Business & Computing
Head of Department: Mrs C Kennedy
Context
The Business and Computing department consists of three specialist teachers. The department has three fully fitted ICT suites with an average of 32 computers in each. The department expects the high standards and work hard to ensure each learner works to the best of their ability.
Curriculum
For curriculum guides for Business & Computing, please visit Curriculum Guides
KS3 Computing
At KS3 students study computing 2 hours a fortnight. Within their lessons they study a range of topics that cover the 3 main stands of computing; Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The curriculum is designed to build on students' skills and knowledge as they progress through each of the 3 years and is delivered in a way that is engaging and challenging allowing all students to make progress.
KS4
The department offers 4 different GCSE subjects which includes 2 vocational options;
GCSE Computer Science: leaners study AQA computer science which focuses on the theory of computer systems and the practical skills of programming. This course is 100% examination which takes place in the summer of their 2nd year
OCR Level 2 in Information Technology: This vocational qualification is for those students who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in using information technologies for example in databases and spreadsheets. The qualification is broken down into 2 units; 1 that is externally assessed and worth 50% and 1 that is internally assessed through coursework and that is also worth 50%. Leaners are graded using the Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria.
GCSE Business Studies: students study Edexcel 1-9 Business studies and 100% of their grade is assessed externally in the end of Yr11. students focus on all aspects of Business from Finance to Marketing, Operations to Human Resources.
OCR, Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing. A vocational qualification is also offered for those interested in studying Business. This qualification allows students to focus on 2 specific areas of business and be assed using a combination of internal and external assessment. These assessments are taken at various times during the course of the 2 years. Learners are graded using the Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria.
Learning Journey
Assessment
Students will usually complete a 1-hour assessment at the end of each half term to assess their progress. This may be a practical activity or an exam paper depending on the topic and time of year.
Homework
The expectation for homework is that students will complete a minimum of one homework activity per week for Ks4 or one a fortnight for Ks3.
Afterschool Sessions
Every year our department run a KS3 coding club at break time, which is usually facilitated by our student subject leaders.
Enrichment Opportunities
Throughout the year a variety of enrichment opportunities take place such as the Hour of Code, Tameside Hack and the HSBC Stock Market Challenge.
