Computing, Media & Business Studies
Computing
The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage students and get them thinking about real world application. We aim to ensure:
- We provide a high-quality computing education that equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and be able to contribute to the rapidly changing world.
- Students develop an understanding and application in the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science by having the opportunity to write programs, design webpages and produce professional digital products to evaluate and analytically solve problems.
- Students will understand the digital age that we are in and be responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology.
Click here to view the KS3 Computing Curriculum Overview
Exam board specification: OCR Computer Science
Click here to view the Computer Science Curriculum Overview
Media Studies
Media Studies aims to enable students to become media literate in an increasingly digital age and be in a strong position for the future to make sense of the media and how meaning is communicated. This will include:
Component 1: Exploring the Media - This component provides a foundation for analysing media products, introducing students to media language and representation through the study of print media forms. Students will develop their ability to analyse media language, representations and meanings in a range of media products.
Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products - This component builds on the introduction to key areas of the theoretical framework provided in Component 1. In Component 2, students will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of media language and representation, as well as extending their appreciation of these areas through the study of media industries and audiences. Students will also develop knowledge and understanding of how relevant social, cultural, political and historical contexts of media influence media products.
Component 3: Creating Media Products - Draws together knowledge and understanding of the media theoretical framework gained throughout their course by requiring students to apply their knowledge and understanding of the media synoptically through practical production.
Exam board specification: Eduqas Media Studies
Click here to view the Media Studies Curriculum Overview
Business Studies
We aim to deliver a curriculum that is interesting, relevant, and challenging. It is a curriculum that enables all students to meet their aspirations. There is a combination of practical, theoretical, individual and group learning in order to cater for a variety of learning styles. As well as the knowledge needed to succeed, students will develop employability skills such as working with other people, being reliable and dependable, and a willingness to learn. This includes:
- Business 1 - Business activity, marketing and people: This component introduces students to business concepts and issues concerning the activities of a business. It explores the purpose and role of a business from first spotting an enterprising opportunity through to the growth of an established business. It takes a closer look at the role of marketing and human resources.
- Business 2 - Operations, finance and influences on business: This component takes a closer look at the role of operations and finance and introduces students to external influences on business. It explores the importance of these influences and how businesses change in response to them.
- Finally, students will use content from both component 01 and component 02 to make connections between different elements of the subject.
Exam board specification: OCR Business Studies
Click here to view the Business Studies Curriculum Overview
Enterprise & Marketing
We aim to deliver a curriculum that is interesting, relevant, and challenging. It is a curriculum that enables all students to meet their aspirations. There is a combination of practical, theoretical, individual and group learning in order to cater for a variety of learning styles. As well as the knowledge needed to succeed, students will develop employability skills such as working with other people, being reliable and dependable, and a willingness to learn. This will include:
Enterprise and Marketing Concepts: This section provides students with all the knowledge and skills to complete their exam. Students will develop the ability to use multiple LO’s to create a well-rounded response to questions.
Design a business proposal: This unit will provide students with the skills and knowledge to design a product proposal to meet a business challenge scenario. Students will be able to identify a customer profile for their own product design, develop market research tools and use these to complete market research for their product.
Market and pitch a business proposal: This unit will provide students with the skills and knowledge to create a brand identity and promotional plan for their product proposal, developed in Unit R065. They will be able to pitch their product proposal to an external audience after completing a practice pitch, and complete a review of both their pitching skills and product proposal, using their learning from this qualification, self-assessment and feedback generated.
Exam board specification: OCR Enterprise & Marketing
Click here to view the Enterprise & Marketing Curriculum Overview