GLF Schools

GLF Schools

Computer Science with Creative Media

Our mission is to help ensure that each and every student is learning how to use and develop relevant software skills while, in the process, broadening their computational thinking skills that will be applicable in the real world once they leave Glyn School.

Head of Computing and IT Mr J Macgregor

Why study this subject?

Computer Science 

Students should study GCSE Computer Science because it develops a range of important skills that are useful for both education and future careers. One key reason is that it improves problem-solving and logical thinking. Students learn how to break down complex problems into smaller steps and create solutions, which is a valuable skill in many areas of life.

Another reason to study this subject is that it introduces students to programming, including languages such as Python. Learning to code allows students to understand how software and technology work. It also encourages creativity, as students can design and create their own programs, games, or applications.

GCSE Computer Science also includes elements of mathematics, which helps students strengthen their numerical and analytical skills. These skills can support success in other subjects, especially Maths and Science.

In addition, the course covers important topics such as cybersecurity, data representation, and how computers operate. This helps students understand how technology impacts the modern world and keeps them informed about online safety.

Overall, GCSE Computer Science is a valuable subject because it combines practical skills, theory, and creativity. It prepares students for further study and opens up a wide range of future opportunities in a technology-driven world.

Creative iMedia

Students should study BTEC Creative iMedia because it offers a practical and creative approach to learning that prepares them for the modern digital world. One of the main reasons is that it allows students to express their creativity by designing and producing their own media products. This makes learning more enjoyable and engaging, as students can explore their own ideas and interests.

Another advantage of this course is that it develops valuable technical skills. Students learn how to use industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and PowerPoint. These tools are widely used in creative and media industries, so gaining experience with them can be very useful for future education and employment.

The course also focuses on coursework rather than just exams. This means students can take their time to plan, create, and improve their work, helping them build confidence and achieve their best results. It also teaches important skills such as time management, organisation, and problem-solving.

In addition, students learn about media concepts such as audience, purpose, and design, which helps them understand how digital content is created and used in real life.

Overall, BTEC Creative iMedia is a great subject because it combines creativity, practical skills, and real-world knowledge, preparing students for future opportunities.


 

Computer Science & Creative iMedia KS3 Sequence of Lessons

 

Year 7 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

Introduction to Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive

[Google Drive, Google Classroom and Microsoft One Drive]

 

Cyber Security & E Safety

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge - Raspberry Pi

 

Cyber Security & E Safety

 

Product development life cycle

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

Scratch I

Spring 2

 

Adobe Photoshop

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

Introduction to robotics [Lego Mindstorm]

 

Ethical Computer Science [E waste and “The three R’s”]

Summer 2

 

Year 7 Summer Project - Three Brothers Drink Company

Year 8

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive II

[Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive] 

 

Society's relationship with screen time

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge - Raspberry Pi

 

Cyber Security & e-Safety II

 

Typing Club and keyboard shortcuts 

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

Adobe Express - Moving animation

Spring 2

 

Bebras Coding Challenge

 

Scratch II

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

Introduction to the Media Industry 

 

Ethical Computer Science - Data Centers and AI

Summer 2

 

Summer Project - Lego Mindstorm 

Year 9 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive III

[Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive] 

Autumn 1

 

Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive III

[Google Forms and Google Sites] 

Autumn 2

 

Creating Algorithms, Pseudo Code & Flowcharts

Autumn 2

 

Adobe Photoshop III

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

Python 1 / EDU Blocks

Spring 1

 

Introduction to Media Forms

Spring 2

 

Scratch / Python - Arcade Game

Spring 2

 

Creating various Media Forms

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

Legal Moral & Ethical Computer Science

 

Responsible use of AI in Computer Science

Summer 1

 

Legal Moral & Ethical in the Media industry

 

Responsible use of AI in the Media industry

Summer 2

 

Media Project - Magazine Cover & two page spread

Is it right for me at GCSE?

Computer Science GCSE 

 Computer Science is a great choice for me at GCSE because it combines logical thinking, creativity, and practical skills that are useful for my future. One of the main reasons I am interested in this subject is that it includes a lot of mathematics. I enjoy problem solving and working with numbers, and Computer Science allows me to apply mathematical concepts such as logic, algorithms, and patterns to real-world situations. This makes the subject both challenging and rewarding.

 Another important aspect of the course is programming, especially in Python. Learning Python will give me the opportunity to create my own programs, solve complex problems, and understand how software works. Python is widely used in industry, which means the skills I gain will be valuable beyond school. I am excited about being able to write code, test it, and improve it, as this develops both my analytical thinking and my resilience when things don’t work the first time.

 In addition to the technical side, the course also includes extended writing essay questions. This is beneficial because it helps me develop my ability to explain complex ideas clearly and in detail. Being able to write about topics such as cybersecurity, data representation, and ethical issues in computing will improve my communication skills and deepen my understanding of how technology impacts society.

