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

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

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

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

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

Scratch

Learn how to program using a visual language

Websites

Learn how to create a website

Networks

Learn how computers can be connected

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

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