Computer Science

C6th 052SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Head of Department : Jonathan Raisin

Staff Contact Details : Natasha Manekshaw

The department is staffed by two fully qualified Computer Science teachers, Mr J Raisin and Ms N Manekshaw.

The department has three fully networked rooms and further access to a suite of networked computers in the school's library.

THE CURRICULUM

The Computer Science curriculum is designed to meet the UK National Curriculum aims. The aim of the curriculum is to develop confident digital citizens who are ready to meet the challenges of the digital world.

Students should feel safe when using technology and the web by learning what their rights and responsibilities are, as well as how legislation can protect them while online but also respecting others whilst in the online realm.

Our students need to understand how to utilise the power of the cloud and cloud based services which can be a powerful collaborative tool - for this we use Google Classrooms.

Key Stage 5

OCR AS/A Level Computer Science H446

This course has been updated to reflect new and emerging technologies. This course is for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where a deeper knowledge and understanding of computing would be beneficial.

The focus has shifted towards computational thinking within the field of Computer Science, with its emphasis on abstract thinking and algorithmic problem-solving, it is a good foundation for understanding the technological challenges currently facing the industry.

Computer Science is also a practical subject where students can apply the computational thinking principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.

 

Topics covered

Year 12

1.1 The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices:
The internal components of a computer and their uses

1.2 Software and software development:
Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software

1.3 Exchanging data:
How data is exchanged between different computer systems

1.4 Data types, data structures and algorithms:
How data is represented and stored within different structures. Different algorithms that can be applied to these structures

1.5 Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues:
The individual moral, social, ethical and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.  Legislation surrounding the use of computers and ethical issues that can or may in the future arise from the use of computers

2.1 Elements of computational thinking:
Understanding what is meant by computational thinking

2.2 Problem solving and programming:
How computers can be used to solve problems and programs can be written to solve them

2.3 Algorithms: The use of algorithms to describe problems and standard algorithms

Year 13
Extension of the topics studied in Year 12, with the addition of the following topics related to the final year project

3.1 Analysis of the problem

3.2 Design of the solution

3.3 Developing the solution

3.4 Evaluation

E-records of student progress are updated regularly, and often at the end of each lesson. At present the department is developing systems which will allow for online access to these records by both the student and the parent, to engender further motivation and progress.

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Robotics Club - for committed Computer Science students.

Careers

Typical Careers:

  • Programmer or Software Developer - typically will be responsible for design, testing, build and maintenance of software systems.

  • Network Engineer - typically is responsible for installing, supporting and maintaining hardware & software for a company. Ensuring communication networks are kept up running 24/7.

  • Web Developer - typically responsible design, layout and coding of the website.

What could you do - see https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/computer-science

Exam Board

OCR

Course code: H446 http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/as-a-level-gce-computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

Specification: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/170844-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-computer-science-h446.pdf

Past papers:

Algorithms and Programming http://ocr.org.uk/Images/170853-unit-h446-2-algorithms-and-programming-sample-assessment-materials.pdf

Textbooks and revision resources

 

Publisher: PGOnline

Title: OCR AS and A Level Computer Science Textbook

ISBN:  978 1 91052 305 6

KS5 Resources

 

 

 

  • 07:33 AM - 4th December, 2023 The school immunisation team are coming into school to administer the nasal flu vaccinations on 13th December. If you have not already done so, please complete the consent form available via the QR code. pic.twitter.com/PKJwJRdgdk
  • 07:08 AM - 4th December, 2023 The PSA are providing mulled wine and mince pies for the Christ's Carol Service, this Thurs 7th Dec, 7pm at Holy Trinity Church, Richmond. We are really in need of donations and a few volunteers to set up and serve. Please e-mail christsschoolpta.com with any offers/help. pic.twitter.com/tX049KPFtV
  • 10:03 AM - 3rd December, 2023 Mrs Banner, our Chaplain, will be holding Christingle services with year 7 students over the coming weeks. The first two groups took place last week. pic.twitter.com/Qzx7PEEutE
  • 08:48 AM - 30th November, 2023 Well done to the Y10 netball team coming 2nd to LEHS in the borough tournament pic.twitter.com/qJG6lksFxa
  • 05:55 PM - 29th November, 2023 Huge congratulations to the U14 Girls Basketball Team who won today’s Borough Tournament🎉 Onto the next round for the London Youth Games🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/5jJiode03U
  • 09:46 AM - 29th November, 2023 Incredible stained glass by and students around 'Serious Youth Violence: Forgiveness and Reconciliation' in partnership with , Reyntiens Glass Studio, and with at . pic.twitter.com/B0hfYQhJ9R
  • 11:05 AM - 28th November, 2023 We're recruiting for a Finance Officer - 30 hours a week. Please see our website for more information, and how to apply. Application forms should be emailed to hr.school by 9am Monday 11th December Read more pic.twitter.com/UPh6C9u8JM
  • 08:04 PM - 22nd November, 2023 We have once again teamed up with Holy Trinity School for Christmas Tree delivery while raising £10 per tree for our PSA. Please follow the link for the order form and name 'Christ's School' in the questions section. Last date for orders Tues 28th Nov! Read more pic.twitter.com/2wULKa0oL3
  • 06:26 PM - 21st November, 2023 Well done to the Yr8/9 girls basketball team who comfortable beat grey court in a recent borough fixture 🏀 pic.twitter.com/lgK8ie3DW7
  • 03:57 PM - 21st November, 2023 Necessary post-it notes in a pic.twitter.com/mJ4Fc27WYB
  • 03:55 PM - 21st November, 2023 This Friday, 24th November, we are having a non uniform day in aid of . Students can come to school wearing their own clothes, Please donate via our Just Giving link or card payments will be available on the gate. Read more pic.twitter.com/QRo8AuOk5V
  • 02:19 PM - 17th November, 2023 Christmas cooking club has returned. Interested students should speak to Ms Conteh for more information. pic.twitter.com/qK4uXlR4pV