Learning how a computer works and not how to work a computer.

 

In Computing, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed for them to thrive and take on the challenges of living in an ever changing technological society, preparing them for roles in society that may not even exist today. Learning how to learn independently using Computing and inspiring them to consider the opportunities offered by modern technological development.

 

Computing is taught as a discrete subject to all students for one hour per week. The cross curricular use of ICT is embedded into the schemes of work for all departments in the school. It is expected that students will use the skills and techniques learned in their Computing lessons to provide tools that will enrich and develop their learning experiences across all subject areas. 

The Computing curriculum is forward thinking and designed to equip students with knowledge to become successful in their future, but also to inspire and develop the Computing & IT professionals of tomorrow. In each year group there are multiple projects that cover computational thinking skills and software such as e-Safety & Microsoft Office and Computing topics, such as sequencing and programming. 

 

How to Succeed

To be successful in Computing projects, students must be willing to experiment with ideas and invest their lesson time into expanding their knowledge and skill set. An enthusiasm for any aspect of IT & Computing is always welcome.

Learning at Home

We make extensive use of Moodle, the college Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) all of our projects are available to students 365 days a week, 24 hours a day. If students wish to make more progress, or are curious about what will be next in their lesson they can access Moodle and check it out before they arrive in the lesson.

Students will have homework on Moodle enabling them to independently learn & revise about some key concepts from their projects. Students in Year 9 will also be expected to work independently during the Extended Project.
We also encourage students to download and install software to help with their Computing work. With the exception of Microsoft Office, all other software is free open-source. 

Please find below a list of links with appropriate year groups that make use of the software.

• micro:bit Blocks Editor (Year 7,8 & 9) https://makecode.microbit.org/
• Microsoft Small Basic (Year 8 & 9) http://smallbasic.com
• Paint.NET (Year 8 & 9) http://www.getpaint.net
• BlueGriffon (Year 8) http://www.bluegriffon.org/#download

We also offer all our students the opportunity to have a licence for the latest version of Microsoft Office, which they can use and access whilst enrolled at Ivanhoe. You can access information of how to do this by clicking here: http://www.ivanhoe.co.uk/microsoft-office-install-guide-for-students

 

Year 7 Topics

In Year 7 students learn about e-Safety, general ICT skills, the different types of Computer systems and the hardware that make them work, making use of database features such as search, sort and queries and programming game using Micro:Bits.

 

Year 8 Topics

In Year 8 students learn about text based programming using Small Basic, website development, how a computer stores data using binary digits, and complete an independent programming project.

 

Year 9

In Year 9 students are able to study an additional hour of Computing as their Year 9 option subject. The curriculum is split into two categories; 'Core' which all students will study and 'Option' which will study in their additional hour.  Students opting to take Computing at GCSE would benefit greatly from selecting Computing as their option. 

 

Year 9 Core Topics

In Year 9 students are taught projects that revise and enhance previous skills. The first project is a GCSE topic on Systems Architecture, learning what the role of Computer Processor is and how it works with other components such as RAM in the functioning of a computer.  After that they embark on an extended project to specify, design, implement and evaluate a project of their choosing. This extended project gives invaluable preparation for future learning and assessment practices as they move in to Year 10, 11 and beyond. Once this has been completed, students move on to another GCSE topic, this time on Computer Networking, understanding the different ways of configuring networks and being able to select appropriate configurations for different circumstances.

Year 9 Option Topics

Students opting to do Computing will develop subject knowledge that will support their development should they opt to choose GCSE Computing. In addition to the projects covered in the 'Core' Topics they will also; further develop their programming skills, build a database using SQL, examine the impact of ICT on society and spend some time looking at robotics. Students in the 'Option' group will also benefit from additional revision time and resources in preparation for the end of year exam, which all students will sit.

 

How does Computing embed cross curriculum literacy skills?

In computing we encourage the use of our common writing frames for aspects of work that require lengthy written work such as evaluation of a project or product. Our classrooms walls have displays and posters that contain keyword and phrases, including technical vocabulary, which students are encouraged to use in their written work.

We also teach strategies to support the improvement of literacy when using ICT. For example appropriate use of Spell Check & Proof reading work before submitting for assessment.

How does Computing embed cross curriculum numeracy skills?

Computing has a clearly defined Mathematical element as part of the curriculum, we specifically look at Formulas, Logical Operators, Co-Ordinates, Data Handling throughout the lesson.

How does Computing link to SMSC and PLTS?

PLTS are evaluated & considered as part of the evaluation process of each lesson and students are encouraged to identify periodically the PLTS skills they are using in particular lessons in the curriculum.

SMSC is embedded within the Computing curriculum in a way where it augments and improves the learning of the Computing concepts without detracting from it. Key highlights for our students SMSC education include, thinking about staying safe online and educating others about these issues, creating resources that encourage a healthy lifestyle, evaluating, on balance, the impact of ICT on our Society, looking at the moral issues associated with technology such as Intellectual Property, Plagiarism & the Law.

 

How does Computing make use of Curriculum Enrichment Days?

Enrichment Days in Computing are shared with MFL, so every student should receive 1 hour 40 minutes of enrichment activity every year. In this session we to give students experiences that cannot be covered in normal lessons due to time restraints.

The list of opportunities includes;

• Building PCs.
• Looking at the range of work by Alan Turing, including Ciphers & Artificial Intelligence.
• Developing computational thinking skills.

Each experience is designed to augment their learning in Computing lessons.

 

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