Computing
The Computing curriculum at Trinity is designed to equip students to be safe and active participants in the digital world. We challenge students to develop skills in logical thinking to enable problem-solving, digital literacy to ensure they can be active participants in a digital world, digital numeracy to support logical thinking and reasoning and programming to support sequencing and problem solving. The study of Computing enables students to develop their understanding of current and emerging computing and algorithmic technologies and understand how they work. There is a significant shortage of properly qualified computer scientists in a wide variety of fields including software development, electronic engineering, aerospace design, cybersecurity and medicine. Computing at Trinity therefore opens up to our students’ opportunities in these areas.
By the end of key stage 3 students develop confidence in programming using Scratch which leads to the creation of a computer game; have been introduced to hardware and software; developed confidence in HTML coding as well as getting to know how to use the network and access all of the features that it provides, including Office 365, OneDrive and Show My Homework. Later on the in the key stage students explore the digital world further, how to stay safe online and they become proficient at Binary and are introduced to programming in Python.
Throughout the GCSE course students acquire and apply knowledge and technical skills to develop an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using Python. Students acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas: systems architecture, memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers, system security, system software and ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns, algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of languages, data representation. The programming component assesses students’ ability to solve a programming related set of tasks. Students analyse situations, design an appropriate solution to code the solution in Python and then test it fully to prove that it meets all the requirements as specified in the brief.
In the Sixth form the department offers an Extended Certificate in IT. Students will develop an understanding of Information Technology and how it is used within a Business environment. The will also examine in depth the flow of information within an organization and in the public domain. They will look at techniques pertaining to cybersecurity, looking at how to mitigate threats. Throughout they will look at project management techniques and the planning of projects.
SEND and Computing at Trinity
At Trinity It is an expectation that all lessons and wider resourcing has effective provision for students with SEND so that they are able to make equal progress to their peers. SEND data is analysed and used to inform planning and interventions where necessary.
In the Computer Science and ICT department, we consider the needs of SEND students in three ways.
Firstly, we conduct a thoughtful ‘seating check’ to accommodate individual needs in our subject area. For example, students with dyslexia are strategically seated in the first three rows to minimise visual strain and ensure clear visibility of the board, while students with auditory processing difficulties are positioned closer to the teacher for better auditory reception.
Secondly, our resources are meticulously crafted to be SEND friendly, aligning with our commitment to inclusivity. We design all materials, both digital and physical, to be universally accessible, thus eliminating the need for separate resources for different groups of students. This approach involves the use of consistent and clear naming systems for digital folders, facilitating easy access during classes. Emphasising digital over paper resources, we use dyslexia-friendly fonts in sizes ranging from 12 to 14, ensuring readability for all students. This integrated design philosophy ensures that every student, regardless of their individual needs, can engage with the same materials, fostering a sense of belonging and unity in the classroom.
Finally, the implementation of Computer Science and ICT at Trinity is tailored to ensure progress for all students, including those with SEND. Our focus is on differentiated instruction, which involves using a range of teaching methods such as visual aids, interactive tasks, and practical experiences to cater to diverse learning styles. This differentiated approach is not about creating separate materials for SEND students; rather, it's about designing our core resources in a way that they are accessible and engaging for everyone. Regular feedback and collaboration with SEND coordinators help us continually refine our methods to meet the varied needs of our students.
