Computing

Mission Statement

This starts with a definition of a subject that is still nascent. Computer Science deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software and the applications of computers. [https://www.dictionary.com/browse/computer-science, 2019.]

It is the first part of the sentence that determines what we, as a department, believe is key. The technologies involved in the subject are new, exciting and evolving at a phenomenal rate. Predicting the future is never a wise move, but knowing what is out there, what it does, why it behaves in that manner and utilising that innate curiousity to understand a task or a problem is vital. It is a rich history that includes not on successes, but failures, which have changed the way society, culture and language interact.

The subject will let pupils try solutions to problems that are abstract, but are linked to scenarios that they may (or may not yet) grasp. Decomposing a problem into its constituent parts, throwing away detail at various stages and then returning those same bits of information to design a solution, with a strategy to test and prove the possible answer, is all part of a computer scientist’s toolkit.

There is a body of knowledge that includes algorithms, CPU architectures, electronics, physics, mathematics, logic and so much more, which is added to, ensuring that this is a subject which is constantly evolving. Writing code is the creative expression that is determined by the knowledge and experiences gathered along the way.

Ultimately, the mission statement for Computer Science simplifies to :

• What is the question?
• Why is that solution viable?

Student Voice

Key Stage 3

Q: How does computing help you on a day to day basis within other subjects/in general with use of hardware/software and problems solving?

A: Computing as a whole (not just in school) helps me a lot with my everyday life as I am usually doing things on my computer every day using different software and trying different things, there is always something new to try.

Key Stage 4

Q: What do you most enjoy within the subject?

A: In computing, the thing that most attracts me is simply learning how things work. Computers are such incredible devices and many of us fail to appreciate this as we come into contact with them on a daily basis. As we learn more and more about computers throughout the course you gain more of an understanding of these incredible machines.

Key Stage 5

Q: How does computing help you on a day to day basis within other subjects/in general with use of hardware/software and problems solving?

A: It has helped me to become more familiar with programming languages which has helped me to do various things at home, and also has helped me to understand some things more clearly which I had previously misunderstood.