Computing

Computing

GCSE

This course will prepare students for the AQA GCSE in Computer Science, a syllabus chosen because of its contemporary content, its practical approach to mastering programming and the excellent grounding it provides for the further study of this exciting subject.

Through regular “hands-on” sessions in our well-equipped computer suites those following the course will discover how to develop and test code that is both readily maintained and fault tolerant. The theory that underpins the operation of hardware and software and the all-important ethical and security implications of emerging technologies will also be explored. The qualification is assessed through a combination of two written examinations and a practical programming task completed, during lesson time, in Year 11.

While the course has an obvious attraction for anyone considering a career in the Software Industry, the Sciences or Engineering, the nature of the intellectual demands it imposes on the learner will be beneficial in all areas of further study. Failure to equip oneself with the knowledge and understanding revealed through a course such as this would leave a student with a significant handicap when entering university or employment in a world where mastery, rather than mere familiarity, of a computer is increasingly the norm.

Overview

A high-quality Computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with Mathematics, Science, and Design and Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of Computing is Computer Science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

The department aims that all students can:

  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Curriculum

Year 7 to 9

In Year 7 students have two lessons of Computing per week and one piece of homework will be set. Students will study a variety of topics including:

  • Introduction to Textual Programming using Python
  • Data Representation
  • Web Design using HTML
  • Computer Hardware and Logic Gates
  • Office 365 Applications

In Year 8 students have one lesson per week of Computing and one piece of homework per fortnight will be set. Students will study a variety of topics including:

  • Further Programming using Python
  • Data Representation
  • Networks
  • Hardware and Software

In Year 9 students have two lessons of Computing per week and one piece of homework will be set. The focus of the year will be to prepare students for the study of GCSE Computer Science in Year 10 and to encourage the creative application of computational thought.

GCSE

Computer Science is an optional subject and though topics are introduced in Year 9, the department starts teaching the AQA GCSE in Computer Science from Year 10 on.

At GCSE, students have four lessons per week of Computer Science and two pieces of homework will be set. Full details can be found in the specification but topics include:

  • Fundamentals of algorithms
  • Programming
  • Data Representation
  • Computer Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Cyber-Security
  • Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology
  • Software Development
  • Programming Project

Students are assessed via two exams at the end of Year 11.

Trips, Activities and Clubs

In addition to our teaching there are a range of opportunities to support the development of Computing knowledge including:

  • Lower School Code Club
  • Senior School Cyber Security Club
  • Weekly Senior School Clinics and Programming Club
Staff
  • Mr T Collins MSc BEng (Head of Computing)
  • Miss J Muirhead BSc

Senior

School News

Eltham College proudly opened its doors to prospective students and their families on Saturday, September 16th, for a day filled with excitement, exploration, and engagement.
The latest leg of the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition concluded on Wednesday with an impressive showcase of mathematical skills at St Dunstan’s College.
Last evening marked a significant milestone for the Eltham College Hans Woyda Team as they took the stage for their eagerly anticipated second league match of the academic year.