Teacher of Computer Science

The Computer Science Department at St Bede's College covers Computer Science, ICT, and Online Safety.

We are a forward-thinking and collaborative team that look to inspire and encourage curiosity within the subject. Often offering more in depth opportunities for pupils to immerse themselves in learning about our digital world. Recently we revamped our Key Stage 3 offer with skills that are becoming more desirable for navigating modern life with digital devices.

The Department is well-equipped with two dedicated IT suites and supported by a dedicated on-site IT technician who ensures our infrastructure and software are optimised for learning.

Computer Science is taught in mixed-ability groups in Upper Third (Year 7) and Lower Fourth (Year 8).

In Key Stage 3, pupils build a diverse toolkit: they master Digital Literacy via the Google Workspace suite, explore Computing History, and delve into Systems Architecture, including CPU function, binary conversions, and data representation.

The curriculum also prioritises digital citizenship through Online Safety and practical technical skills like HTML web development, multi-track video editing, and Python programming using the PRIMM model.

Pupils select their options at the end of Lower Fourth (Y8). Computer Science is growing in popularity and in recent years, has seen the biggest increase in uptake from any subject. At both GCSE and A Level, we follow the OCR specifications (J277 and H446 respectively.) Our A Level students benefit from six dedicated periods a week, strategically split to provide two periods for coursework and four for exam content. To further support our students, we have recently launched a revamped department website, providing a wealth of resources for independent study and revision outside of scheduled lesson time.

The Department also runs a digital co-curricular club ‘ Digital Bedians ’, which the department and wider staff body are encouraged to contribute to.