 Overall, Computer Science is the right subject for me because it offers a balance of mathematics, programming, and written work. It will challenge me academically while also providing useful skills for future education and careers.

Creative iMedia BTEC 

 Creative iMedia is the right course for me at BTEC because it allows me to explore my creativity while developing practical and technical skills. I enjoy creative subjects where I can express my ideas, and this course gives me the opportunity to do that through digital media. The fact that the course includes two coursework units is especially appealing, as it means I can focus on producing creative work over time rather than relying only on exams.

The coursework units promote creativity by allowing me to design and develop my own media products. This gives me the freedom to experiment with different ideas, styles, and techniques, helping me build confidence in my creative abilities. I like the idea of working on projects where I can plan, design, and improve my work step by step, as it feels more engaging and rewarding.

Another reason why Creative iMedia is right for me is that it involves using professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and PowerPoint. Learning Photoshop will help me create and edit high-quality images and graphics, while Premiere Pro will allow me to produce and edit videos. These are important industry-standard tools, and gaining experience with them will be very useful for future study or careers. PowerPoint will also help me present my ideas clearly and professionally.

Overall, I believe Creative iMedia is a good choice for me because it combines creativity with practical digital skills. It will allow me to develop my imagination while also learning how to use professional tools and produce real media products. This course will prepare me for further education and potential careers in media, design, or digital industries.

Computer Science GSCE (KS4) Sequence of Lessons

 

Key Information

The Computer Science course is sat with the exam board OCR, with the course code being J277. 

 

OCR GCSE Computer Science Specification 

 

Revision Guide - Clear Revise Computer Science J277

 

GCSE Computer Science OCR Complete Revision & Practice

 

Year 10 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

2.1 Algorithms 

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge

2.2 Programming Fundamentals 

Python / Pygame Project I

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

2.4 Boolean Logic

1.2 Memory & Storage

Spring 2

 

1.1 System Architecture 

Learn SQL

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

1.6 Ethical, Legal and cultural impacts of digital technology 

Summer 2

 

Unity / Python / Pygame Project II

 

Year 11 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

1.3 Computer networks, Connections & Protocols 

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge

1.4 Network Security

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

2.5 Programming languages & IDE’s

1.5 System Software

Spring 2

 

2.3 Producing robust programs and practical programming

Unity / Python / Pygame Project II

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

Exam Preparation and Revision 

Summer 2

 

Study Leave & Exam season

 

Creative iMedia BTEC (KS4) Sequence of Lessons

 

Key information

The Creative iMedia course is sat with the exam board Cambridge National with the course code being J834. 

 

The three exam units we study at Glyn are R093 (Exam), R094 (NEA Coursework) and R097 (NEA Exam course work).

 

Creative iMedia J834 Specification 

 

Clear Revise - J834 Creative iMedia 

 

Year 10

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

 R094 - Topic Area 1

Autumn 2

 

R094 - Topic Area 2

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

R094 - Topic Area 3

Spring 2

 

R094 - Consolidation and Completion

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

R097 - Key Skills 

R097 Unit brief is released in June 

Summer 2

 

R097 - Key Skills 

R097 Unit brief is released in June 

Year 11 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

R097 - Topic Area 1

Autumn 2

 

R097 - Topic Area 2

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

R097 - Topic Area 3

Spring 2

 

R097 - Consolidation and Completion

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

Exam Preparation and Revision 

R093 - Exam Unit Revision 

Summer 2

 

Study Leave & Exam season


 

Computer Science A Level (KS5) Sequence of Lessons

Key Information

The Computer Science course is sat with the exam board OCR, with the course code being H446. 

 

OCR A level Computer Science Specification 

 

Revision Guide - Clear Revise Computer Science H446

 

Year 12

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

1.1 Characteristics of a CPU

1.3 Exchanging Data

2.1 Computational Thinking 

Python mini project

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge 

1.3 Exchanging Data 

2.2 Programming techniques 

HTML / CSS / Javascript mini project 

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

1.2 System Software & Application generation 

1.4 Data Structures

SQL mini projects

Spring 2

 

Bebras Coding Challenge 

1.2 Types of programming languages

2.2 Programming techniques 

C# / Unity mini project

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

1.4 Data structures

Unit 3 - NEA Launch 

Summer 2

 

Unit 3 - NEA

Year 13 

Autumn Term 

Autumn 1

 

Unit 3 - Analysis & Design 

Autumn 2

 

Bebras Challenge 

Unit 3 - Iterative development and Testing 

Unit 3 - Evaluation 

Spring Term 

Spring 1

 

2.3 Algorithms 

1.4.3 Boolean Algebra

Unit 3 NEA Submission 

Spring 2

 

Bebras Coding Challenge 

1.5 Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues in Computer Science

2.2 Computational Methods 

Summer Term 

Summer 1

 

H446.01 Revision & Recap 

H446.02 Revision & Recap 

Summer 2

 

Study leave & Exam Season 












 

How is this course assessed at GCSE?

