The Computer Studies department is staffed by a dynamic and forward-thinking group of teachers. It has undergone substantial change in recent years, making the transition from ICT to computing at almost every level in order to cater for modern demands. In an evolving technological world, there is no doubt that the importance of computing skills will continue to grow in the years to come. Shiplake prepares young people for the future by instilling the fundamental technical skills required to thrive in the modern workplace.
Resources
In line with the wider College policy of integrating technology into teaching, the Computer Studies Department makes full use of technology to enhance learning. All pupils in the College have their own mobile device and these are used in every lesson, with learning materials delivered via OneNote and Teams. Techniques such as the 'flipped classroom' and collaborative work using Microsoft 365 are employed regularly to create interesting and effective lessons.
Additional Opportunities
All pupils taking KS3 computing and GCSE and A-level computer science enter the UK BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge, a national problem-solving contest focussing on computational and logical thinking. We also take our Year 9 pupils to Bletchley Park in a cross-curricular trip with the History and Maths Departments.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Our curriculum at KS3 involves one lesson of computing and one lesson of cyber skills each week. The computing lessons are heavily focused on coding, beginning with visual programming using Scratch. We follow a spiral curriculum, so revisit concepts with increasing complexity - by the end pupils will have learned to make apps using JavaScript and will have learnt to code using Python. Cyber skills lessons include a range of ICT topics including touch typing, spreadsheets and internet safety. They also teach pupils a range of Microsoft 365 skills including how to use Teams, which support learning in other subjects across the college.
GCSE
At KS4 we offer the OCR GCSE computer science specification, an engaging and practical course, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages pupils to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. They also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
Sixth Form
At KS5, we offer AQA A-level computer science. This course focuses on analysis and problem solving using algorithms and routines. The major focus of the course is to learn to analyse problems through logical thinking. Programming is a key practical element of the course, although no prior experience is necessary. Other topics covered include networking, binary, hardware, software and logical methods. Due to the technical nature of the subject, it is advisable to have attained a grade 6 or higher in GCSE mathematics.