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Computing

Staff

  • Mr K Graham (HOD)
  • Mr C Mooney (HOD)

The Computing department is committed to developing skills, knowledge and understanding among students of how computers actually work as well as how to use them effectively. As automation replaces many ‘traditional’ job roles it is vital that students are equipped with the skills that these new jobs will require. As such there is a particular emphasis on software development.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Computer Science

We offer the WJEC EDUQAS GCSE in Computer Science. This course consists of two components:

  • Component 1 – Understanding Computer Science
    • Written exam
    • Covers general theory
    • 50% of the qualification
  • Component 2 – Computer Programming
    • On-screen practical exam
    • Based on a pre-release case study
    • Students have to write code using the Python programming language
    • 50% of the qualification

All official assessment takes place at the end of Year 12. We spend Year 11 building our programming skills and learning general theory. In the September of Year 12 the case study for Component 2 is released and we begin developing programmed solutions to the tasks in preparation for that assessment while continuing with theory and developing ‘exam technique’.

Post 16 Study

A Level Software Systems

The software industry is of enormous importance to the economy. We aim to provide students with the skills to enable them to become authors of computational tools rather than simply users. As adult workers, young people may be applying for jobs that have not yet been invented. Technology changes but the principles and concepts upon which they are built remain constant.

At A Level we offer CCEA Software Systems Development. This course consists of four units:

  • Year 13
    • AS 1 – Introduction to Object Oriented Development
      • Written exam
      • The majority of questions involve students writing C# code
      • 50% of AS and 20% of A2
    • AS 2 – Even Driven Programming
      • Coursework
      • Students will develop a C# solution using Microsoft Visual Studio
      • 50% of AS and 20% of A2
    • Year 14
      • A2 1 – Systems Approaches and Database Concepts
        • Written exam
        • Based on a pre-release case study
        • Short and extended questions relating to current systems approaches and database concepts
        • 30% of A2
      • A2 2 – Implementing Solutions
        • Coursework
        • Students will program a database solution to a problem identified in a pre-release case study
          • Solution will be developed using SQL and C# within Microsoft Visual Studio
        • 30% of A2

Extra-curricular activities

We aim to provide students with meaningful educational visits where they get to experience what life is like in the software industry while also demonstrating how their skills and experiences developed in the classroom are directly transferrable to the work place.

Previous companies we have visited include Allstate, Unosquare and Kainos. We are constantly striving to build and develop links with innovative software companies.

Career Pathways

  • Software developer
  • Computer game developer
  • Systems architect
  • Network engineer
  • Electronic engineer
  • Database administrator
  • Data analyst
  • Web developer
  • Cyber security analyst
  • Mobile application developer