Computing, Media & IT
The ability to use and understand how computers work is an essential skill for students to be able to take an active part in modern society. The school has state of the art equipment in four dedicated computer suites and offers a wide range of courses to suit the interests of all students.
Exam Specification
Computer Science GCSE Specification
Creative Media GCSE Specification
IT GCSE Specification
Computer Science A Level Specification
Digital Media A Level Specification
IT A Level Specification
Curriculum Pathways & Schemes of Work
KS3 Computer Science Pathway
KS4 Computer Science Pathway
KS4 IT Pathway
Key Stage 3
In Years 7,8 & 9, students are introduced to a wide variety of computer applications to develop their skills in using computer programmes. Since 2014 Computing has also been a key part of the National Curriculum and students have embarked on exploring the way that computers work and the programming techniques required for developing new applications. These courses are an ideal introduction to the world of computer science.
Key Stage 4
Three courses are offered to enable students to explore different aspects of ICT and Computing.
GCSE Computing – This new exciting course gives learners the opportunity to investigate and gain an in-depth understanding into how computers work, and how they are used.
Creative Media – This course offers learners the opportunity to study a diverse range of media topics, including video editing, camera operation, Sound editing, graphic design and media production. Please note, this course is for the beginner to intermediate students and is suitable for those who have no experience in the field of media production.
IT – Students explore a wide range of current and relevant topics, helping them understand how IT is used across different sectors and how digital technologies continue to shape the world around us.
OCR GCSE Computer Science is an exciting and challenging course for students who want to understand how computers work and how software is created. Students develop strong problem-solving and programming skills, while also learning about the technology that powers the modern world.
The course combines practical coding with core computer science theory, helping students become confident computational thinkers and logical learners who can design solutions to real problems.
What students will study
Students will learn key topics including:
- Programming fundamentals and problem solving
- Algorithms and computational thinking
- Data representation (binary, images, sound and compression)
- Computer systems (hardware, software, memory and storage)
- Networks, cyber security and the internet
- Databases and data management
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of computing
Students will also complete a programming project, where they develop and test a solution using the skills learned across the course.
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy logical thinking, technology and problem solving. It works well alongside Maths, Science and Design-based subjects, and helps students build confidence in skills that are valuable for the future.
Progression opportunities
OCR GCSE Computer Science supports progression to:
- A Level Computer Science
- Level 3 IT and Digital Media courses
- Apprenticeships and careers in software development, cyber security, game development, data analysis and IT support
BTEC Creative Media Production is a practical and creative course for students who want to develop real-world skills in media and content creation. Students will learn how to plan, produce and evaluate a range of media products, building confidence with industry-style tools and workflows.
The course is largely coursework-based and gives students plenty of opportunities to be creative, work independently, and develop a strong portfolio of work that can be used for future study or employment.
What students will study
Students will develop skills in areas such as:
- Researching audiences and planning media projects
- Developing ideas and creating pre-production materials
- Producing digital media content (video, audio, photography and graphics)
- Editing and improving media products using professional software
- Understanding how media products are distributed and promoted
- Evaluating work and responding to feedback to improve outcomes
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy creative work, technology and project-based learning. It suits students who are motivated, imaginative, and keen to explore how media is used in real industries such as entertainment, marketing and social media.
Progression opportunities
BTEC Creative Media Production supports progression to:
- Level 3 Media, Film, TV or Digital Production courses
- Apprenticeships in creative industries
- Careers in content creation, video editing, photography, graphic design, animation, marketing and social media
The OCR Cambridge National in IT (J836) is a practical and engaging qualification that develops students’ confidence and capability in using IT in the modern digital world. It is designed to build real-life skills that are valuable in further study and future careers, combining creativity with problem solving and independent working.
Students explore a wide range of current and relevant topics, helping them understand how IT is used across different sectors and how digital technologies continue to shape the world around us.
What students will study
Students will develop skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- The use of IT in the digital world
- Internet of Everything (IoE)
- Data manipulation and handling information effectively
- Human-Computer Interface (HCI) and designing user-friendly solutions
- Emerging technologies such as augmented reality
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on work with computers and technology, and who want a qualification that reflects real-world IT skills. It suits learners who like creating digital products, working with data, and understanding how technology is used in everyday life and business.
