Every pupil studies Computing at CCSC! We are proud of our extensive resources with two fully equipped ICT rooms with a desktop computer, a Micro: Bit and iPad for each child. All pupils study Computing in Years 7 and 8 and cross-curricularly in later years, in order to develop three key areas:

1. Digital Literacy - using computers to help you in day-to-day life
2. Creativity - ICT skills and creating digital products, leads to the vocational Creative iMedia course in Year 9
3. Technical Ability - programming skills and the theory of computers, leads to the examination and programming project based GCSE Computer Science course in Year 9

Why Computing?

Take a look at the world around you. How close to a computer are you? When was the last time you used one? Life without computers is almost unimaginable. The power of computers is utilised in all areas of life, from medicine to space exploration. Computer Science goes way beyond just writing code. Steve Jobs (Apple Co-Founder) once remarked..

“Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer… because it teaches you how to think”.
Steve Jobs (Apple Co-Founder)

By studying this highly valued subject you will develop the skills and knowledge to give you that competitive advantage in any future career. You will develop computational thinking skills such as analysis, decomposition, logic and algorithmic thinking.

 “Computational thinking will be a fundamental skill used by everyone by the middle of the 21st Century. Just like reading, writing and arithmetic”.
Wing (2011)  

What will you learn?

Computing is an intellectually challenging yet very practical and rewarding subject. It is an intensely creative subject where you can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in exciting and inventive ways.
You will learn to:

•  think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
•  apply the principles of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic and data representation
•  analyse problems in computational terms and solve them by designing, writing and debugging programs
•  apply mathematical skills relevant to computation

How will you be assessed?

At Key Stage 3 we assess through a mix of in-class activities, quizzes and assessements set by the class teacher, with a new topic covered every half term.
In GCSE Computer Science you will be assessed by two written exams worth 50% each covering computing theory and programming skills.
In Creative iMedia you will be assessed by a single examination and three coursework units.

Is the GCSE for you?

Computer Science is at the centre of a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) education. Studying this subject will give you a real advantage in today’s technology driven world.  You will make the leap from using other people’s software to being able to design and create your own. Maybe you could invent the next Facebook or Snap Chat? GCSE Computer Science will give you the skills to become a Technology Entrepreneur…but even more than this, it will give you the skills you need for any career because Computer Science teaches you how to think.

Some learners prefer to take a more vocational and hands-on route, and are interestd in the creative side of computing. The Cambridge National Creative iMedia course assesses pupils on the products that they can develop using computers, and gives pupils the skills to succeed in media driven jobs such as marketing, video production, game design and more!