Key Stage 3 Computing

The final half term sees KS3 Computing being a little creative or learning some basics in Information Technology.  In Year 7, students have been learning all about spreadsheets and are in the process of creating a spreadsheet for a specific scenario that needs to include a range of formulas and charts. Students are doing this independently and are using the skills taught in the previous lessons to do this.

Year 8 are in the process of designing their own music festival and have planned a website to promote this. Students will be incorporating a variety of features into their websites, including scrolling text, videos and slideshows. We have been investigating the programming language, HTML that sits behind the websites. The girls have been challenged to write some HTML codes to help produce their websites.

Year 9 are learning about media and have studied some of the theory behind films, looking at a range of audiences and purposes. They have also learned about different narrative structures and character types. They are working in groups and have planned a film trailer for a teenage audience with a purpose of escapism. Students have produced their scripts and have started to film. They will then edit the video clips and incorporate sound effects for the trailer to give them a finished product. I am looking forward to seeing what the students produce, as there are some interesting ideas and some interesting costumes.

GCSE Computer Science

This term has seen the Year 11 cohort complete their GCSE Computer Science exams. They have been an absolute pleasure to teach. They have worked exceptionally hard and made me extremely proud. Good luck, girls in your future career paths!

Year 10 have completed all the theory for paper 1, ‘Principles of Computer Science’. This theory consists of system architecture and software, looking at data representation including binary, hexadecimal and sound. In addition, learning about networks and how different networks are structured and work. This includes the internet, looking at the security of networks and a variety of security issues and finally learning about ethical and environmental issues surrounding Computer Science, including legislation. You have all worked extremely hard and I look forward to next year when we will focus on paper 2 and the practical elements of the course.

Year 7 and 8 Computing Club

Come along to room 50, Monday lunchtime from 12:45pm until 1:15pm. Learn about programming and take part in a variety of cyber security challenges as the weeks progress with the potential to enter competitions nationally. Sign up with Mrs Bennett, room 50. There are only a few spaces left. First come, first served!

Mrs Bennett

Curriculum Leader for the C.A.T. Faculty