Computing & IT

“Computing lets people express their creativity and unlock solutions, and code is Computing’s universal language. All young people, including girls, deserve to be fluent in the language of the future.“
Lucy Sanders
CEO & Founder, NCWIT

In the fast changing world of Technology, it is vitally important that our students are digitally literate, able to use ICT as tool both during and after their time at Settle College and have a good foundation of knowledge and understanding in Computer Science. We strive to help students become independent learners, effective problem solvers and creative thinkers.

Please see the document below for more information about the curriculum for the Computing Department.  If you would like more detailed documents, including information about literacy, personal development and careers, please contact the subject leader.

Computing Department Curriculum Intent

Year 7

  • To develop skills and understanding in desktop software
  • To develop knowledge on e-safety and how to protect yourself
  • To create an interactive web page using HTML and CSS
  • Develop a basic understanding of what is inside a computer and how networks work
  • Introduce students to programming through game software

Year 8:

  • Develop a basic understanding of what is inside a computer and how networks work
  • To further understanding and skills in graphic software
  • Develop skills in web design software
  • Explore Machine learning and Internet of Things

Year 9:

  • Develop further understanding of computer software architecture and networking
  • Develop understanding of programme structures using game development software
  • Develop skills and knowledge in data analysis
  • Develop programming skills to make awesome applications

Creative imedia

Awarding body: OCR

This vocationally-related qualification takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. It will equip learners with a range of skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, transferable skills such as imedia in industry, research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. The hands on approach has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in creative media.
What happens in this course?
Students will undertake 2 controlled assessment units and 1 examined unit.
There are a variety of units to choose from including characters and comics, animation with audio, digital games and interactive digital media.
We will discuss the choices with students at the start of the course and tailor to fit their needs and expectations.

IT

Awarding body: OCR

The Cambridge National in IT will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the IT sector and beyond. It covers the use of IT in the digital world, Internet of Everything, data manipulation, human-computer interface (HCI) and augmented reality.

What happens in this course?

Students will undertake 2 controlled assessment units and 1 examined unit:

IT In the digital world: written paper

Data manipulation using spreadsheets: Controlled assessment

Using augmented reality to present information: Controlled assessment

GCSE in Computer Science

Awarding body: Edexcel

This new, up-to-date qualification reflects the fast-changing world of Computer Science. You will develop the computational skills you need for an exciting digital future beyond the classroom.  

What happens in this course?

This is assessed through two exams (each worth 50%)  taken at the end of the course.  

paper 1: Paper 1 Principles of Computer Science. Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

paper 2:  Application of Computational Thinking Practical onscreen examination: 2 hours

Staff Names and Roles
Mrs E Partridge – Subject Leader Computing and IT, Subject Lead for DT

 

*NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 * 

A Level Computer Science

Awarding Body AQA

The A Level AQA Computer Science course provides an in-depth exploration of computing principles, including programming, algorithms, and computer systems. Students develop problem-solving skills through practical projects and theoretical study.
This course prepares students for further studies or careers in technology and computer science fields.

Subject Staff
Mrs E Partridge (Subject Leader) 

Course Requirements 
Grade 6 or above in English or Maths. 
Grade 6 or above in Computing or an IT qualification is preferred but not conditional

Course Description

We will cover the following over the 2 years:

1. Fundamentals of programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
3. Fundamentals of algorithms
4. Theory of computation
5. Fundamentals of data representation
6. Fundamentals of computer systems
7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
8. Consequences of uses of computing
9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
10. Fundamentals of databases
11. Big Data
12. Fundamentals of functional programming
13. Systematic approach to problem solving
14. Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1:

This paper tests a student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science.
On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A-level

Paper 2:

This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions on topics 5-12 in the course description. 
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A-level
 
Non-Exam assessment

The non-exam assessment assesses a student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem.
75 marks
20% of A-level

Progression
Students who follow this course have gone on to a wide range of courses and careers via apprenticeships and Higher Education. 

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Information Technology

Awarding Body OCR

A Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate is a two-year vocational course that would normally be studied alongside a range of traditional A-Level programmes or other Cambridge Technical courses.  The full Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A-Level.  The Cambridge Technical Certificate, awarded after successful completion of one year, is equivalent to an AS-Level.

Subject Staff
Mrs E Partridge (Subject Leader)

Student Comments

“I have enjoyed the computer structure course, taking computers apart and learning about how each part works. Overall, the subject is really interesting, you learn new things that you don’t notice in everyday life that you would just take for granted. I have noticed that it helps you with life skills and teaches you new ones such as how you should communicate in a job interview as well as learning about the subject.”

Course Requirements 
Grade 4 or above in English or Maths.  Grade 5 or above in Computing or an IT qualification is preferred but not conditional

Course Description
We will cover the following units over the 2 years:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT (exam)
Unit 2: Global Information (exam)
Unit 6: Application design (coursework)
Unit 9: Product Development (coursework)
Unit 21: Web design and prototyping (coursework)

How will I be assessed?
There is a mixture of assessment.  Units in Year 12 and Year 13 will be set and marked by the class teacher.  Unit 1 and 2 will be externally assessed by external examinations.

Students’ work will be graded pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.  The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A-Level and carries UCAS points.  The Cambridge Technical Certificate, awarded after successful completion of one year, is equivalent to an AS-Level and carries UCAS points too.

Progression
Students who have followed this course have gone on to a wide range of courses and careers in apprenticeships and Higher Education courses, including programming and game design.

Employer and Higher Education Institution Recognition
The OCR Cambridge Nationals are vocationally related qualifications that take an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment.

They are industry relevant, geared to key sector requirements and very popular with schools and colleges because they suit such a broad range of learning styles and abilities.