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)
OCR A-Level Computer Science
This qualification is relevant to the modern and changing world of computing, and is also relevant to the higher education community. Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement. The course values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. It is designed to inspire and challenge students to apply the knowledge they gain with the creative and technical skills they acquire.
What is the course about?
This course is centred in exposing all students to computational thinking and in-depth understanding of computer science. You will be studying these units over the 2 years:
- Programming techniques
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Application generation
- Exchanging data
- Software development
- Data representation
- Systems software
- Types of processors, function of processors, CPU
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Fundamentals of databases
- computational thinking
- Web technologies
- Data Types, Boolean Algebra and Karnaugh Maps
- Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues
It is a very intense course. It will require a lot of self-study to succeed. The course prepares you very well to have a head start at university. The course covers the latest changes in the computing world.
The A level has 2 written papers and non-exam assessment (NEA). Paper 1 and Paper 2, both, equate to 40% each of the final mark.
The NEA is worth 20% and is begun in the final half term of Yr 12 and completed in Yr 13. Popular topics for the final year programming project are:
- Data science
- Machine learning
- Game Design with Unity 3D with C#
- Python
- Web development
Paper 1 consists of computer systems, computer architecture, programming concepts, relational databases, CPU, web technologies and data representation. NEA projects can range from developing a program to control and manipulate drones or a robot to an interactive website or an educational 2D/3D game.
Paper 2 focuses on problem solving, computational thinking, algorithm design and implementation and programming understanding and how it is applied.
This course will allow you to enrol on any degree course on computer science and related subjects. It leads to many roles in the industry, which include software engineer, developer, analyst, project manager, software architect, tester and operational manager; career development opportunities are almost unlimited within the industry.
Recommended Websites
https://isaaccomputerscience.org/
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/object-oriented-principles
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/programming-103-data
Revision Resources and Books
https://student.craigndave.org/a-level-videos
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/computer-science-revision/a-level-ocr/
https://www.datacamp.com/community/tutorials/python-oop-tutorial
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/object-oriented-principles
OCR AS and A Level Computer Science Textbook by PM Heathcote and RSU Heathcote ISBN: 978-1-910523-05-6
Entry Requirements: Grade 6 and above in Computer Science, Grade 6 in English and Maths.
Level 3 BTEC Information Technology (IT)
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in IT is intended as an Applied General
qualification and it is equivalent in size to one A Level. It is designed for learners who are
interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share
information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of
higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.
The BTEC L3 is made up of 4 units and consists of 360 GLH. Two of the units are externally assessed.
- Unit 1: Information Technology Systems is a 2 hours written examination set and marked by
the exam board - Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information is a computer based task set by the exam
board and completed by students under supervised conditions - Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business is a mandatory internally assessed unit.
- Unit 6: Website Development unit is an internally assessed unit that provides students with
knowledge understanding and skills for degree courses such as reading technical texts,
effecting writing, analytical skills, creative development and preparation for assessment
methods used in degrees
For full specification: Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Information Technology