Department
Our IT curriculum empowers pupils to become creators & innovators through programming & problem-solving.
We instil responsible use of technology, preparing students for the digital world.
At Key Stage 3 we seek to build digital skills for the future through teaching young people to program, initially using block-based coding (Microbits, Applab) which then evolves into text-based coding (Python).
Pupils also learn spreadsheet fundamentals and web design using HTML.
At Key Stage 4, we offer GCSE Digital Technology (CCEA) following the programming option (Units 4 & 5). This focuses on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of software development process where they learn to develop a program in Visual Studio using the C# programming language.
In Sixth form, we offer GCE Software Systems Development (CCEA).
This qualification builds upon the knowledge, skills and understanding developed through GCSE Digital Technology, introducing additional concepts such as object-oriented programming, inheritance and database development.
Our passion for computing extends well beyond the confines of the classroom.
We support a problem-based learning approach to skills development as outlined through the ‘maker’ movement. This is central to our extra-curricular offering through our robotics and digital leaders’ clubs. These provide a wide range of opportunities which fuel pupils’ interest in programming and digital creation. This approach has led to consistent success in regional and national competitions involving mobile app design, robotics (First LEGO League, and First Tech Challenge) and web design. In 2023 year the senior robotics team won the prestigious national UK schools FTC robotics championship hosted at the University of Cambridge.
To broaden pupils’ career horizons, we host industry speakers from top tech firms like BT, PWC, Kainos, and CME Group. These talks showcase the vast array of IT careers available, helping pupils make informed decisions about their future in exciting tech fields like software development, cyber security, and data analytics. Many pupils leverage these experiences to secure coveted degree apprenticeships, launching successful careers in the ever-evolving world of technology.
