Priestlands School
Computing & IT
Head of Department: Mr C Hill
Ethos: “To equip students with a set of transferable skills based on new technologies that will underpin lifelong learning, and at the same time build their confidence to use IT based tools to meet the challenges of the modern world.”
Key Stage 3: IT
We want students to be proficient, confident users of software apps and to be able to work independently with resilience. We aim to equip students with digital and technical skills and knowledge that will help them in these and other subjects, as well as in the real world.
Your child’s journey through IT in Years 7 and 8 will teach them digital awareness and safety, and how to use spreadsheet, database, presentation and desk-top publishing software. They will also use Scratch and BBC Microbits to teach coding and programming. We introduce the programming language Python and have recently begun using Turing Tumble Towers to physically build marble powered computers.
Key Stage 4: IT and/or Computer Science
Two separate GCSE courses are offered at Priestlands School; one in IT and one in Computer Science. Students can opt for either of them, or for both.
In Year 9 students choose to continue with both IT and Computer Science, just one, or neither. If they choose Computer Science their programming knowledge and skills are honed to prepare them for GCSE. If they choose IT, the modules include a Business Studies and a Media Studies focus, to give students a taste of these new subjects, in readiness for their GCSE choices.
We offer a National Diploma in Information Technologies in Years 10 and 11, which is the equivalent of a GCSE. This vocational qualification requires students to understand vitally important current topics such as how to keep data secure from malware and hackers, data laws, how to select and interpret data, and how to then decide upon a method of presenting it. The diploma also focuses on using different software apps and project planning tools, which are crucial for workplaces. Your child’s journey through IT in Years 7 and 8 has been planned with this in mind; we teach them digital awareness and safety, and how to use spreadsheet, database, presentation and desk-top publishing software.
If learners’ interests are primarily around the development of computer networks or control systems and/or the creative and innovative design and creation of software programme solutions, then they should consider completing the GCSE in Computer Science. This will help them develop their computational analysis skills to allow them to solve problems and design systems and solutions. The Computer Science GCSE focuses on being able to problem solve, work through a sequence and write computer programs to make something happen. Students also learn about networks and how a computer works.
IT
Students will follow the OCR Cambridge Nationals Diploma in Information Technologies. This aims to improve their knowledge of the digital environment and their confidence with IT. They learn about data management issues and develop practical skills by planning and creating an integrated technological solution to communicate information.
The collection and communication of data and storing of data/information happens all around us. Technology underpins how it’s collected and communicated nearly all of the time. It can be seen in all walks of life, from a wearable fitness tracker recording how many steps you have taken, your mobile phone provider recording your usage to create your bill or an online retailer being able to target you with specific promotions based on your purchase history. Knowing how and why data is gathered and being able to turn raw data into something meaningful is essential as the learner moves through education and into employment. To be able to do this the learner will need to have the confidence to use a range of information technology that is currently available, as well as being adaptable and resilient enough to deal with the rapid advances.
Computer Science
An amazing way to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to further learning and to everyday life.
Students who want to go on to the higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science will find it provides a superb stepping stone. Computer Science is also now part of the English Baccalaureate and is a highly respected qualification to gain. The feedback received from post-16 providers is that Priestlands pupils enter their Computer Science qualifications extremely well prepared to face the challenges the next level poses.
The courses, starting from Year 9, provide an exciting opportunity for students to further their interest in computers. Students will need to be self-motivated and be prepared to undertake a challenging subject that requires a lot of resilience. The courses offer students the chance to excel in a field of study that continues to increase in importance in everyday life. They will become confident programmers through hours of practical programming in the classroom, where Python will be the predominate language used.
Students will be joining a successful and ever growing subject with a passionate staff team that work tirelessly to ensure pupils achieve the best possible outcomes at GCSE level.