Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4 students have the option to choose to study Computer Science and/or Creative iMedia.
Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/computer-science-2020.html
The Computing course gives students in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will no doubt be familiar with the use of computers and related technology from their other subjects and elsewhere. However, we aim to give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, which includes computer programming using the Python programming language. The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science.
The course develops critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming, giving students a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can then be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.
In this respect, the course provides excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine.
OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-j834/
This qualification allows students to think creatively and innovatively to produce creative iMedia products. All students will study two mandatory topics. The first of these focus on developing the students’ understanding of pre-production skills that are used in the creative and digital media sector, meeting the needs of the client, planning and creating pre-production documentation and reviewing output will all feature heavily in this first topic.
The second of these mandatory topics of study (Visual identity and digital graphics) will build on the first, enabling students to demonstrate pre-production skills and techniques as they plan and create new digital graphics to meet a specific client brief. Knowledge and understanding will be reinforced and enhanced as students create their own unique digital graphic solution.
In addition, students will undertake one further topic of study from the following areas
- Animation with audio
- Interactive Digital Media
The hands-on approach of this qualification has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in today’s society. In addition to developing creative digital skills and knowledge, students will acquire several essential transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with other people and communicating creative concepts effectively, all of which are relevant to work or going on to further study.
