Computer Science

Our pupils develop great digital proficiency, utilising the latest technologies to enhance their learning. Opportunities abound for them to flourish in this field in preparation for the futures that await them.

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 ICT in education, work and leisure. All students from year 7 have personal iPads to use for classwork and homework with remote access to the school’s intranet. They are supported by a dedicated e-Learning Manager who is available to help with all aspects of iPad use and to deal with issues which arise. Students have an opportunity to become a Digital Genius; they help and assist other students and members of staff in getting the best use from their iPads. The Senior school is well equipped with desktop computers both in two dedicated computer rooms, in departmental suites, such as Science and Geography as well as in each classroom and the sixth form common rooms.

All of the classrooms have whiteboard technology and Airserver installed 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, Drones, Microbits, and Lego Mindstorms. Programming languages taught are Swift and Python, using both iPads and desktop PC’s. 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.