The Computing & Business Faculty includes the subjects of Computer Science, ICT and Business. We provide opportunities to learn about the digital world including cyber security and software development. In Computing we also explore hardware, networks and computer legislation. We teach key ICT skills which employers will demand and we challenge learners to edit images using Photoshop and create websites. In Business we investigate finance, law, marketing and business growth. Our engaging lessons are taught using state-of-the-art equipment with interactive resources which provide instant feedback and our experienced teachers challenge students to help them to reach their personal excellence.
Our Team
Mrs Hall - Head of Computing & Business
Mr Graham - Teacher of Computing & Business
Miss Lo - Teacher of Computing & Business
Mr Rea - Teacher of Computing & Business
Computing Department
Our Vision
The Computing curriculum is designed to allow students to have access to transferable skills through both Computer Science and Information Technology and make informed choices on how they pursue the subjects as they continue their learning journey through the school. Computer Science is engaging and practical, it should encourage creativity and develop problem solving skills through a variety of tasks as active, aware and informed participants in the digital world. We also aim for the students to leave The Radclyffe School as digital citizens with the skill set to keep their knowledge up to date in the ever-changing digital technology. Students should be able to go online and stay safe and understand what they need to do if they do not feel safe while on social media or online gaming.
Teaching and Learning
Key Stage 3 - Year 7 - 9
At Key Stage 3 learners have 1 lesson a week where they learn about staying safe using digital devices, explore ICT skills, understand how computers work using hardware and software, code using Python and investigate cyber security.
Key Stage 4 - Year 10 & 11
At Key Stage 4 learners have 5 lessons over the fortnight. In ICT lessons they produce coursework projects on app design and data as well as learning about cyber security, communication, technology within business and legislation. In Computer Science they learn about hardware including memory, storage and systems architecture, networks, ethical, legal and environmental impacts of technology as well as producing robust programs using algorithms and programming fundamentals.
Assessment
At KS3 students are assessed on their learning after completing a topic each half-term by asking a range of question types including multiple-choice, fill in the gaps, matching, short answer and long answer questions. At the end of each year of KS3 learners have a final assessment which brings together all the topics learnt throughout the school year. They are awarded grades from emerging through developing, secure up to mastering. At KS4 students answer past paper questions at an end of topic review and are awarded GCSE grades from 1 to 9. KS4 end of year PPEs use GCSE papers to assess learning and predict grades.
Business Department
Our Vision
The curriculum is designed to allow students to have access to an engaging Business curriculum taught in an innovative way, through real world and enterprising contexts to enable students to achieve their full potential. Students will gain real life skills for life through the teaching of the specification learning independently promoting resilience and literacy skills throughout their teaching.
Teaching and Learning
Key Stage 3 - Year 7 - 9
As part of their weekly KS3 Computing lessons we introduce Business lessons to learners within a Business project in Years 8 and 9. Learners act as entrepreneurs and independently create their own business to demonstrate how an owner could follow the business marketing mix.
Key Stage 4 - Year 10 & 11
At KS4 learners have 5 lessons over the fortnight. In GCSE Business we look at the skills required for entrepreneurs, how to spot a business opportunity, how to make a business effective, growing the business, making marketing decisions and finance. In Enterprise and Marketing learners complete two pieces of coursework by designing a business proposal and then pitching their idea as well as preparing for an exam encompassing a range of business concepts such as target markets, finance, product development and how to attract and retain customers.
Assessment
At KS3 students are assessed on their learning after completing a topic each half-term by asking a range of question types including multiple-choice, fill in the gaps, matching, short answer and long answer questions. At the end of each year of KS3 learners have a final assessment which brings together all the topics learnt throughout the school year. They are awarded grades from emerging through developing, secure up to mastering. At KS4 students answer past paper questions at an end of topic review and are awarded GCSE grades from 1 to 9. KS4 end of year PPEs use GCSE papers to assess learning and predict grades.
Resources and Rooms
The Computing and Business department have 4 classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art Dell desktop computers through which they can access interactive resources which provide instant feedback and engaging lessons to aid their progress.
Home Learning
Home Learning is used to recap, review and challenge learners using a range of methods including choice menus, past paper questions and online learning tools.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Business Department run a number of activities outside of the classroom including entrepreneur events to try out enterprising ideas and stock market challenges.
The Computing Department run a number of activities outside of the classroom including coding events, cyber security days and creative design activities.
Mrs Hall
Head of Computing & Business