Computer Science
Computer Science and Business
The Computing and Business Department uses a range of technology and teaching styles to cover the Computer Science and ICT curriculum. The department offers courses aimed at showing students how best to use computer technology and enterprise in their own work and also in the world at large. A large range of programming software is used to help student develop their understanding of how computers work and how to make their own programs. The department also has access to a number of dedicated ICT rooms, with a range wide of up to date software and hardware. The department consists of two full time fully qualified Computer Science and Business Studies teachers, supported by the ICT technical team.
We aim to enable students to become independent users of information communication technology, together with ensuring that students are aware of their obligations in using such technology both ethically and morally.
We are committed as a department to allowing the students to access the wealth of abundant and vital information held on the Internet, however we are also acutely aware of some of the negative sides to using such technology. Students are taught the correct and safe use of the Internet and we have a strict policy that they must follow if they are to use it successfully.
The aims of the department are;
· to teach Computer Science as a discrete subject in Key Stage 3 and 4
· to ensure that pupils of all abilities have equal access to ICT
· to ensure facilities are practical and are as up to date as possible
· to share ICT facilities and expertise with the wider community
· to promote the use of ICT across the whole academy
· to promote business and enterprise skills in Key Stage 4 as an option subject.
At Key Stage 3 students follow the ICT / Computer Science curriculum. Topics covered include data representation, logo programming, HTML, control, scratch, kodu, computer networks, computer hardware and python programming. All students are encouraged to develop logical thinking skills in order for them to become independent computer programmers.
All Year 9, 10 and 11 students have the option to study GCSE’s in Computer Science and Business Studies.
In order to ensure success in the subject, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities to all students including coursework clubs,, half-term catch-up sessions and other out of school activities.
Current GCSE Specifications
OCR GCSE Business from 2017
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-business-j204-from-2017/
OCR GCSE Computer Science (1-9 Specification)
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j2
Additional resources for Computing
Code Academy
A website of tutorials for python programming and html
https://www.codecademy.com
Scratch MIT
A website allowing games to be built online and offering coding support
Teach-ICT
A range of tutorials and topic introductions and games covering all the curriculum topics.
Cambridge MOOC
An interactive video and textbook covering the full GCSE course
https://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org
Code Academy
A website of tutorials for python programming and html
Additional resources for Computing
GCSE Bitesize
A website with a range of tutorials and topic introductions linked to finance, with an opportunity for testing of knowledge. Additionally a number of videos to support.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize /business/finance/
Revision Station
A website that provides a number of free resources related to the new GCSE specification for business studies.
http://www.revisionstation.co.uk/ocr-gcse- business-(9-1)
OCR GCSE (9–1) Business, Third Edition : text book.
This book covers all the examination topics that the student are required to learn. With additional assessment questions and exemplars.
https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/business-and-accounting#&pid=1&l=149&limit=true&type=1
Department Leader
Miss K Talbot - ktalbot@hillsviewacademy.org