Computing

The Department aims to ensure that every pupil at CRGS will leave the school competent and confident in Computing and familiar with a range of commonly used applications.

Resources include three computer suites consisting of 96 computers together with interactive whiteboards, projectors, digital cameras, camcorders, Raspberry Pis etc.

Teaching Staff

• Mr M Heaton BA MSc (Head of Department)
• Mr G Holttum BSc

 

Key Stage 3

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have a one hour Computing lesson every week, covering all aspects of the Computing National Curriculum by the end of Key Stage 3.

In Year 7 students study:

E-Safety	Scratch and Logo Programming
Algorithms	Webpage design and creation using HTML
Computer Systems	Spreadsheet fundamentals
Data Representation	The Internet

In Year 8 students study:

Algorithms	Computer Components
Networks	Flatbed Databases
Python programming	Binary Arithmetic
Sorting and Searching Algorithms	Introduction to JavaScript
HTML and CSS

In Year 9 students study:

Algorithms	Boolean Logic
Image and Sound formats	Advanced Python programming
Programming Mobile Phones	Advanced Spreadsheets
Creating Websites using Dreamweaver	Computer Architecture including Fetch-Execute Cycle, Instructions
Relational Databases	Introduction to Visual Basic

 

Key Stage 4

GCSE Computing – through the study of programming, this course will help learners develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. For many, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.

Computer Systems	Databases
Binary	Networks
Image and Sound Formats	Algorithms
Peripherals	Programming

In addition to the Theory paper, each student will have 2 control assessments.

 

Key Stage 5

Students can continue with their interests by opting for AQA Computing at A-Level. Here students learn to program the computer, using Visual Basic, and study more advanced technical aspects of the computer:

Programming	Consequences of use of computing
Data Structures	Communication and Networking
Algorithms	Databases
Theory of computation	Big Data
Data Representation	Fundamentals of functional programming
Computer Systems	Systematic approach to problem solving
Computer organisation and architecture	Non-exam assessment  - the computing practical project

Students take three modules – one on-screen examination, one written theory paper and undertake a practical project of their choosing.

 

Enrichment

The Computer facilities are available at lunch-times and after school and are open to all students.

After school, students can attend the Raspberry Pi Club. Here they can experiment with different operating systems, constructing electronic circuits under the control of Python programs.

The Coding Club allows students to learn more advanced programming techniques using Visual Basic.