The Importance of Computing in the Curriculum.
Computing at Goldington Academy is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. It also aims to provide learners with intuition and comfort in using new pieces of software as an individual package and in conjunction with other software. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. Our department aims are to facilitate students to develop the following:
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understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
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analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
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think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
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understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
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understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
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apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science
We believe the most important aspect of computer science is problem solving: an essential skill for life. Students study the application of computing to problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Because computers solve problems to serve people, there is a significant human side to computer science as well which is explored in the moral/social elements of using/misusing computers, the environmental effect of computers in addition to the legal legislation surrounding the use of computers.
At key stage 4 we are following: OCR Computer Science (9-1) - J277
Enrichment
Students have a variety of ways to engage with the department outside of lesson time. We regularly have computing club to allow students to pursue projects of their own as well as a revision club for students to complete extra credit work towards their lessons, receive support with their homework or prepare for exams. The academic year also offers the possibility of participating in computing competitions as well as extra-curricular visits planned to Bletchley Park or similar.
Departmental Resources
We currently have 2 Computer labs at the school. Both are running the latest Windows © operating system, Office © packages as well as the complete Adobe © suites in order to provide students with the best experience. There is also a variety of software available that supports all the other curriculum areas, allowing everyone to make use of the labs to support the curriculum.
|
Name |
Role |
|
Dr Alvaro Martinez Guimera |
Head of Computing |
|
Mr Liam Hall |
Teacher of KS3 Computing |
|
Mr Chris Gordon |
Teacher of KS3 Computing |
|
Mr Mark Chisnall |
Goldington Academy IT Technician |