Computer Science
The Computer Science curriculum will offer a high-quality education that equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computer Science has deep links with Mathematics, Science and Design and Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
Overview
Students are introduced to the school IT systems - Google Suite for Education (G-Suite) - learning how to manage their online space, their iPad and Google Classroom.
The KS3 course builds on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum programme of study for computing.
Students
- Are taught to develop a strong awareness of their responsibilities as online citizens.
- Learn to devise algorithms and practice programming skills in a range of software.
- Learn how to explore the World Wide Web safely, to acknowledge sources of information and to develop an understanding of the issues of copyright.
- Learn about input, process and output to define computer systems.
- Develop their understanding of spreadsheet models and databases to store, search and sort data.
Homework
We set a combination of short consolidation tasks and project-based homework.
Assessment
Students are assessed based on their classwork and homework, and formal assessments at the end of each term. Assessments are written, computer-based or a combination of both.
Extended Learning
There are visits from guest speakers, industry/subject days with Haymarket Skills Academy as well as competitions.
Students have opportunities to work with other industry links and not-for-profit organisations such as Apps 4 Good. We also encourage students to take the initiative to set up clubs which reflect their individual interests in aspects of the computing curriculum.
All students use iPads which we believe support them to become well-informed, responsible digital citizens and lifelong learners. Our iPads are used with G-Suite and give students managed and continual access to the information they need wherever they are and the scope and platform to collaborate authentically with their peers and teachers.
A balanced combination of school and home learning is crucial to the future success of young people, and the technology we use, we believe, opens doors to a new and engaging world that extends effective study beyond the classroom.
Curriculum Overviews
More information about the Computing curriculum
Ms Wright, Deputy Head Teacher, Curriculum - SLT@rts.richmond.sch.uk
Mr J Livermore, Subject Leader, Computer Science - jlivermore@rts.richmond.sch.uk