Computer Science
Computer Science and Information Communication Technology are continually changing and expanding fields in society today. The importance of being digitally literate is crucial in an ever-changing world and can only enhance employability. At Cockermouth School we provide interesting and exciting opportunities for all students to improve their knowledge and skills in Computer Science and ICT. We want our students to understand how and where computers are used in business, manufacture and at home. We enable our students to understand how computer technology works so that they can use it to its full potential, putting their skills to good use when solving everyday problems and working creatively in school and beyond.
Key Stage 3
Does the Computer Science Department follow the National Curriculum? |
Yes |
In Computer Science, students are taught to design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world situations. They use a variety of programming languages to learn how computers use data, model simulations and solve a range of problems and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions. They also learn about networks and program Lego Dacta in our Communications and Robotics centre. Underpinning all of this is the need to understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely. Students learn how to protect their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns. Students can also take part in additional activities such as the Bebras and OUCC problem solving challenges.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Computer Science and a Cambridge National in Creative iMedia are both offered at Key Stage 4. The two courses are complimentary therefore it is possible for students to take both subjects if they wish as part of their preferences.
GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science involves the study of how computers and computer systems work and how they are built and programmed. Students learn to program using Visual Basic.net, and develop vital problem-solving skills that can be utilised in any career. Students are able to apply their ability to read and write programs to solve real life problems. Learning how types of data are represented in a computer is an intrinsic element of the course as well as gaining practical experience of using SQL to handle data stored in a structured database.
More information on the GCSE Computer Science specification can be found using this link.
Cambridge National - Creative iMedia
Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia involve the study of systems that are used throughout everyday life and allow people to develop, share and process digital information. Students develop their planning, designing and creating skills to produce digital media products over three units. There are two compulsory units; Creative iMedia in the media industry and visual identity and digital graphics creating digital graphics. Students may take one optional unit e.g. Characters and Comics, Animation with Audio, Interactive Digital media, Visual Imaging or Digital Games.
More information about the Creative iMedia specification can be found using this link.
Key Stage 5
The AQA A Level Computer Science course is offered at Key Stage 5 and emphasises the development of a wide range of problem-solving skills, understanding and developing new software, and it goes to the heart of how a computer functions from the lowest level. Every student who studies A Level Computer Science develops a broad technical knowledge and the ability to write their own programs and software in Visual Basic.Net and other programming languages of their choice. In order to practice their programming skills, students have access to a specific cluster of machines in school that enable them to fine-tune the skills they are developing in the classroom.
More information on the A Level Computer Science specification can be found using this link.