Computing and Electronic Technologies
Today, Communication and Electronic Technologies have become essential skills. CET provision at the Senior School aims to provide pupils with the technical skills and techniques needed for life, as well as the ability and confidence to apply these skills safely, responsibly, and confidently in their learning, everyday life, and the workplace.
The school has three fully equipped computer labs which are regularly used by the Department and by other staff to support teaching and learning across the curriculum.
Enrichment opportunities include: BEBRAS Computational Thinking competition, Minecraft Coding (Block and JavaScript), Microprocessor Control, Photoshop Image Manipulation, Vector Graphics, Animation, Programming.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
All students take CET at KS3 (Years 7 to 9). A great emphasis is placed on practical work were students gain knowledge, understanding and skills through using a variety of applications including:
Office 365, Internet Safety, Photoshop, Teams, OneDrive, Email, Illustrator, Flowol, Web Design (Dreamweaver), Sound Editing, Video Editing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Forms, Sway, Minecraft, Word, MSW Logo, Micro:Bit, Publisher, Python, JavaScript and HTML.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE
CIE 0417
ICT in years 10 and 11 is offered as an option, students follow the Cambridge IGCSE Informational and Communication Technology Course.
The IGCSE Information Communication Technology syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, e-mail, web browsers and website design. Students develop a greater awareness of how applications are used in the workplace and consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues. The skills learnt will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum and will prepare them for future studies and employment.
What will I learn?
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills.
The aims of the course are to enable students to develop:
- an understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks
- the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
- the skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world
- the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.
Curriculum Content
There are three components, one written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes worth 40% and two practical tasks each of 2 hours 15 minutes and worth 30%.
What homework will I be set?
Students will make use of their Office 365 account. Students will be set reading tasks and questions from the textbook and past papers.
Sixth Form: International AS and A level
CIE Computer Science 9618
Computer Science in years 12 and 13 is offered as an option. Students follow the Cambridge A-level Computer Science 9618 Course.
The aims of this course are to enable students to develop:
• computational thinking skills
• an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers
• an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communication and people
• an understanding of the different methods of communication and the functionality of networks and the internet
• the skills necessary to apply this understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems.
Curriculum Content
For the IAS qualification Year 12 students sit 2 written papers at the end of the year. Paper 1: Theory Fundamentals (1hr 30min)
Paper 2: Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills (2hrs)
At the end of Year 13, for the IAL qualification, students sit a further written paper, Paper 3: Advanced Theory (1hr 30min) and a practical Paper 4 (2 hrs 30min).
Each paper is worth 25% of the IAL qualification.
What are the GCSE requirements for this course?
Students wishing to study Computer Science in the Sixth form need IGCSE ICT grade C and above. I GCSE in ICT in not mandatory but is an advantage.
Future Career Choices
Cambridge International A Level Computer Science provides a suitable foundation for the study of Computer Science in higher education. Students that follow an academic path in Computer Science open doors to a variety of rewarding career paths in the tech industry and beyond. Potential roles include software developer, web developer, systems analyst, data analyst or data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, network engineer, IT consultant, database administrator, game developer, AI or machine learning engineer, UI/UX designer, and IT project manager. These roles span across sectors such as finance, healthcare, entertainment, and automotive, reflecting the versatile and in-demand nature of Computer Science skills in today's digital age.