Progression opportunities
The Cambridge National in IT provides a strong foundation for progression to:
- Level 3 qualifications such as IT, Digital Media, or Computer Science
- Apprenticeships and careers in digital and technology-based roles
- A wide range of further education pathways where strong IT skills are essential
Sixth Form
Our Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics is an exciting Level 3 qualification designed for students who want to develop real-world skills in handling, analysing and presenting data. It combines strong theoretical understanding with practical, hands-on work, helping students build the knowledge and confidence needed for higher education and future careers in data-driven industries.
Students will explore how data is collected, stored, analysed and used across organisations, while developing key skills in spreadsheet modelling, data management and interpretation. The course also builds valuable transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, independent working and project management.
What students will study
Depending on the pathway chosen (Certificate or Extended Certificate), learners will complete units such as:
- Fundamentals of Data Analytics (exam)
- Spreadsheet Data Modelling (coursework assignment)
- Big Data and Machine Learning (exam – Extended Certificate)
- Optional coursework units such as:
- Relational Database Design
- Data Visualisation
- Internet of Everything (IoE)
- Data and Digital Marketing
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy working with data, solving problems, and using technology to support real-life decision making. It works particularly well alongside subjects such as Business, Computing, Maths, Geography and Psychology.
Progression opportunities
This qualification supports progression to university courses such as:
- Business Analytics
- Information Technology
- Digital Marketing
It also helps students build the skills employers value in modern digital and data-focused roles.
OCR A Level Computer Science is a challenging and rewarding course for students who enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and learning how computers and software systems work. It develops strong programming skills alongside a deep understanding of how computer systems, data and networks operate in the real world.
Students will learn to design, write and test programs using structured and efficient methods, while also exploring key topics such as algorithms, computational thinking, cyber security, databases, and the fundamentals of computer architecture.
What students will study
The course includes a balance of theory and practical programming, covering areas such as:
- Programming techniques and software development
- Algorithms and computational thinking
- Data representation and data structures
- Computer systems (hardware, software, memory, storage)
- Networks, the internet and cyber security
- Databases and data modelling
- The impact of computing in society
Students will also complete a programming project, where they design and develop a solution to a real problem, applying the skills they’ve learned throughout the course.
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy programming and want to understand how technology works behind the scenes. It works particularly well alongside Mathematics, Physics, Business, and other STEM subjects, but also supports students interested in careers in a wide range of digital industries.
Progression opportunities
OCR A Level Computer Science supports progression to university, apprenticeships and careers in areas such as:
- Software Engineering and Game Development
- Cyber Security and Networking
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems and Web Development
Our OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Digital Media course is a creative and industry-focused qualification designed for students who want to develop practical digital skills and build an exciting portfolio of work. It is ideal for learners interested in media production, design, and creating content for real audiences.
Students will explore how digital media products are planned, created, reviewed and improved, while developing key skills in creativity, communication, project management and digital production techniques. The course is highly practical, giving students the opportunity to work on a range of media projects using professional-style tools and workflows.
What students will study
Students will develop skills in areas such as:
- Planning and designing media products for a target audience
- Creating digital media content (e.g. graphics, video, audio, interactive products)
- Understanding media purpose, audience and distribution
- Using digital tools effectively to create high-quality outcomes
- Reviewing, refining and evaluating media products
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy creative subjects, technology and independent project work. It supports learners who want to develop skills for the modern digital world and gain confidence working to deadlines and client briefs.
Progression opportunities
This qualification supports progression to:
- Creative and digital media degrees and apprenticeships
- Careers in areas such as content creation, graphic design, video production, social media, marketing, and digital communications
Career Opportunities
Post, or even pre-university, there is a wide variety of lucrative careers involving computing for those with a passion for the subject and a willingness to keep learning. In fact, the growth and evolution of new technologies means in the future there will be lots of jobs that require computing skills that we have not even thought about yet! Computing is a subject that could awaken a passion that could lead anywhere and last a lifetime.