INNOVATE . FOCUS . ACHIEVE
At Boldon School, all aspects of the school ethos, ‘Innovate, Focus and Achieve’ are underpinned across each subject area. In Computer Science, we strive to embed these principles within our curriculum:
Innovate: To create innovative and progressive schemes of work which are well-sequenced to ensure excellent student outcomes.
Focus: A clear drive and focus key threads for reading, writing and spoken language;
A relentless drive to sharpen key knowledge concepts and ensure understanding of portable themes.
To ensure that all lessons widen the scope and appreciation of grammar, vocabulary and subject content.
Achieve: The aim is to ensure proficiency in reading, writing and oracy; this is key to social mobility. Our robust curriculum is designed to build strong foundations in knowledge and understanding which lead to academic and personal success. We want our students to enjoy the subject, and be inspired to be innovative in their responses, to focus on skill acquisition and implementation and, ultimately, to achieve their true potential. Students will be well-skilled to succeed in their next steps, whether it be education, further training or the world of employment.
Each of our curriculum areas are carefully designed with the students at the heart of our thinking. The intent is for the framework for each programme of study in the National Curriculum to be well planned and sequenced to enable all students to build their knowledge and skills towards the agreed end points at each key stage. We consider how this is taught in order to support our students and ensure this is implemented effectively. For the desired impact to be reflected in the outcomes that students achieve through the education they have received.
This is embedded across each subject area: Computer Science
Intent:
The KS4 GCSE Computer Science curriculum has been designed to ensure all learners are able to achieve the highest standards and outcomes following the specification from OCR. Computer Science is learner focused and has been developed to ensure students learn computational thinking skills, conceptual learning and understanding.
Students will be able to think creatively, logically and critically while understanding the components that make up digital systems and valuable thinking and programming skills that are deeply required in the modern workplace.
Our assessment structure allows learners to build on what they learn while continuously developing industry required skills. Upon completion of the course, students will possess the key elements required to enter jobs in the Computing sector such as problem solving, analytical skills and a wide computing background.
Implementation:
OCR Computer Science is made up of two assessments, both weighted at 50% of the total course each. The first assessment focuses on Computer Systems and the second assessment focuses on Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming. In addition to the two assessments, learners are required to undertake a formal programming project.
Outstanding subject knowledge and strong teaching pedagogy is at the forefront of our curriculum. All Computer Science teachers are actively involved in additional training and cutting edge research to be at the forefront of developments in the computing field that will benefit learners.
Summative assessment criteria is used to ensure all students are able to achieve and exceed desired outcomes during the course. Practical lessons alongside theory lessons are used for each topic alongside the end of unit tests. An effective assessment process allows learners and staff to identify areas for improvements.
Impact:
Students recognise we are living in an era dominated by digital technology and this is why Computer Science is such a popular subject within the school. All data is evaluated and analysed thoroughly by senior leaders to ensure student outcomes. Faculty learning walks are scheduled into the monitoring calendar for each academic year.
Student voice is utilised by staff to ensure students are receiving maximum positive impact, enjoyment and learning from the course.
Students regularly inform teachers that they enjoy Computer Science and how much they would love to pursue a career and further studies within the subject. We have many historic examples of former students proceeding on to sixth form, university, apprenticeships and then a career within the digital industry.