Computer Science

At Talbot Heath Computing is used across all subject areas throughout the students’ Senior school life and is taught in classes for one lesson per week from years 7 to 9, helping to prepare students for the increasing uses of technology in education, work and leisure. The Senior school is well equipped with desktop computers in a dedicated computer rooms, in departmental areas such as Science and Art as well as the sixth form common rooms.

All of the classrooms have whiteboard technology and mirroring which enables staff and students to display their work to the class under teacher guidance. Apps also allow staff and students to share work and ideas. These resources add another dimension to the student’s learning and we are proud of the fact that technology forms such an integral part of the Talbot Heath education.

Students learn to confidently use many educational apps available in subject contexts and are able to produce work including animation, video and sound.

In Computing Lessons, coding skills both block and text based, are learned and developed using a range of robotics equipment, such as Sphero’s, Microbits, and Lego. The Programming language taught is Python. Students develop proficiency in word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software throughout KS3, as well as 3D animation, graphics and app design. They learn how and when to utilise Artificial Intelligence tools effectively and responsibly, considering reliability and ethical issues in their decision making.

The Computing curriculum follows a three strand approach, giving students experience of Computer Science concepts, programming (physical and screen based) and creating media using various apps and software packages. The space and technology in the STEAM Hub is used for Computing lessons by every year group, making use of the wall and floor projections. By the end of Senior School, the students will have gained valuable transferable skills to fully equip them for their next steps in education or the workplace, whatever their chosen career path.

Students are able to take Computer Science GCSE as an option choice should they wish to, and Computer Science A Level is offered at KS5. Both follow the OCR Specification.