Computing is a core subject at Enfield Grammar and is studied in KS3 by all students. Students in KS4 and 5 can choose to further study Computer Science as an option subject.
At KS3 we lay the foundations of the skills required for further study at KS4. Students are encouraged to follow safe working practices while learning to use a variety of basic ICT resources to secure their full engagement across the curriculum.
We follow the Computing curriculum and make use of the Compute-IT text books within lessons.
Year 7
- Digital literacy with e-safety
- Understanding computers
- Scratch Programming
- Physical computing with Microbits
- Spreadsheet Modelling
- Kodu Game Development
Year 8
- Programming with Python
- Computing maths
- Computer Networks
- Computer Systems
- Web Page Design
- Robotics
Year 9
- Algorithms and Computational Thinking
- Python programming
- 3D Modelling & Animation with Blender
- Cybersecurity
- Game Development with Makecode Arcade
- Data Science
GCSE Computer Science
We follow the OCR specification. (Oxford, Cambridge & RSA)
Alongside key Computer Science concepts and terminology, you will learn how to program through the programming language Python and others, including Python SQL, HTML, JavaScript, PHP and CSS. Computer components, networking, cryptography and binary mathematics also feature in this newly created course, which will provide you with a firm grounding in a subject and skills, which are transferable to all aspects of life and work.
At the end of the two-year course, you will sit 2 two hour written exams – each exam will be worth 50% of the final mark. All students must be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study.
Paper 1: Computer Systems
- Systems architecture
- Memory and storage
- Computer networks
- Network security
- Systems software
- SQL
- Data representation
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages
- Integrated Development Environments
For full specification: OCR Computer Science J277 Specification
CAMNAT IT (Cambridge Nationals Vocational – Information Technology)
This qualification is for learners who want to progress onto qualifications in IT and wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in using IT. This qualification for anyone looking to gain an excellent understanding of how to learn about what different technologies could be used, why you should use them and how to make best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data.
This course provides good preparation for project management. Such as, initiation, planning, execution and evaluation to complete a data management task and use their skills, knowledge and understanding of technology to complete each of the phases of the project life cycle. The analytical and evaluation skills that you will develop through this course are very relevant to both work and further study.
You can progress to A-Levels in Business, Geography, and Cambridge Technicals in IT. It can also support your progression into employment through Apprenticeships.
How will I be assessed and what will I be studying?
At the end of the two year course, you will sit a written exam to assess your knowledge and understanding of different technologies (hardware and software applications), and tools and techniques used to select, store, manipulate and present data and information. This examination will also assess your knowledge of project life cycle and the interaction between the phases.
The second assessment will focus on project initiation, planning and review. You will be expected to develop a technological solution that processes data and communicates information following the project life cycle. The third assessment is developing technology solutions. For this qualification, students must achieve three units: one externally assessed and two Non Examined Assessment (NEA) units.
- IT in the digital world – Externally Assessed
- Data manipulation using spreadsheets – (NEA)
- Using Augmented Reality to present information – (NEA)
We follow the AQA AS Level specification. This assesses students with 2 exam papers at the end of the 2 year course.
AS-Level Computer Science
We follow the AQA AS Level specification. This assesses students with 2 exam papers at the end of the 2 year course.
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
A-Level Computing
We follow the AQA A Level specification. This assesses students with 1 exam paper and 1 coursework at the end of the 2 year course.
- Unit 1: Problem solving, programming, data representation, systems development life cycle
- Unit 2: Computer components; systems, hardware elements, machine level architecture, hardware devices, structure of the internet, web page design, consequences & uses of computing
- Unit 3: Problem solving, programming, operating systems, databases, networking
- Unit 4: Computing practical project
For full specification: AQA A Level Computing
Level 3 BTEC IT
We follow the Edexel. BTEC IT specification. This assesses students with 6 units over two years (3 per year) at the end of the 2 year course.
For full specification: Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Information Technology