 

Computer Science GCSE 

 

Computer Science GCSE is sat with the exam board OCR. 

J277.01 is a written exam that is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. The exam paper is marked out of 80 marks. 

J277.02 is a written exam that is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. The exam paper is marked out of 80 marks. 

There are no coursework units for this course. 

 

Creative iMedia BTEC 

 

Creative iMedia is a BTEC award that is sat with Cambridge National. This BTEC award is an equivalent GCSE and can be used when applying to Sixth form or Colleges. 

R093 is a written exam unit that is sat at the end of Year 11 in the Summer. This exam is out of 70 marks and is 1 hour and 30minutes long. 

R094 is an NEA coursework unit that is completed in Year 10. This unit is marked out of 50 marks. 

R097 is an NEA coursework unit that is completed in Year 10. This unit is marked out of 70 marks. 

These three units are then combined to make the students final grade.

Further education opportunities after GCSE?

 

Computer Science 

GCSE Computer Science provides a wide range of opportunities for students in the future. One of the main options is continuing education. Students can go on to study A-Level Computer Science, IT, or related subjects such as Mathematics or Digital Technology. Alternatively, they could choose vocational courses like BTEC IT or Creative iMedia, which focus on practical skills.

Another important opportunity is progressing into higher education. GCSE Computer Science is a strong foundation for university courses such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. These courses can lead to high-demand careers in the technology industry.

In addition, students can explore apprenticeships after GCSEs or further study. Apprenticeships in IT, software development, or networking allow students to gain practical work experience while earning a salary. This is a great way to develop real-world skills and enter the workforce early.

There are also many career pathways available. These include roles such as programmer, game developer, web designer, cybersecurity analyst, and IT support specialist. These jobs are in high demand and often well paid.

Overall, GCSE Computer Science opens many doors, giving students valuable skills and a strong foundation for both education and future careers in the digital world.

Creative iMedia

BTEC Creative iMedia offers a range of opportunities for students after completing the course. One of the main pathways is continuing into further education. Students can progress to Level 3 courses such as BTEC National in Media, Creative Digital Media, or other creative subjects. These courses build on the skills developed at Level 2 and prepare students for more advanced study.

Another opportunity is moving on to A-Levels, particularly in subjects like Media Studies, Graphics, or Art and Design. The practical and creative skills gained from Creative iMedia can support success in these subjects. Students can also go on to university in the future, studying courses such as Graphic Design, Animation, Film Production, or Digital Media.

Apprenticeships are another option. Students can apply for apprenticeships in areas like digital marketing, content creation, or media production. These allow students to gain hands-on work experience while earning money and developing industry skills.

There are also many career opportunities in the creative industry. These include roles such as graphic designer, video editor, animator, photographer, and social media manager.

Overall, BTEC Creative iMedia helps students develop creative, technical, and communication skills, opening up many pathways in education, training, and careers in the fast-growing digital media industry.

Career opportunities?

 

Computer Science 

GCSE Computer Science provides many job opportunities and employment pathways in the modern digital world. The course helps students develop important skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and programming, which are highly valued by employers. These skills can lead to a wide range of careers in technology and beyond.

One of the main job opportunities is software development. Students can go on to become programmers or software engineers, creating apps, websites, and computer systems. Another popular career is cybersecurity, where professionals protect systems and data from cyber threats. This is a growing field with high demand for skilled workers.

Students can also work in IT support or network management, helping organisations maintain and improve their computer systems. Other roles include web development, game design, and data analysis, where individuals use coding and analytical skills to solve real-world problems.In addition, technology is used in almost every industry, including healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment. This means Computer Science students have flexible career options in many different sectors.

Overall, GCSE Computer Science opens the door to a wide variety of well-paid and in-demand jobs. It provides a strong foundation for future employment in a world that increasingly relies on technology.

 

Creative i Media 

BTEC Creative iMedia provides students with a wide range of job opportunities and employment pathways in the growing digital and creative industries. The course equips students with practical skills in designing, creating, and editing media products, which are highly valued by employers. By learning to use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and PowerPoint, students develop important technical abilities that can be applied in real workplace settings.

One key area of employment is graphic design. Students can work as graphic designers, creating logos, advertisements, posters, and digital artwork for businesses. Another popular pathway is video and media production, where students can become video editors, content creators, or filmmakers, producing videos for social media, marketing, or entertainment purposes.

There are also opportunities in digital marketing and social media management. Many companies need skilled individuals to create engaging online content, manage social platforms, and promote products. Additionally, students can work in roles such as photographers, web designers, or animators, depending on their interests and specialisms.

Overall, BTEC Creative iMedia prepares students for employment by giving them creative, technical, and communication skills. These abilities open the door to a variety of careers in the fast-paced and constantly evolving media and technology industries.