Computer Science and ICT is an outstanding faculty with two overarching aims: to inspire all students as pioneers of the future and to nurture a love of our subjects.  Digital technologies pervade every aspect of our lives, our society needs computer scientists and IT specialists – passionate individuals to develop computing and IT in every type of industry.  The uptake and progress across all student groups, regardless of gender, ethnicity, SEND and Pupil Premium is among the best in the college.

In practice, this means that students see the wider picture and can relate their learning to the real world and possible career paths.  They are digitally literate, and digitally resilient.  We achieve this by teaching students to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computing. They acquire this knowledge by learning key facts and terminology, by analysing problems in computational terms, and through repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems.  Students learn to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically to evaluate and apply information technology.  Students are proficient and creative users of technology, in college, at home and in later life.

The curriculum is well designed and with clear intent; it is aligned to the college’s curriculum aims and is underpinned by outstanding teaching.  The curriculum is carefully planned for students to gain required knowledge, is considered and ordered, with opportunities throughout to practice retrieval and master the themes running throughout topics.  The curriculum addresses Catholic Social Teaching, Anti-Racist themes and societal biases whenever possible.

Relationships are central to our classroom practice.  The ‘St Bede’s Way’ and Gospel Values are foundational to all of our interactions with students.  Colleagues are consistent, fair and pragmatic in their use of praise, rewards and sanctions.

The faculty is an enjoyable and professionally rewarding place to work.  The head of faculty is self-reflective and pragmatic, supportive of collaboration, mindful or workload and firm in their implementation of change in order to realise the big ideas.

The Big Ideas

• Computer Science promotes the use of fundamental ICT skills across all subjects and gives students essential knowledge for further and higher education and employment in an ever advancing technological world
• Students are firm in their understanding that Computer science is the scientific and practical study of computation: what can be computed, how to compute it, and how computation may be applied to problem solving.
• Students see themselves as creators and pioneers of technology through the study of technological change, notable individuals and immersion into technologies including IoT, robotics, AI and machine learning
• Students have a masterful knowledge of key Information technology and how it may be exploited for the manipulation, storage, retrieval and communication of data to serve a wide range of purposes
• All student achieves a level of digital literacy that enables them to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies

Cultural Capital

• Computing is essential knowledge that our students need to be educated digital citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender confidence and an appreciation of human creativity and achievement throughout history
• Students learn about the conception of the computer through history and the women and men who influenced the development of the modern computer including those from historically marginalised groups.
• Students learn to stay safe and be aware of the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of modern technology
• iMedia supports the creative design aspect of students’ education and gives them an insight into practical skills that can be applied to real- life contexts and work situations
• Additional opportunities are provided to create, share, inspire and support each other with clubs and extra-curricular opportunities e.g. Coding club, CyberFirst Girls Competition, the BEBRAS Challenge and The Edit media competition