Computing

Aims of the curriculum

Mission Statement Computer Science

“”Using computer science to develop a way of living that improves the quality of life for all. To prepare students for jobs and careers that don’t yet exist and to do that developing a safe, effective and responsible attitude to using computers in the community”

Computing and IT has created a digital divide and our mission is to close that gap and come up with solutions that make society fair, create opportunities for all, respect the environment and have a greater understanding of our moral and ethical obligations. Using computers and IT can make the world a better place, we just need to learn how to do that effectively.

Outcomes for students

Preparing students with Knowledge skills and understanding students need to achieve succeed in IT and Computer Science at each stage of their education GCSE, A Level. Preparing students for decisions they make for further education, training, or work.
Exposing students to a range of knowledge skills and understanding students need to succeed in IT and Computer Science day to day – digital literacy
Sustaining strong morals and ethics associated with computing in society
Developing responsible and safe users of computer science and IT for the community
Being inclusive of the catholic ethos, equality and accessibility for all
Preparing students for jobs in the future that don’t yet exist

At St Thomas More we aim to offer a broad and exciting curriculum that will benefit students in to further education, training or work. Providing opportunities for careers in the competitive and ever-changing Computer Science, IT and Tech industries. We want to prepare our students for the jobs that may not yet exist and be competitive in the most advanced industries available to them.

Curriculum overview

Years 10 and 11

Edexcel Computer Science GCSE

Years 10 and 11

BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology

Teaching methods and student organisation

Year 10 – 4 hours per fortnight

Year 11 – 4 hours per fortnight

Students have access to the Moodle VLE in lesson and home to view objectives and resources. All work is completed either online or uploaded to the Moodle VLE and fed back to student through this or we use exercise books to make notes and submit responses to challenge questions.

Students have access to personal email accounts to exchange and communicate with both teachers and peers within the school

Students organise their work within their folders and upload any work that is required to the Moodle VLE.

Progression after Key Stage 4

Students can select Cambridge Technical IT or A Level Computer Science.

Additional classes and extracurricular activities

Catch up sessions for pupils to work in their own time with the assistance of a teacher / teaching assistant as designated by P6 or the learning mentors and class teacher.

Students are encouraged to use online learning to improve programming and computational thinking outside of lesson and in study periods.