IT and Computer Science

Welcome to the ICT and Computer Science Department at Copleston High School & 6^th Form. We are a dynamic and innovative department dedicated to equipping our students with essential digital skills and knowledge for the modern world.

In Years 7 and 8, every student will have one hour of ICT per week. These lessons are designed to provide a solid foundation in digital literacy and prepare students for the exciting pathways available in Key Stage 4.

As students progress to Key Stage 4, they have the option to choose from two engaging courses:

Creative iMedia Level 2 Course: This course explores the creative use of ICT software in the media industry. Students will delve into graphic design, website design, sound and video editing, digital publishing, and multimedia production. It's a fantastic opportunity for those interested in the creative aspects of technology.
Computer Science GCSE: This course is perfect for students who want to develop their technical skills and knowledge. They will learn programming using Python, study hardware and network concepts, and gain a deeper understanding of how digital technologies work. Additionally, students will explore the impacts of these technologies on society and our way of living and working.

For those who wish to continue their studies in our sixth form, we offer two excellent options:

A Level Computer Science: This course builds on the knowledge gained at GCSE level and provides a rigorous academic foundation for further education in computer science.
BTEC Level 3 in Information Technology: This vocational course offers practical, hands-on experience and is a great stepping stone towards a career in the thriving IT and computer science industry.

Our department also runs a weekly coding club, where students can enhance their programming skills by completing a range of programming tasks online or working on their own programming projects. It's a great opportunity for students to collaborate, innovate, and develop their passion for coding.

Join us in the ICT and Computer Science Department and be part of a dynamic learning environment where technology and creativity come together.

Curriculum Maps

The topics we study are outlined in our curriculum maps:

E-Safety for All Key Stages

Key stage 3 curriculum map

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE IT

Key stage 4 computer science

KEY STAGE 5 Computer science

KEY STAGE 5 ICT

curriculum progression overview - key stage 3 - key stage 5

How will my child be assessed?

	Assessment and Feedback Outline Approach
KS3	1 unit is taught each term, which has a summative assessment based on the success criteria defined in the online ICT markbook. The criteria are shared throughout the unit and used through self and peer assessment activities for students to gain a better understanding of the assessment criteria and identify areas for improvement in their work. Regular live feedback is given by the teacher checking on pupils’ progress during lessons. The 6 units for work covered in year 7 and 8 cover a range of skills to prepare students for three possible KS4 pathways: IT (iMedia), Computer Science Graphic Communication
KS4	The GCSE Computer Science course (OCR J277) is assessed at the end of year 11 with 2 exam papers. Students will complete regular in class assessments and mock exams. Students also have access to an interactive learning grid to answer exam questions online during and outside of lesson time. The ICT course (Cambridge Nationals Level 2 in iMedia) consists of 2 NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) and 1 Exam unit. Students will complete the first NEA unit in year 10, counting for 35% of the course and the second NEA unit in year 11 counting for 25% of the course. At the end of year 11, students will also complete a written exam counting for 40% of the course.
KS5	The A Level Computer Science course (OCR H446) consists of two exam units both counting for 40% of the course and completed at the end of year 13 and one computing project (Non-Exam Assessment) counting for 20% of the course. The BTEC Level 3 in IT course consists of 4 units of work: · 34% Externally Assessed Exam · 50% Internally set Coursework (NEA) (2 units) · 16% Externally set Controlled Assessment (Database) Students complete one internal and one external piece of work in both Y12 and Y13. Internally Assessed: Students are provided with the examination criteria from the course specifications, alongside a written description for each grade (D, M, P). They have to submit their work by a set deadline and then after receiving feedback, they are allowed 15 days to make improvements and re-submit. Externally Assessed: 1) Written exam: Students sit a mock assessment in line with the school timetable. This provides them an opportunity to sit a real test and receive feedback. Use of online toolwww.knowitallninja.comto revise key terminology across all specification content. Use of departmental learning grids – including previous exam questions. 2) Database controlled assessment: Live feedback is provided by the teacher during the lesson to support student understanding on database concepts. Use of exam style tasks with written feedback to provide students with feedback on smaller chunks of the controlled assessment. Lots of similar but different tasks, preparing the students for the real controlled assessment.

Assessment and Feedback Outline Approach

KS3

1 unit is taught each term, which has a summative assessment based on the success criteria defined in the online ICT markbook. The criteria are shared throughout the unit and used through self and peer assessment activities for students to gain a better understanding of the assessment criteria and identify areas for improvement in their work. Regular live feedback is given by the teacher checking on pupils’ progress during lessons. The 6 units for work covered in year 7 and 8 cover a range of skills to prepare students for three possible KS4 pathways:

IT (iMedia),
Computer Science
Graphic Communication

KS4

The GCSE Computer Science course (OCR J277) is assessed at the end of year 11 with 2 exam papers. Students will complete regular in class assessments and mock exams. Students also have access to an interactive learning grid to answer exam questions online during and outside of lesson time.

The ICT course (Cambridge Nationals Level 2 in iMedia) consists of 2 NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) and 1 Exam unit. Students will complete the first NEA unit in year 10, counting for 35% of the course and the second NEA unit in year 11 counting for 25% of the course. At the end of year 11, students will also complete a written exam counting for 40% of the course.

KS5

The A Level Computer Science course (OCR H446) consists of two exam units both counting for 40% of the course and completed at the end of year 13 and one computing project (Non-Exam Assessment) counting for 20% of the course.

The BTEC Level 3 in IT course consists of 4 units of work: · 34% Externally Assessed Exam · 50% Internally set Coursework (NEA) (2 units) · 16% Externally set Controlled Assessment (Database)
Students complete one internal and one external piece of work in both Y12 and Y13.

Internally Assessed:

Students are provided with the examination criteria from the course specifications, alongside a written description for each grade (D, M, P). They have to submit their work by a set deadline and then after receiving feedback, they are allowed 15 days to make improvements and re-submit.

Externally Assessed:

1) Written exam: Students sit a mock assessment in line with the school timetable. This provides them an opportunity to sit a real test and receive feedback.
- Use of online toolwww.knowitallninja.comto revise key terminology across all specification content.
- Use of departmental learning grids – including previous exam questions.
2) Database controlled assessment:

Live feedback is provided by the teacher during the lesson to support student understanding on database concepts.
- Use of exam style tasks with written feedback to provide students with feedback on smaller chunks of the controlled assessment.
Lots of similar but different tasks, preparing the students for the real controlled assessment.