ICT

Computing

Subject lead: Petra Pribylova

Key stage 3 overview

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Implementation - What will I do?

• Algorithms – problem solving, logic
• Programming and development
• Data and Data representation
• Hardware and Processing
• Communications and Networks
• Information Technology

Impact - What will I learn?

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Key Stage 4 overview

This qualification will teach the learner what different technologies could be used, why they should use them and how to make best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data; this is known as data management. They will learn about tools and techniques for use in different digital hardware and software technologies, and how these can be integrated to create digital solutions to manage and communicate data and information. They will also be taught what data and information are and the legal, ethical and moral considerations when using technology to gather, store and present data and information, and how to mitigate the risks of cyber-attacks. Through this qualification they will be able to select and use the most appropriate technology safely and effectively, to complete a data management task, such as a cable TV provider monitoring customers’ viewing to make recommendations for additional packages in the customer’s subscription. They will also learn to follow a project life cycle of initiation, planning, execution and evaluation to complete a data management task and use their skills, knowledge and understanding of technology to complete each of the phases of the project life cycle.

 

Exam Board Syllabus

OCR Cambridge Nationals in Information Technology

 

Impact - What will I learn?

Theory

R012: Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of different hardware and software applications and the tools and techniques used to select, store, manipulate and present data. They also explore the various risks associated with the collection, storage and use of data, including legal, moral, ethical and security issues, and how such risks can be mitigated.

Coursework

R013: Developing technological solutions

Students create a technological solution that processes data and communicates information, following the phases of the project life cycle using different hardware and software technologies to create an integrated technological solution. They develop practical skills such as carrying out a SWOT analysis, creating GANTT charts, developing online surveys, and presenting data through web-based technologies.

 

Key Stage 4 Assessment

R012 Exam 1 hour 45 minutes

R013 Internally marked and moderated by OCR Approximately 20 hours Exam series each year

Grading

All results are awarded on the following scale:

 Level 2 – Distinction* (*2), Distinction (D2), Merit (M2), Pass (P2)

Level 1 – Distinction (D1), Merit (M1), Pass (P1) and Unclassified

 

	Term 1	Term 2	Christmas	Term 3	Term 4	Easter	Term 5	Term 6
8	File and system management and storage   Introduction to Programming and Development      Algorithms	Under the hood of a computer   Code breakers – Binary		Online safety   How the web works	Spreadsheets and modelling     Drawing and manipulating shapes		Functions of a computer     Reliability and bias when using the internet	Databases   Google Earth project
9	Computing crazy   Programming and Development	Operating system   Binary		Connecting to the internet   Online safety	Handling data using spreadsheets		Cryptography   Web page creation	Using ICT to create business solutions
10	OCR Cambridge Nationals in Information Technology R012: Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions			OCR Cambridge Nationals in Information Technology R012: Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions			Preparation for course work R013: Developing technological solutions
11	Preparation for course work Revision of exam theory			OCR Cambridge Nationals  in ICT Course work			OCR Cambridge Nationals  in ICT Course work