Program or be programmed!
Computing is taught throughout the school. It is a core subject in Years 7 – 9. Years 10 and 11 may study computer science as a GCSE, and in the Sixth Form, computer science is offered as an A-level subject. All students benefits from excellent computing facilities in our dedicated ICT suite.
The aims of the department are:
• To provide pupils with opportunities to develop their computing capabilities
• To allow pupils to gain confidence and enjoyment from their computing activities and to develop skills which enhance and extend their learning
• To develop pupils’ awareness of the use of computers in a variety of contexts both in the classroom and in everyday life
• To develop pupils who are critical users of computers, capable of evaluating both the potential and the limitations of computers
• To encourage pupils to become autonomous, independent computer users, able to develop their own programs and effectively utilise existing software
Computing is a core subject in Years 7 – 9. Years 10 and 11 may study computer science as a GCSE, and in the sixth form, computer science is offered as an A-level subject.
Pupils learn to use a range of software programs including:
• Scratch programming environment
• Python programming and Pygame
• HTML, CSS and JavaScript programming
• Word processing and presentation software
• Spreadsheets and Databases
• Image and video editing
• Desktop publishing
• Web authoring
• BBC micro:bit
• VBA
The girls learn how to control a computer by means of programming and they develop their knowledge of the Python language and the concepts involved in creating an efficient program.
At GCSE pupils follow the OCR GCSE Computer Science specification. The subject is examined through two written papers at the end of Year 11 each worth 50%.
Extracurricular activities include a computer club where girls can develop a range of software skills and explore the Raspberry Pi device, and there are a number of competitions such as the CyberFirst Grok Coding and Computational Thinking competitions that the girls can enter to test out their skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines.