, the synthesis skills of adapting and integrating, and the evaluation skills of assessing, interpreting and validating.

Students can go to pursue a vast range of careers in the ICT and computer science fields, including being an application analyst, cybersecurity analyst, games developer, forensic computer analyst and Information systems manager.