In an era where digital literacy is as crucial as reading, writing, and arithmetic, the subject of Computing Technology offers a profound opportunity for students to grasp the reins of the future. This dynamic discipline, which integrates creativity, logic, and innovation, empowers students to decode and design the technologies shaping our world. From smartphones that keep us connected, to AI that is transforming industries, computing technology underpins nearly every aspect of our lives. Studying Computing Technology doesn't merely equip you with a valuable digital skill set—it opens opportunities for contribution to an evolving technological landscape.
Students who chose Computing Technology will undertake projects throughout the year. The completion and evaluation of these projects will form the basis of the assessment for this course.
Contact
Head of Department: Colin Jaques
Email: [email protected]
Year 9
Year 9 Computing Technology
Year 9 Computing Technology students will explore:
Responsive Web Design – Students will learn to design and create engaging web pages. Through the use of languages such as HTML and CSS, students will develop interactive and responsive websites.
Game Development – In this unit students will start by learning the fundamentals of computer programming. They will then use these skills to design and develop their own arcade-style game. Students find this topic challenging and rewarding, resulting in their own unique game and a strong sense of achievement.
Internet of Things (IoT) – As more ‘smart’ devices enter our lives, the IoT is becoming commonplace. This unit will allow students to explore the technologies that underpin the IoT. Students will use sensors, a wireless microcontroller and their own code to create an IoT device that can be used to remotely monitor environmental conditions via the internet.
Data Analysis – The study of Data Analytics is pivotal in today’s data-driven world. This unit provides the skills and knowledge needed to unlock insights from vast amounts of information, helping with decision-making and strategy formulation. Students will use technologies such as Microsoft Excel, databases and SQL to predict outcomes, solve problems, and identify patterns and trends in datasets.
The Metaverse – Students will explore emerging digital environments by designing and creating their own immersive virtual space to showcase their work. Along the way, they will investigate the ethical and social implications of virtual technologies, while discovering how these platforms are increasingly being used for collaboration, creativity and communication.
Assessment Structure
Project 1: Responsive Website Project
Project 2: Game Development Project
Project 3: Internet of Things Project
Year 10
Year 10 Computing Technology students will explore:
Algorithms to Software – Students will learn how programmers solve problems using Computational and Algorithmic Thinking. Beginning with flowcharts, pseudocode and core programming structures, students will progress to developing solutions in Python while learning concepts such as functions, lists, debugging and user interface design. Students will apply these skills in a software project where they design and develop an interactive application, combining strong user experience principles with algorithmic thinking and core Python programming concepts.
The Networked World– Students learn about the function and operation of network components by simulating networks using Microbits. Students will practically demonstrate how data is transmitted and the importance of network addressing for security and privacy concerns in networks.
Mechatronic Programming– Robotic technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming society. In this unit, students will explore the technologies that underpin robotics, mechatronics and automation by designing, building and programming robots using sensors, controllers, actuators and their own code. Students will also investigate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be applied to solve real-world mechatronic problems through intelligent automation. Working in teams, students will prototype and refine a robot designed to compete in a robotics competition environment.
Assessment Structure
Task 1: Algorithms to Software Project
Task 2: Networking Project & Proposal Review
Task 3: Robo Dev Project