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Computer Science
Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn
Stephen Hawking
Computer Science studies both hardware and software design. It encompasses both the study of theoretical algorithms and the practical problems.
Staff
Mrs S Aime (Subject Leader)
Mr M Ellis
Mrs L Minister
Vision
We endeavour to create responsible digital citizens and confident young women who can bring a change in the world through innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
Intent
Computer Science at DGGS is an exciting subject, which allows students to engage with IT across the curriculum. Many of the key aspects of Computer Science provide students with transferable analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many other subjects.
The aims of Computer Science reflect on the three main strands within computing: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The curriculum is planned to meet the increasing needs of technology in all aspects of society. It encompasses not only the mastery of technical skills and techniques, but also the understanding in applying these skills safely and responsibly in the technological era.
Key Stage 3: In Year 7, 8 and 9, students study the computing programmes of the new National Curriculum. They learn the technical skills of using different tools as well as learning about their application in everyday life.
Year 7 begin with an introduction to the DGGS school network; cloud computing and digital literacy and move forward into programming using Scratch and Micro bits. These skills learned in year 7 lay the foundation for GCSE and A level, making it a vital year.
In Year 8, students become familiar with Database to access and analyse information. Students continue with these skills to GCSE Computer Science. During E-safety Month, digital citizenship is delivered to students to encourage them to exhibit intelligent tech behaviour. The knowledge acquired in digital literacy aid students to use the internet safely and be a responsible digital citizen. Furthermore, students are introduced to basic programming in Python and html to stimulate critical thinking and problem solving.
Students in year 9 expand their programming skills acquired in year 7 and 8 to Advance Python Language. Additionally, students write, debug and execute codes in real life situations. Later in the year, students are challenged to design and create their very own functioning app prototype. This enhances their communication, collaboration, and creative skills as well as laying the foundations for GCSE and A level.
Key Stage 4: At Key Stage 4, students have the option to continue with GCSE Computer Science. Students study AQA GCSE Computer Science and gain skills that enable them to design and build apps. They investigate how algorithms can be used create computer codes, and they learn the importance of cyber security and the ethical impact of digital technology. The topics and skills learned throughout the year benefit students in A level. Along with this knowledge of how technology is created; the students gain a passion for solving problems which facilitates them in building a career path in computer science, should they wish to do so.
Key Stage 5: In A level Computer Science, students will learn the key programming paradigms, advanced data structures, traversal, search, sort and optimisation algorithms and their efficiency. Students will engage with many moral, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks from the perspective of a computer scientist devising algorithms and writing code. There will be opportunities to explore and engage with the changing technology. Students will also develop applications in Python language.
Students will nurture confidence and competence in the practical use of computer-based systems to develop solutions for real-world problems. There are very few jobs that do not involve the use of computers and having a good understanding of the science behind them will effectively prepare them for further study, employment and to take on the challenges of the modern world.
The above intent is implemented through practical examples which enable students to understand how a computer works. Training Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level students to use computer programmes like scratch, html, CSS, java script, and python language offers them a wider variety of jobs in the future. E-safety and digital citizenship is delivered to all year groups and is reflected in assessments, homework and wider reading.
As part of their extended learning, students are provided with individual username and password to access emails, OneDrive and Teams at home.
Co-curricular: Enrichment opportunities are provided throughout the year. This is achieved through the DGGS Enrichment Weeks, Computer Science Club, IDEA badge; and competing in competitions like DigiGirlz, Nesta challenge, Digital career challenge, Bebras Computing Challenge and Oxford Computing Challenge. Furthermore, students visit Microsoft Headquarters, Bett show and Discovery Park to explore the subject as well as inspire them to pursue a career in Computer Science.
Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn
Stephen Hawking
Computer Science studies both hardware and software design. It encompasses both the study of theoretical algorithms and the practical problems.
Staff
Mrs S Aime (Subject Leader)
Mr M Ellis
Mrs L Minister
Vision
We endeavour to create responsible digital citizens and confident young women who can bring a change in the world through innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
Intent
Computer Science at DGGS is an exciting subject, which allows students to engage with IT across the curriculum. Many of the key aspects of Computer Science provide students with transferable analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many other subjects.
The aims of Computer Science reflect on the three main strands within computing: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The curriculum is planned to meet the increasing needs of technology in all aspects of society. It encompasses not only the mastery of technical skills and techniques, but also the understanding in applying these skills safely and responsibly in the technological era.
Key Stage 3: In Year 7, 8 and 9, students study the computing programmes of the new National Curriculum. They learn the technical skills of using different tools as well as learning about their application in everyday life.
Year 7 begin with an introduction to the DGGS school network; cloud computing and digital literacy and move forward into programming using Scratch and Micro bits. These skills learned in year 7 lay the foundation for GCSE and A level, making it a vital year.
In Year 8, students become familiar with Database to access and analyse information. Students continue with these skills to GCSE Computer Science. During E-safety Month, digital citizenship is delivered to students to encourage them to exhibit intelligent tech behaviour. The knowledge acquired in digital literacy aid students to use the internet safely and be a responsible digital citizen. Furthermore, students are introduced to basic programming in Python and html to stimulate critical thinking and problem solving.
Students in year 9 expand their programming skills acquired in year 7 and 8 to Advance Python Language. Additionally, students write, debug and execute codes in real life situations. Later in the year, students are challenged to design and create their very own functioning app prototype. This enhances their communication, collaboration, and creative skills as well as laying the foundations for GCSE and A level.
Key Stage 4: At Key Stage 4, students have the option to continue with GCSE Computer Science. Students study AQA GCSE Computer Science and gain skills that enable them to design and build apps. They investigate how algorithms can be used create computer codes, and they learn the importance of cyber security and the ethical impact of digital technology. The topics and skills learned throughout the year benefit students in A level. Along with this knowledge of how technology is created; the students gain a passion for solving problems which facilitates them in building a career path in computer science, should they wish to do so.
Key Stage 5: In A level Computer Science, students will learn the key programming paradigms, advanced data structures, traversal, search, sort and optimisation algorithms and their efficiency. Students will engage with many moral, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks from the perspective of a computer scientist devising algorithms and writing code. There will be opportunities to explore and engage with the changing technology. Students will also develop applications in Python language.
Students will nurture confidence and competence in the practical use of computer-based systems to develop solutions for real-world problems. There are very few jobs that do not involve the use of computers and having a good understanding of the science behind them will effectively prepare them for further study, employment and to take on the challenges of the modern world.
The above intent is implemented through practical examples which enable students to understand how a computer works. Training Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level students to use computer programmes like scratch, html, CSS, java script, and python language offers them a wider variety of jobs in the future. E-safety and digital citizenship is delivered to all year groups and is reflected in assessments, homework and wider reading.
As part of their extended learning, students are provided with individual username and password to access emails, OneDrive and Teams at home.
Co-curricular: Enrichment opportunities are provided throughout the year. This is achieved through the DGGS Enrichment Weeks, Computer Science Club, IDEA badge; and competing in competitions like DigiGirlz, Nesta challenge, Digital career challenge, Bebras Computing Challenge and Oxford Computing Challenge. Furthermore, students visit Microsoft Headquarters, Bett show and Discovery Park to explore the subject as well as inspire them to pursue a career in Computer Science.
