ICT and computing
Department Staff:
Curriculum Intent
Our intent is to embed computing in as many learning opportunities as possible, which equips children with the thinking skills and creativity to understand and change the world. We provide children with a personalised and balanced curriculum that inspires and teaches them key knowledge about Information Technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and Digital Literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).
By the time they leave Falconer school, children will have gained key knowledge and essential skills that enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.
KS3 Curriculum
The department teaches discrete ICT to all pupils in years 7 - 9. The KS3 curriculum encompasses not only the mastery of technical skills and techniques, but also the understanding to apply these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly in learning, everyday life and employment. In addition, pupils will be introduced to the basics of computer science, by learning the basics of computer programming.
Students learn and apply these skills and capabilities as outlined in the ICT curriculum. Students will cover a variety of topics that are linked to Algorithms, programming and development, Data and Data representation, Hardware and Processing, Communication and Networks and Information Technology (Digital Literacy). We aim to cover these concepts while teaching fun and engaging lessons that will get the students to be actively engaged with technology and feel confident in using it as well as developing their own solutions to problems.
KS4 Curriculum
In Year 10 students move on to study the NCFE level 2 Technical Award in Interactive Media. Interactive media is the integration of digital media including combinations of electronic text, graphics, moving images and sound into a structured digital computerised environment that allows people to interact with the data for appropriate purposes.
The NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Interactive Media qualification allows students to examine how computers are used to manipulate and analyse data, how user interfaces are designed, and how to employ effective digital working practices. It has four units: one unit where students will experiment with interactive media products and understand the elements of the development process using hardware and software solutions; one unit where students will understand how to produce a proposal to meet a brief. They will learn about ideas development, audience/end-user, technical aspects, design aspects and content; one unit where students will understand how to use appropriate software and hardware for the development and creation of an interactive media product and its assets; the final unit where students will present and promote an interactive media product in the creative media industry.
The OCR GCSE in Computer Science is also on offer for students who are able to work with real-world programming and provide a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing. This qualification provides a challenging specification for students of all ability levels. It is both inspiring to teach and learn. There are two written papers that will assess the student’s theoretical knowledge and computational thinking skills alongside a non-exam assessment (NEA) component to assess student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical programming problem.
Useful websites/links:
NCFE Level 2 Technical Award In Interactive Media Specification
Scratch to help introduce learners to the world of coding, Scratch is a GUI (Graphic User Interface) based programming language.
Code.org is a non-profit organisation that aims to encourage students to learn computer science.
Oak National Academy that provides teaching and learning resources.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-4/subjects/computing