The Computing and Digital Literacy Department teaches a varied curriculum throughout both key stages.

Key Stage 3
In Year 7, students take CDL as part of the technology department rotation so they only take the course for half the year. At the start of the year, all students complete a baseline assessment and, from that, their key stage target is set. The course they follow in Year 7 is Skills for School and this equips students with the necessary set of skills for them to undertake tasks in a Computing suite either in CDL or in other subjects. The range of areas they stidy includes:

- Excel- basic formulas, charts, printing
- Word – sp/images/ formatting/layout
- Images- saving/ cropping Formatting
- Presentations- appropriate/ advanced
- Email- use and functions
- Files and Folders
- Cyber bullying

In Year 8, students either study additional languages or follow a programme of study in the Computing and Digital Literacy Department.

The course will cover 4 main areas: Digital Literacy, which look at topics such at Staying safe on line and the Use of new technology E.g. Twitter on our lives, Coding a Solution which covers basic programming, Creative Media, which looks at web design and image manipulation and finally Skills for Business, covering advanced features of application you may be expected to use in a Business environment.

In Year 9, all students study CDL and follow an intensive course looking at a higher level of application use and a greater depth of computer programming. Students are set according to ability so the course is tailored to meet each groups needs. Topics include:.

- Project Management
- Web development
- Coding using VBA and Python
- Digital Literacy
- Developing games
- Animation/ Monkey Jam

At KS4 students can opt to take GCSE ICT or GCSE Computing

GCSE ICT
The course aims to equip learners with a good working knowledge of the way ICT impacts the world and how we use a variety of applications to create solutions to problems we face in every day life.
A variety of topics are covered including:

• ICT in Today’s World
• Practical Applications in ICT
• ICT in Context
• Creative Use of ICT

This course consists of 2 pieces of controlled coursework and 2 external exams. Students are graded A*-G.
Students are offered the opportunity to study ICT in a real world context via a residential trip which this year is to Disneyland, Paris.

This course is suitable for any student who in interested in ICT as an End user. They should have enjoyed ICT at Key stage 3 and wish to improve their skills and knowledge of ICT applications and their use in todays world.

Computing ICT
This is a course that has real relevance in our modern world.  While learners will no doubt already have some knowledge of computers and related areas, the course will give them an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on “behind the scenes”.
As part of this, they will investigate computer programming, which many learners find interesting.
A variety of topics are covered including:

• Computer Systems
• Databases
• Communication and networking
• Programming Course

The course consists of 2 pieces of controlled coursework and 1 external exams.  The course is suitable for students with a strong Maths background and an interest in programming and computer systems.

Names of staff including Head of Department and contact emails:
Mrs C Williams, Head of Vocational Education, cwilliams@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk
Mrs E Young, Teacher of ICT, eyoung@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk

Specialised pupil equipment required:
Whilst students are not required to have any specialised equipment for ICT. KS4 students may find it useful to purchase a pen drive so that they can work on coursework both at home and at school.