Cracking the code that will create the new technologies of tomorrow!

computing Aligned

What is Computing?

Computing is any activity that uses computers to manage, process and communicate information.  It includes development of both hardware and software. Computing is a critical, integral component of modern industrial technology.

As per the Computing Progression Pathways 2012, Computing is mandatory from Year 7 - 11 students, including the teaching of:

  • Algorithms
  • Programming and development
  • Data and data representation
  • Hardware and processing
  • Communication and Networks
  • Information technology 

What is Business?

The study of business is about how individuals and groups of people organise, plan and act to create and develop goods and services to satisfy customers.  Business is influenced by, and impacts, on the cultural, ethical, environmental, political and economic conditions of the day.

Business can be further explained as:

  • Application to industry
  • Enterprise -  experience runnings enterprise activities
  • Knowing about future job roles and responsibilities - functional areas/hierarchy
  • Preparing for future careers
  • Ensuring key skills for the workplace

Why have we chosen BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology at KS4?

  • BTEC TA DIT encompasses both of the subjects above, in a course which is vocational in nature and thus appropriate and relevant to Cardinal Wiseman students
  • For our students, this subject is achievable and relevant to their future
  • The course, designed with colleges and industry, combines main elements of Computing in a business context
  • Coursework ⅔,exam ⅓ with the exam sat in February of Year 11, taking weighting/pressure of the final exams.

Why are these subjects important?

  • We will provide students who are work-ready
  • We are preparing them for the outside world of work.
  • We are bridging the social divide, enabling all students to have a set of transferable skills that can provide job opportunities for them.
  • Equal access to IT skills - for those who do not opt for IT at KS4, through Independent Study we provide basic IT Skills in the Microsoft Programs and Google Suite until they leave school.
  • Enterprise education, and through the return of Young Enterprise in the Summer term, are providing the opportunity for students to set up and run a legally registered business.
  • Transferable skills providing transferable skills in IT needed in college, university and the workplace.
  • Links directly KS3 curriculum providing transferable skills in IT needed in college, university and the workplace.
  • Links to careers, providing understanding of the role of technology in the workplace
  • Functional skills in ICT, providing transferable skills in IT needed in college, university and the workplace.

What is the purpose of the subject? 

  • Who are the children - what IT do they have access to at home/primary?
    • Some students arrive only having used tablets at primary, this needs to be addressed in the Year 7 curriculum, e.g. the use a mouse/keyboard.
    • Some students arrive limited/no computing at KS2, these means that in the introductory unit, basic skills in using computers, e.g. saving files, accessing files etc.
  • What is the purpose for our students at this moment?
    • Preparing them for the outside world of work.
    • Bridging the social divide by giving them functional skills in ICT, which are transferable skills, that will enable all students, regardless of background, equal access to IT skills to make them work-ready.
    • Links to careers