Computer Science Intent
At Winterhill School, we recognise the importance of ICT/CS and the role it has to play in an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for student’s future both in society and for future careers. Our ICT/CS curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information communication technology and online safety to ensure that students become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, modern technology.
It is our vision for every student to become not just responsible, safe competent ICT users, but have a technical understanding of what goes on behind the user interface. to succeed and achieve their potential as well as to lead physically active lifestyles. We strive to inspire our students through fun and engaging ICT/CS lessons that are enjoyable, challenging and accessible to all. We want our students to be responsible and respectful when using technology, providing them with the confidence to work safely in a digital environment.
As students move through their journey at Winterhill School they will learn new skills, but also repeat and refine existing ones to become fully ICT/CS literate. Our examination courses are designed to develop student’s independence, develop effective programming or multimedia products that are used as a stepping stone to achieving employable skills.
Curriculum Intent Key Principles:
Develop learners’ desire for using ICT beyond gaming and socialising.
Inspires all students to delve into greater exploration to inside the computer itself.
Enable students to show great resilience when problem solving, using computational thinking.
Develop student’s independence in using a range of software packages, to produce multimedia products.
Be equipped with the understanding of internet safety; understand their responsibility to recognise and report issues.
Why Study Computer Science?
Computers are widely used in all aspects of business, industry, government, education, leisure and the home. In this technological age, a study of computer science, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems, is essential to learners.
Computer science integrates well with subjects across the curriculum. It demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and debugging of programs; it relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a fundamental level; it encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems; it extends learners’ horizons beyond the school or college environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer science on society and individuals.
