Computing at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
"Everyone should know how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think."
Steve Jobs
Using and engaging with technology are essential skills for the digital age in which we live it. We want to enthuse our students to become the creators of new technology, rather than to simply be the consumers. Skills learnt in this subject will help students develop problem solving strategies, solutions to a set brief as well as the evaluative skills needed to refine and reflect. This foundation will support students across the curriculum, in the world of work and in life!
Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 students are taught how to consider both audience and purpose, linking to real-life examples and the world of work. We explore new technologies and software, building a portfolio of evidence which gives students transferable skills that are not only current, but usable. Skills which equip them for further education, employment and beyond.
We enable students to develop a range of talents in three distinct areas: IT, Digital Literacy and Computing. This breadth allows them to make informed options choices, supports their development and equips them with the knowledge and know how to navigate their way around the digital world we live in!
At Key Stages 4 and 5 (Years 10, 11, 12 & 13) we offer two courses within the Computing section of the department: Computer Science and Creative iMedia. From KS4, students can also study Business.
Computer Science
“The computer was born to solve problems that did not exist before.”
Bill Gates
Computer Science has been at the core of all new discoveries in technology. The skills that students learn in this subject will give them the foundations they need to be successful in an industry which is both coveted, and ever-changing. Most technology we use today, did not exist twenty years ago. In Computer Science, students will be given the skills and the mind-set to consider advancements in programming skills to create the next new technology!
Computer Science focuses primarily on logical thinking, and how that logical thinking can be written into a program. Mastering this skill could lead you into many fields such as app development, software engineering, research, and games development. The course includes lessons on practical programming, networking, and the mathematical principles behind a computer’s architecture. The topics have been chosen by top universities in the field of Computer Science to ensure that content is up-to-date with modern technology.
At GCSE , we follow the OCR specification which can be found at this link.
At A Level, we follow the AQA specification which can be found at this link.
Creative iMedia
“There is no alternative to digital transformation. Visionary companies will carve out new strategic options for themselves those that don’t adapt, will fail.”
Jeff Bezos
Digital technology is the future, the skills we equip our students with open doors for them, doors into an ever-growing world of content, demand, job opportunities and exciting possibilities!
Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming, design and animation. All have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital animation and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning. The topics have been chosen from industry research showing current shortages of skilled people within the creative media, web design and technical fields.We follow the OCR specification, which can be found at this link.
Business
“Always deliver more than expected.”
Larry Page
Business is a very dynamic subject and there are few areas of employment that include business expertise in some shape or form. The course will cultivate business acumen, allow for independence and collaboration. Students will learn how businesses are structured and how external influences impact decision making and success. We explore how the growing interdependency of the global economy is becoming more and more important, as technology and transport makes us all a little “closer”.
All of the topics taught give a real insight into the inner workings of business and students will learn so much from each!
At GCSE we follow the OCR specification, which can be found at this link.
At A Level we follow the Edexcel specification, which can be found at this link.