Computer Science and ICT

The Computing department at Southlands aims to equip all our students with the essential skills they need to succeed in the modern digital world while giving all students the foundation knowledge they need to succeed in Computer Science.

In key stage 3, all students are given a comprehensive and progressive Computing curriculum.  They will learn to comprehend, design, create and evaluate algorithms; understand what a computer system is and how its constituent parts function together as a whole; select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds and video; understand how data is stored, organised and used to represent real world scenarios; understand how computer networks can be used to retrieve and share information; understand the activities involved in planning, creating and evaluating digital artifacts; use software tools to support computing work and to create software to allow computers to solve problems. Students will also learn about the wider impact of technology; how individuals, systems, and society interact with computer systems and understand the risks when using technology.

In key stage 4 we offer GCSE Computer Science where students can further their understanding of the principles of Computer Science and further develop their application of computational thinking.  We also offer BTEC Digital Information Technology where students will complete two large projects focusing on user interface design and data science as well as learn about effective digital working practices to help prepare them for a career in the digital world.

Students will then be prepared for further post-16 study in Computing with many students choosing A Level Computer Science, T Level Digital (Software Development), BTEC IT Software Development or IT apprenticeships.