Computing and ICT

Head of Department: Mr Graham Bradshaw

Computing is a compulsory part of the curriculum for girls in the Remove (Year 7) to Upper Fourth (Year 9). Thereafter, it is offered as an optional GCSE qualification in Computer Science.

Resources

We have a purpose-built computing laboratory with 18 docking stations and monitors, some with dual monitor setup, plus additional desks for girls to use their Surface devices, when required. We also have a wonderful Nao Robot, named Olive, to bring computing to life, as well as sets of Raspberry Pis, Mini-robots, and BBC Micro:bits to enhance practical learning.

The Lower School Curriculum

In the Remove (Year 7), pupils have their first introduction to digital learning, e-safety and basic Microsoft Office skills. They will explore their Surface devices and learn many vital transferable ICT skills such as file management, online etiquette, email use and how to create a secure password. Girls are introduced to basic programming concepts by using make code, a block-based Microsoft coding application in conjunction with micro:bits and mini-robots. Through a range of fun and engaging activities, girls use code to learn about Sequence, Selection and Iteration. They will also learn Spreadsheets skills and how this applies to real world-applications. Later in the year they will be introduced to text-based coding using Turtle followed by an understanding of data representation – using binary and how we store images.

In the Lower Fourth (Year 8), pupils build on the programming skills learnt in the Remove by developing their text-based coding skills using Python.  They will also be introduced to hardware, looking at the different components of a PC and how a computer works.  This will be concluded with a summary of the topics and the introduction to Cryptography.

The Upper School Curriculum

In the Upper Fourth (Year 9), theoretical and practical skills are formalised to help prepare girls for the GCSE Computer Science qualification. Key topics include:

• Understanding algorithms and interpreting flow-charts and a first look at the key principles of Computation.
• Python programming (including the Turtle drawing library)
• Fundamentals of computer hardware – input, process and output devices.
• Understanding key terms for computer storage (bits, bytes, kilobytes etc)
• Social issues – looking at the Ethics of Computer Science.

Upper Fourth girls are introduced to the iDEA award (see enrichment section below) and are encouraged to work towards completing a formal digital qualification to equip them for their future and to help them stand out from the crowd!

Lower Fifth & Upper Fifth (Year 10 & 11)

Year on year, the numbers of girls opting for GCSE Computer Science is growing, in line with the girls’ desire to develop the computational skills that are required for an exciting digital future. We have chosen to follow the new Pearson Edexcel specification, which is up-to-date and reflects the fast changing world of Computer Science. It is an exciting course with a practical focus on real-life programming enabling girls to develop future-proof skills.

Enrichment

Bebras

Each November, girls in Remove through to Upper Fourth have the opportunity to participate in Bebras (an international computational thinking challenge).

Safer Internet Day

Each February we participate in Safer Internet Day, all girls in the Remove through to Upper Fourth are encouraged to participate in activities that enable them to explore their own and others’ online behaviour, as we all strive to create an Internet we trust.

Hour of Code

Computers are everywhere! So, we host an annual Hour of Code event for Remove, to get them excited about programming and empower them to create whatever they want!

“The programmers of today are the wizards of the future”

Gabe Logan Newell, American computer programmer and businessman

Coding & Robotics Clubs (CCA)

To make the most of our fantastic resources, in conjunction with the Co-Curriculum Activity department, we host a weekly Coding & Robotics club where like-minded girls from all year groups are invited to come together and work collaboratively on an exciting range of problem-solving activities. The aim of the club is to provide an opportunity to explore and extend areas of computing and robotics, beyond the classroom syllabus.

Further information about the teaching and learning of Computing and ICT may be obtained by contacting the Head of Department, Mr Graham Bradshaw.