A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
KS3 Curriculum:
At Plumstead Manor pupils are given the opportunity to study the three strands of Computing, digital literacy, computer science and information technology. In Year 7 they are introduced to the concept of computational thinking, providing them with a powerful framework for studying both computing as well as tackling wider problems through decomposition and abstraction.
We look to build pupils digital literacy to not only create and navigate digital technologies confidently and effectively but to become responsible and safe digital users, aware of the potential risks and the importance of protecting online identity and privacy.
Pupils develop skills and understanding of a wide range of information technologies and software, creating mobile applications, working with graphics, programing devices both visually and textually. Competency with key software in the workplace is also established, processing and presenting information to support both academic and vocational progression.
KS4 Curriculum:
Today the use of computing technology is required for everyone, at school, college, university or in the workplace. Even at home there is a growing need to have effective Computer skills. But how can you gain the computer skills you need, or demonstrate and develop those you may already have?
The answer is the ECDL!
ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to develop skills in using computers and demonstrate your competence. It is the fastest growing computer qualification in over one hundred countries. ECDL has been designed to allow users to develop their skills and to enhance their career prospects with a well recognised, benchmark IT qualification. This is why all of our girls have the opportunity to gain the qualification during Year 10 and 11 where they will study ICT as a core subject with one timetabled lesson each week and after school enrichment sessions to support them through the qualification and ensure they successfully complete it.
You will study four modules in the following:
Word Processing Software
Spreadsheet Software
Presentation Software
Improving Productivity Using IT
At the end of each unit you will take a test online.
The course is equivalent to a GCSE and is graded at:
Girls also have the opportunity at KS4 to study Creative iMedia. Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart.
The qualification is made up of two Compulsory units and Two optional units. It’s graded Distinction* (A*) - Pass (C ).
Core Units:
Pre-Production Skills:
Understanding the purpose and content of pre-production Being able to plan pre-production Being able to produce and review pre-production documents. Assessment; Written paper - Compulsory - 25%
Digital Graphics:
Understanding the purpose and properties of digital graphics
Being able to plan the creation of a digital graphic
Create new digital graphics, using a range of editing techniques
Being able to review a digital graphic against a specific brief.
Assessment: Centre assessed task - Compulsory -25%
Optional Units:
Digital animation, Interactive multimedia products, multipage websites, creating 2D and 3D digital characters, Sound sequencing, digital photography
Assessment: Centre assessed task - Compulsory -25%
At Plumstead Manor 6th form pupils are given the opportunity to study a number of different disciplines as well as experience industry practice first hand. Our Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in IT offer specialist pathways in IT Infrastructure Technician, Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner, Application Developer, and Data Analyst. We ensure pupils digital literacy enables them to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology, leaving at a level suitable for both the world of work, further study and as active participants in a digital world.
You may need to follow one of 2 pathways which are:
Extended certificate in IT
Fundamentals of IT
Global Information
Cyber security
Project management
Product development
Introductory Diploma in IT (Application Developer pathway - Including IT based Work experience)
Fundamentals of IT
Global Information
Application Design
Project management
Product development
Fundamentals of IT: Unit 1
A sound understanding of IT technologies and practices is essential for IT professionals. Information learnt in this unit will provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how business uses IT.
Global Information: Unit 2
The purpose of this unit is to demonstrate the uses of information in the public domain, globally, in the cloud and across the internet, by individuals and organisations. You will discover that good management of both data and information is essential, and that it can give any organisation a competitive edge. This unit will provide you with a greater understanding of how organisations use information sources both internally and externally and the types of information you will
Encounter.
Cyber security: Unit 3
The need for secure digital systems is more crucial than ever before. We rely on computerised systems and networks to collect, process, store and transfer vast amounts of data and to control critical systems such as water and power supplies. Business and e-commerce can be undertaken twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and telecommunications enable us to keep in touch with family and friends and collaborate with colleagues at any time. Mobile devices offer us freedom and flexibility of where and how we learn and work. However, for all the advantages that these systems offer us, some people have found ways to exploit them and this poses a threat to our safety and security in the real world, as much as in the cyber world. To deal with this problem the cyber security industry is expanding at a rapid rate.
Application Design: Unit 6
The world is increasingly reliant on applications that help individuals, businesses and organisations achieve specific activities or purposes. In this unit you will explore potential ideas for a new application and develop the fundamental design for it. You will then develop the designs for an application and how users will interact with it. The application that you design can be for any sector and for any purpose. You will have the opportunity to present your ideas, prototype them, and gain feedback before refining your design. Besides the technical knowledge that you will gain about designing an application, you will also learn key transferable skills such as liaising with clients, questioning people effectively to gain the information you need to develop successful designs, and presenting your ideas to an audience and getting feedback from them.
Project management: Unit 8
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to understand and use various project planning skills and techniques, thereby enabling you to become more effective in the workplace. The key to any project being a success is the planning that takes place.
Product development: Unit 9
The purpose of this unit is to prepare you to undertake product development activities. You will learn about different product design methodologies and the role of the product development life cycle. In addition, you will discover the factors that influence product developments.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However it would be advantageous if learners have studied similar unit content at Level 2. It is recommended that learners have a grade 4/grade C or above in maths and English GCSEs.
Qualification structure
5 units consisting of 2 mandatory examined units and 3 coursework units.
Assessment method/model
Units 1 and 2 are assessed by exam and marked by the exam board
All the other units will be internally assessed by centre staff and moderated by staff at PMS.
Grading
The course is equivalent to an A Level and is graded at:
Pass (C), Merit (B), Distinction (A) and Distinction * (A*)
