Business and Computing Faculty
The Business and Computing Faculty teaches the computing curriculum to Key Stage 3 students and offers computer science, ICT, business studies, media studies and film studies to students in Key Stage 4.
The faculty has use of five computer suites each with 30 student work stations which give students access to a wide range of software and online learning resources.
A brief overview of the topics covered by the faculty in Key Stage 3
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ICT |
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Intro to computing Computing basics Intro to programming Introduction to databases DTP and presentations |
Principles of computer science Data handling Multimedia Creating webpages Image, sound and animation editing |
Courses currently offered by the faculty in Key Stage 4
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Computer Science |
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9 - 1) in Computer Science (1CP1) The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: ● Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. ● Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. ● Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. ● Understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems. ● Understand the impact of digital technology on the individual and on wider society apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science. |
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Course structure |
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Component 1: Principles of Computer Science Students will learn about: ● Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms. ● Understand the requirements for writing program code. ● Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases. ● Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements. ● Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web. ● Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues. How it's assessed Written examination |
Component 2: Application of Computational Thinking Students will learn about: ● Understanding what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms. ● Understanding how to develop program code and constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms. How it's assessed Written examination |
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ICT |
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OCR Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 Certificate in Information Technologies This course improves students’ knowledge of the digital environment and their confidence with IT. They learn about data management issues and develop practical skills by planning and creating an integrated technological solution to communicate information. |
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Course structure |
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R012: Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions
Students develop their knowledge and understanding of different hardware and software applications and the tools and techniques used to select, store, manipulate and present data. They also explore the various risks associated with the collection, storage and use of data, including legal, moral, ethical and security issues, and how such risks can be mitigated. How it's assessed Written paper, OCR-set and marked |
R013: Developing technological solutions
Students create a technological solution that processes data and communicates information, following the phases of the project life cycle using different hardware and software technologies to create an integrated technological solution. How it's assessed Centre-assessed task, OCR moderated |
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ICT |
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Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA) This course been designed to engage and enthuse young people with an interest in creative computing. Skills taught include webpage development, digital graphics, animations and interactive multimedia products. |
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Course structure |
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Unit 1 - Developing Web Products In this unit students will learn about: ● Audience and purpose ● Client briefs and the project lifecycle ● Website site structure ● Consistency ● Composition and page design ● Accessibility ● Content selection and preparation ● Coding ● Testing ● Evaluation How it's assessed Computer-based, external exam |
Unit 2 - Creative Multimedia In this unit students will learn about: ● Investigating multimedia products ● Designing multimedia products ● Collecting and creating digital assets ● Developing multimedia products ● Prototyping and testing ● Product review ● Presenting multimedia products in an e-portfolio ● Standard ways of working How it's assessed Centre-assessed task, exam board moderated |
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Business Studies |
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Edexcel Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Business BTEC Firsts in Business can help you take your first steps towards a career in the business world. You’ll learn essential skills such as business enterprise, project management, selling and promoting a brand, and financial awareness, from planning to making a profit. |
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Course structure |
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Unit 1: Enterprise in the Business World
How it's assessed Assessed through internal coursework |
Unit 2: Finance for Business
How it's assessed Assessed through external exam |
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Unit 3: Promoting a Brand
How it's assessed Assessed through internal coursework |
Unit 8: Recruitment, Selection and Employment
How it's assessed Assessed through internal coursework |
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Business Studies |
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Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing Level 1/2 Certificate - J819 BTEC Firsts in Business can help you take your first steps towards a career in the business world. You’ll learn essential skills such as business enterprise, project management, selling and promoting a brand, and financial awareness, from planning to making a profit. |
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Course structure |
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R064: Enterprise and marketing concepts Students explore the techniques businesses use to understand their market and develop products, investigate what makes a product viable and understand how businesses attract and retain customers. How it's assessed Written paper, OCR-set and marked |
R065: Design a business proposal Students are presented with a business challenge from which they create a researched and costed business proposal. They will carry out market research, present data, use idea generation tools, seek and act on feedback, and cost their proposals. In their work on this unit they will develop their self-assessment, collaborative working, creativity, numeracy, research and evaluative skills. How it's assessed Centre-assessed task, OCR moderated |
R066: Market and pitch a business proposal Students are presented with a business challenge from which they create a researched and costed business proposal. They will carry out market research, present data, use idea generation tools, seek and act on feedback, and cost their proposals. In their work on this unit they will develop their self-assessment, collaborative working, creativity, numeracy, research and evaluative skills. How it's assessed Centre-assessed task, OCR moderated |
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Media Studies - GCSE |
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Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Media Studies This course takes an analytical approach to the subject matter, with students preparing for two examinations (Components 1 & 2 - 70% of overall grade) and completing controlled assessment (Component 3 – 30% of overall grade) at the end of Year 10 |
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Course structure |
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Component 1 – Exploring the Media.
This component provides a foundation for analysing media products, introducing learners to media language and representation through the study of print media forms. Learners will develop their ability to analyse media language, representations and meanings in a range of media products. In addition, learners will study products from specific media industries and audiences to develop their knowledge and understanding. How it's assessed Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes worth 40% of qualification
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Component 2 - Understanding Media Forms and Products In Component 2, learners will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of media language and representation, as well as extending their appreciation of these areas through the study of media industries and audiences. Students will study set texts in the following areas; - Television: Sitcom - Music: Music Videos & Online Media How it's assessed Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes worth 30% of qualification |
Component 3 - Creating Media Products In this component, learners must apply their knowledge and understanding of media language and representation to an individual media production for an intended audience in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board. The set production briefs will change every year, requiring learners to create a production in a different genre/style and/or for a different intended audience. How it's assessed Non-exam assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated by Exam Board worth 30% of qualification |
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Media Studies - BTEC |
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Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Creative Media Production This course allows students to take a much more creative approach, studying the subject from a vocational perspective. The majority of the course is completed through controlled assessment, with only |
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Course structure |
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Component 1: Exploring Media Products
In this component you will develop your understanding of how media products are created for specific audiences and purposes. You will explore the relationship between genre, narrative and representation within media products and develop your understanding of how they are interpreted by audiences. Knowledge and understanding will be developed by deconstructing existing products in one of the three sectors: audio/moving image, publishing and interactive media, learning how media production techniques are used to create different effects to communicate meaning to audiences. This component will give an understanding of media practitioners’ work, techniques and technology, which are used to contribute to the creation of media products. Transferable skills, such as analysis and communication, will be developed. |
Component 2: Developing Digital Media Production Skills
In this component, students will develop practical media production skills and techniques. They will have the opportunity to specialise in one or more of the following media sectors: ● audio/moving image ● publishing ● interactive media. By taking part in workshops and classes, students will develop practical skills and techniques applying these to relevant pre-production, production and post-production processes when reworking an existing media product/s. Throughout their development they will review progress and consider how to make improvements. The capacity to learn and apply new practical skills through a process of experimentation, reflection and refinement is highly valued within the creative industries. |
Component 3: Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief
In this component students will respond to a client brief and create a product in one of the following media sectors: ● audio/moving image ● publishing ● interactive media. Students will interpret the client’s needs and engage in the process of ideas generation, selecting and refining ideas until the requirements of the brief have been met. Pre-production and planning tasks will be completed to demonstrate to the client how ideas will be implemented. Throughout the pre-production process there will be a constant need monitor and review the effectiveness of the planning and intended outcome to ensure that the media product is fit for audience and purpose. This should mean that any necessary amendments and improvements can be implemented as the product is created |