Computing & Business

Computing

What makes us passionate about our subject? (Intent)

Digital skills are the tools which enable people to create, communicate and solve problems which they would not otherwise be able to do. They allow students to innovate, gain confidence and build strategies for creativity and problem solving that can be applied to many aspects of life. We consider these skills to be the pathway to a wide range of life chances, careers and essential to living in a digital economy.

What do our students gain by studying our subject? (Impact)

Our aim is to provide every student with a grounding in the digital skills they will need both during their education and in later life. As the technology is continually updating, we want to emphasise a resilient flexible approach which includes strategies that will enable them to extend and update those skills in the future.

For those who want to study further we want to grow students’ knowledge of how technology is created and the appreciation they have for solving problems. We want to help students to further develop their creative skills enabling them to communicate effectively in a digital world.

Business and Economics

What makes us passionate about our subject? (Intent)

Opening a newspaper or switching on the news and being able to understand the cause and effect of real-world events is what makes Economics and Business so relevant and current. Being able to discuss incremental and disruptive changes in the local and global economy is fundamental in allowing us to understand how our futures are impacted and as a result, to think critically about our own and others’ actions. In doing so we are encouraged to consider our rights and responsibilities as well as those of businesses and governments. Should we readily accept the consequences of others’ actions, regardless of their ‘power’? If not, then how can we act innovatively to change the dynamics of the world around us? These are questions to which answers can be discussed, debated and potentially solved. An appreciation of others’ opinions and evidence is crucial in determining an answer, should a right one exist. More often than not, it is not this straightforward, and therefore accepting that there can never be ‘the’ answer is a difficult pill to swallow. Economic issues must still be addressed therefore, and perhaps it is important that we must accept the opportunity cost of any decisions we make. The role businesses have to play in all of this is crucial; is it right that they continue to aim to increase profits to increase shareholder value, or should they be more concerned about their impact on the environment and consider the ethical consequences of their production?

What do our students gain by studying our subject? (Impact)

Students have the opportunity to engage in a range of dynamic and current topics which encourage critical thinking and the opportunity to problem solve in relation to real-world events. For example, students will undertake studies relating to the global impact of the ever-changing world of digital technology; they will develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants, the importance of recognising businesses taking responsibility for ethical behaviour and the impact of local and global economic shocks. In doing so, students acquire a range of key transferable skills including interpreting and analysing quantitative and qualitative information. The learning environment fosters the ability to form and provide supported opinions on how to problem-solve, or whether to intervene at all. Not only does this enhance students’ understanding of the world around them and business activity within it, but also improves their employability and ability to study related subjects at a higher level. Students are encouraged to be creative and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit, both in and out of the classroom, with many continuing associated studies at university and work-related placements.

Business and Economics Curriculum Maps and Assessment

IT and Computing Curriculum Maps and Assessment

Computer Science GCSE AQA

AQA | Computer Science and IT | GCSE | Computer Science

Computer Science A Level AQA

AQA | Computer Science and IT | AS and A-level | Computer Science

Cambridge Nationals Certificate in Creative iMedia up to June 2022

Cambridge Nationals - Creative iMedia Level 1/2 Award/Certificate - J807, J817 - OCR

Cambridge Nationals Certificate in Creative iMedia from September 2022

Cambridge Nationals - Creative iMedia Level 1/2 - J834 - OCR

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in IT

BTEC Nationals | Information Technology (2016) | Pearson qualifications