Computing
We aim to make computer science an enjoyable experience for all students at Mountbatten and instil valuable technological capabilities that will enable students to work productively in a range of real-world contexts.
Lower School
In Lower School, students follow schemes of work that strengthen basic ICT skills and also introduce students to new technology and specialist computing topics. This broad curriculum equips students with the knowledge of how to be a proficient and safe user of technology in the 21st century. Students will also be taught computational and logical thinking as part of the enhanced computing curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to learn different programming languages and look ‘under the bonnet’ to gain a deeper understanding of how computer systems function.
In Year 7 and 8 students have one lesson per week. Students who opt-in to computing in Year 9 have up to three lessons per week.
Year 7
In Year 7 we study:
7.1 Esafety – keeping safe online, recognising risks and understanding the legal issues involved with being part of an online community.
7.2 Computer Systems – An introduction to the hardware and software required for Computer systems to run.
Year 8
In Year 8 we study:
8.1 Python Programming – understanding how to design and implement algorithms using the programming language Python.
8.2 Data Representation – understanding how data is stored and interpreted by a computer as binary digits.
Year 9
In Year 9 we study:
9.1 Web Design – planning, designing and implementing websites using HTML and CSS. Understanding how web pages are stored and sent across networks.
9.2 Computational Thinking – designing algorithms in response to problems and understanding common searching and sorting algorithms.
9.3 Python Programming – further developing students’ ability to program solutions to problems using Python.
9.4 Computer Hardware – understanding how computer systems are developed and looking in more detail at embedded systems and the role of specialist hardware.
9.5 Spreadsheets – data modelling using spreadsheet software.
9.6 Wider effects of computing – investigating how computer systems drive changes to culture and society and identifying key environmental and legal issues that arise from the use of computer systems.
Upper School
Our students have the opportunity of studying GCSE Computer Science.
GCSE Computer Science provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate logical and computational thinking. Students will learn about the processes that underpin computer systems and develop their own programming skills further to complete complex programming tasks. Skills learned in this course will provide students with an excellent basis for progressing into further studies in Computer Science or a technical career.
Facilities and Resources
There are 3 IT suites each containing 32 PCs running Windows 10 operating system. Each PC runs Microsoft Office as well as many other applications specific to various school departments, helping to facilitate the delivery of the curriculum.
The Computing department has a set of Raspberry Pis and Micro:bits available for students, which provide opportunities for students to undertake exciting computing projects and allow students to get more hands-on experience using different types of computer system.
Learning to code was so much fun!"
Extra-Curricular Activities
We offer a range of clubs which are open to all year groups.
- Lower School Computing Club (Wednesday Lunchtime)
We also offer Upper School coursework and revision sessions after school.
Contact
Mr Gentle is the Head of Computing, you can contact him through this email with the subject line marked "FAO: Mr Gentle Head of Faculty".