Balshaw’s Church of England High School
Business & Computing
Business & Computing Department
Staff
- Mr S Mort - Curriculum Leader
- Miss D Lockhart
- Mrs K Townsend
Computers
- There are three ICT suites in Business & Computing as well as suites in Geography, Science, Technology and the Learning Resource Centre
- Over 400 computers in school connected via a Windows network.
- Computer rooms within the Business & Computing Department are open during lunchtime (1.40pm to 2.10pm) and after school for student use – a timetable is displayed on the doors of rooms 33, 35 and 37
- A pass must be obtained from Mr Mort at break time to use the computer rooms at lunchtime
Lessons
- In Years 7, 8 and 9, students will follow the Key Stage 3 Curriculum
- In Year 7, students will be taught Core ICT skills in Desktop Publishing, Word Processing, Presentation skills, File Management, Email and Internet research
- Each class receives three lessons of Computing over a two week period.
- In Years 10 and 11, students can opt for extra specialist courses:-
- GCSE Business
- GCSE Computer Science
- There is always 1 computer per student
- There is a wide range of ICT used across the Curriculum – in all subjects
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Year Topic |
7 |
8 |
9 |
1 |
Orientation Learn how to navigate the school network and basic IT skills |
Computers & Networks Learn how computers process instructions and data |
Python Programming Learn how to code using a text based language |
2 |
Online Safety Learn how to become a Digital Citizen |
Spreadsheets Learn how to use a spreadsheet for calculations |
Introduction to Business Learn the basic fundamentals of a business |
3 |
Databases Learn how to use a database |
Flowol Learn how to design a sequence of events for a given problem |
App Development Learn how to create an app for a smartphone |
4 |
Modelling Learn how computers are used to for simulating real world events |
Databases Learn how databases are created and use them for big data |
Computer Crime & Cyber Security Learn how to stay safe online |
5 |
Scratch Learn how to program using a visual language |
Websites Learn how to create a website |
Networks Learn how computers can be connected |
6 |
Core Skills Learn how to use MS Office applications |
Small Basic Learn how to code using a text based language |
Graphics Learn how to create images using graphic design software |
7 |
History of Computers & Logo Design Learn where computers came from and how to create a company logo |
Algorithms and Micro:bits Learn how to solve logic problems and create programs |
Spreadsheets Learn how to use a spreadsheet for calculations |
Key Stage 4
GCSE Business
Students are studying the Edexcel (2017) specification and the course covers the following topics:
Theme 1: |
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship |
Spotting a Business Opportunity |
Putting a Business Idea into Practice |
Making the Business Effective |
Understanding External Influences on Business |
Theme 2: |
Growing the Business |
Making Marketing Decisions |
Making Operational Decisions |
Making Financial Decisions |
Making Human Resource Decisions |
Assessment is by examination in Year 11
- Paper 1: Investigating Small Business (1.5 hours) (50%)
- Paper 2: Building a Business (1.5 hours) (50%)
GCSE Computer Science
Students follow the AQA (2016) Specification and the course covers the following topics:
Fundamentals of Algorithms |
Programming |
Fundamentals of Data Representation |
Computer Systems |
Fundamentals of Computer Networks |
Fundamentals of Cyber Security |
Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology on Wider Society including Issues of Privacy |
Aspects of Software Development |
Assessment is by examination in Year 11
- Paper 1: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving – Written Exam (1.5 hours) (50%)
- Paper 2: Written Assessment – Written Exam (1.5 hours) (50%)
- Programming Project (20 hours)
- AQA GCSE Computer Science is a nationally recognised qualification that is supported by Microsoft
Software
Free Internet access for all students via broadband. Secure filtering measures are in place to prevent access to any unsuitable material
Microsoft Office 2016 (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word) are the main programs
Students also have their own school email accounts using Office 365