Computer Science

Our ICT and Computer Science department provides pupils with a challenging, innovative learning experience across all phases of the key stage. At KS3, pupils gain fundamental digital literacy skills through hands-on work with the Microsoft Office Suite, web design with SharePoint, and visual programming in Scratch. We also provide pupils with crucial knowledge of online safety and good digital citizenship.

At KS4, our pupils follow Computer Science pathways specialising in fundamental programming expertise, predominantly in Python, and in real-world applications like project management and product development. This channels into our KS5 provision, where students can study Computer Science at a higher level, in advanced programming, systems design, and problem-solving.

Throughout each pivotal step, we hold self-directed thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in high regard. Our curriculum not only prepares our students for exams but also inspires the future developers, analysts, and IT professionals. Our classes are then supplemented by extracurricular activities such as a coding club and coursework workshops. Lastly, we seek to put each student through our department with digital skills that are relevant, transferable, and in demand today.

We are very proud of the quality of work and dedication demonstrated by our students throughout each key stage. Our KS5 A-Level Computer Science students continually produce excellent NEA projects, building sophisticated systems that demonstrate genuine appropriateness to real-life situations and outstanding technical skill. Some examples are architectural design software, game engines, and analysis platforms.

We also host a Coding Club as part of the school's elective program, in which students can learn about robotics, game development, and creative problem-solving in a relaxed environment.

We’re especially proud of the exceptional academic outcomes achieved across KS4 and KS5 in both IT and Computer Science, with many students securing top grades and progressing to competitive university courses or apprenticeships. Our female students, in particular, continue to excel, challenging stereotypes and leading by example in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Underlying all of this is our investment in computer rooms with up-to-date hardware and specialist teaching that places a premium on individual progress. Our success proves the culture of high expectations, creativity, and a learner focused approach within our department.

In the future, our department is committed to building on our firm foundations further to consolidate Computer Science and IT at Brooke Weston Academy. One of our primary aims is to increase the uptake of these subjects by students, particularly by more girls pursuing computing and digital technologies routes. We believe diversity in technology starts in the classroom, and we want to ensure there is a culture for every student to feel at ease and encouraged to excel.

We also anticipate new possibilities through the introduction of an IT course for Data Analytics to our syllabus. With data-based roles high in demand across industries worldwide, we believe that it is essential for our students to acquire future-proof skills that will set them apart within the working arena or higher education.

Through ongoing curriculum enhancement, focused development, and cooperative endeavour with our industry partners, we hope to offer an outstanding department in digital innovation, imagination, and opportunity. We want every student who steps through our doors to graduate well-qualified but, more so, with the confidence to create and flourish in a digital environment.