Our Curriculum Vision

Provide a curriculum for the whole ability range at Hampstead School which allows for different progression pathways through to the Sixth Form and beyond. We offer students a range of course options at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 that have both breadth and balance, and embraces the needs of all learners. Our learners are given appropriate information, advice and guidance to ensure that they are motivated, can see links to their own future aspirations and allow them to achieve their full potential. Students will begin to develop key skills in Key Stage 3 before embedding them in Key Stage 4 and mastering them in Key Stage 5.

 

Students will look at a range of both theoretical and practical subjects throughout all Key Stages so that they have a broad understanding of both ICT and Computer Science. Students will have the choice to progress on to Computer Science of ICT pathways when they go into Year 10. Computer Science is aimed at the theoretical understanding of computer and programming, whilst ICT focus more on how to use applications for the purpose of business. Students who succeed at Computer Science are those who enjoy subjects such as Mathematics and Sciences, whilst students who enjoy subjects such as Business Studies succeed at ICT.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum :

Students will study ICT twice a fortnight during Years 7, 8 and 9. There are three main strands that students focus on during Key Stage 3:

• Digital Literacy – Focusing on ICT skills as well as how to use the computer sensibly
• Programming & Algorithms – Focusing of planning and writing code
• Theoretical Computing – Focusing on how a computer work

Please CLICK below to discover more about our curriculum

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Assessment:

GCSE Computer Science
Exam Board – OCR
Grading – 9 – 1

A challenging subject that invites students to understand the intricacies of computers. Looking at topics such as how computerised data is represented, how a network works and cyber security. Computational thinking and problem solving is also an important aspect of the course - students will need to be able to break down a problem into something more manageable so that they can solve it. This course will enable students to understand the theoretical aspects of a computer as well as gaining problem solving and programming skills.

BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology (Level 1/2)
Exam Board – Pearson
Grading – Level 2 Distinction – Level 1 Pass

This course is for those who want to develop their practical ICT skills further. Looking at fundamental ICT skills such as using spreadsheets, developing a useful user interface for a system and looking into developing a knowledge of key aspects of the IT industry, such as emerging technologies, cyber security and legal and ethical issues related to the IT industry.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum and Assessment:

A-Level Computer Science

Exam Board – OCR

Grading – A* - E

This course further expands on the knowledge gained at GCSE. Computer Science, explores the theoretical aspect of computers in more depth and expand on their programming and problem solving skills. Students will get the chance to select a project of their own choice to complete as one of the key elements of their course. They will also look at in more depth at how hardware such as the CPU works as well as how circuits are structured.

 

BTEC Extended Certificated in Information Technology (Level 3)

Exam Board – Pearson

Grading – Distinction* - Pass

This course is a fantastic way to develop both practical and theoretical knowledge of the IT industry. It looks at key concepts such as databases, social media advertising and usage, as well as web design and development. Students will learn skills based around how to create a relational database and how to program a professional website.