Computing and ICT

'We live in an ever-changing digital world in which both Computer Science and ICT are fast becoming the norm in many aspects of our lives. The digital age has vastly transformed the way we communicate, access information and learn. At Howden School we firmly believe we need to teach students the necessary skills to not only make the best use of the digital age but to feel confident in doing so for their future life after school. It is our aim as part of our curriculum at Howden School to develop each student’s confidence and competence with a computer. To achieve this, we place great emphasis on a student’s ability to problem solve; developing this in each of our lessons to ensure students are comfortable when choosing their GCSE options.'

^{Mr. L. Marshall, Head of Computing and ICT}

‘A high-quality computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.’ Adapted from National Curriculum, DfE, 2014.

The Howden School curriculum for computing and ICT aims to ensure that all students:

• Promote the safe use of computers and develop lifelong computer skills.
• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Key Stage 4 Curriculum