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Computer Studies
At St Augustine’s Priory we believe that Computer Studies enables our students to become the problem solvers of the future.
By developing computational thinking skills our students will have the confidence to apply effective logical and analytical approaches to a range of subjects and challenges.
We want our students to question and challenge the technological world around them and consider solutions to problems we face in our everyday lives, no matter how big or small they may be.
Each year we take part in the Oxford University Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. This year a number of our girls were amongst the highest achievers in the competition.
As an introduction to computational thinking our Pre-Prep students develop their understanding of algorithms and logical reasoning. They also work across a number of platforms to create and debug simple programs.
In addition to this we understand the importance of developing basic mouse and keyboard skills as well as the need to create content for different audiences. We cannot ignore the importance of staying safe online and there are numerous initiatives in and out of computing lessons that focus on the safe use of the web as well as how young children can share concerns about what they experience online.
At this stage our students will have a better understanding of algorithms and this continues to be developed. Students learn how to decompose problems, work with control systems and make use of basic examples of programming techniques such as repetition and selection.
Effective use of the web is a key focus and staying safe online and evaluating online content continues to feature. The importance of developing good online habits and knowing how to behave online is also emphasised.
Our students start to work directly with algorithms through text and based programming environments. Use of Python and Small Basic are examples of the languages we use. Other units of work include cryptography, binary data representation, cyber security and networks as well as others.
GCSE Computing is offered to all students who are interested in Computer Science. Being mathematically minded is useful but not essential. A willingness to problem solve and a level of resilience is however!
The impact of the subject continuing to grow at KS4 has meant that more of our students are interested in studying the subject at A Level and beyond.
We offer a programming lunch-time club open to all students in Year 7 and Year 11 who would like to learn programming techniques in Python.
In addition, we run an event based around the theme of an ‘Escape Room’ in our cellar or elsewhere in the school grounds which runs in the Summer Term, during which nearly 200 participants attempt to take first place in escaping and problem solving!
Our Year 9 girls are also given the opportunity to visit Bletchley Park. Students will use practical problem-solving and team work skills as they begin to understand the scale of the task faced by Bletchley Park’s infamous codebreakers during World War Two.