Computer Science
Our Curriculum Intent
Computer Science at Clayton Hall Academy is the study of processes that interact with data and that can be represented as data in the form of programs. It enables the use of algorithms to manipulate, store and communicate digital information. Information technology is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data or information. The department strives to develop a passion in students for technology and information systems. This curriculum is ambitious in that it covers innovative new cyber security concepts as well as providing programming scenarios that require advanced programming techniques to produce a solution to the given problem. The course will expand upon prior learning of algorithmic and computing knowledge gained in Key Stage 3 (in units such as Python Programming, Flowol, Binary, Networks, and Minecraft).
Students have many opportunities to develop digital literacy whilst having the opportunity to learn concepts and principles from Computer Science and Information Technology. It provides opportunities to focus on the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Students are encouraged to become independent learners to be able to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs to solve such problems. Students are also encouraged to be articulate using appropriate subject vocabulary in a range of contexts. Technology advances constantly and people are always working on new and inventive ways to use it. In addition, pupils will explore the impact of computing in terms of the cultural, ethical and environmental impact that it has on society – expanding the learning beyond the binary building blocks of algorithms and programming concepts to encompass wider community and global considerations.
By studying Computer Science, our students will be able to evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. They will also become responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology. We aim to foster curiosity and thinking skills in all our learners, preparing them to learn how to look at a problem and working out a way a computer might be able to help you solve it. We aim to prepare our students to become logical thinkers and problem solvers. This curriculum will provide the strong foundation in practical programming and computing concepts necessary to advance into A-Level Computer Science (including some vocation routes) and Graduate and post-Graduate Computer Science and Games Design courses.
Email links
To find out more about the curriculum we are studying please contact staff via email
