Computing Department Mission Statement/ Aims:
Computing, offers all students, an opportunity to develop their capabilities in digital literacy and information technology as well as computer science for the more technically minded. Computing allows students to transfer skills developed in our subject and apply them in other areas of the school curriculum.
Using the skill and specialisms of staff, extra-curricular lunchtime club, visits to college and university we provide our students with a variety of enrichment experiences.
Curriculum Details:
Year 7
- Autumn term: Benchmarking, Word, PowerPoint and Spreadsheet skills; Scratch Programming.
- Spring term: Computer Systems.
- Summer term: e Safety.
Year 8
- Autumn term: DeskTop Publishing; Scratch programming.
- Spring term: Python Programming.
- Summer term: e Safety & Computer Science Unplugged.
Year 9
- Autumn term: Databases; Python Programming.
- Spring term: Digital Imaging.
- Summer term: Web Development (HTML) & e Safety
Homework Policy:
All KS3 students will have menu homework where they have a choice of what homework to do. This may be:
- an extended project over a half term.
- a specific task given to support the current project.
- researching and /or analysing a current or future project.
Key Stage 4 students will have homeworks based on past exam questions to prepare them for mock and summer exams.
Faculty/Department Expectations:
Students are introduced to the dangers and rules of behaviour in an ICT lesson. Each successive year group are taught about internet safety, relevant to their age group. Students are also made aware of general safety regarding movement in and around rooms by ensuring bags, blazers, stools etc. are stowed tidily and that drinks are not allowed in practical areas. Class sizes are kept to a minimum of 20 whenever possible.
Faculty/Department Advice:
You can support your child in ICT/Computing by ensuring they come to school with the correct equipment (planner, pen, pencil etc.), checking they make time to do their homework well (meeting deadlines) and asking them about their work in ICT/Computing. In KS4 parents could test them on their exam revision questions.
Faculty/ Department Contact:
If you have a query or need any advice regarding your child’s learning in ICT/Computing do not hesitate to contact Mr Spence, in the first instance, by telephoning the school or email at d.spence@seahamhighschool.com.
Mrs Salem p.salem@seahamhighschool.com is available if further clarification is needed.
Useful websites:
- BBC education website (Computer Science KS3 & KS4 bitesize)
- www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/ (Computer Science Exam Revision)