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
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Autumn 1 Introduction to Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive [Google Drive, Google Classroom and Microsoft One Drive] Cyber Security & E Safety |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge - Raspberry Pi Cyber Security & E Safety Product development life cycle |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 Scratch I |
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Spring 2 Adobe Photoshop |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 Introduction to robotics [Lego Mindstorm] Ethical Computer Science [E waste and “The three R’s”] |
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Summer 2 Year 7 Summer Project - Three Brothers Drink Company |
Year 8
Autumn Term
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Autumn 1 Google Suite & Microsoft One Drive II [Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive] Society's relationship with screen time |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge - Raspberry Pi Cyber Security & e-Safety II Typing Club and keyboard shortcuts |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 Adobe Express - Moving animation |
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Spring 2 Bebras Coding Challenge Scratch II |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 Introduction to the Media Industry Ethical Computer Science - Data Centers and AI |
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Summer 2 Summer Project - Lego Mindstorm |
Year 9
Autumn Term
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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] |
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Autumn 2 Creating Algorithms, Pseudo Code & Flowcharts |
Autumn 2 Adobe Photoshop III |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 Python 1 / EDU Blocks |
Spring 1 Introduction to Media Forms |
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Spring 2 Scratch / Python - Arcade Game |
Spring 2 Creating various Media Forms |
Summer Term
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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 |
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Summer 2 Media Project - Magazine Cover & two page spread |
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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
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Autumn 1 2.1 Algorithms |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge 2.2 Programming Fundamentals Python / Pygame Project I |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 2.4 Boolean Logic 1.2 Memory & Storage |
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Spring 2 1.1 System Architecture Learn SQL |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 1.6 Ethical, Legal and cultural impacts of digital technology |
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Summer 2 Unity / Python / Pygame Project II |
Year 11
Autumn Term
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Autumn 1 1.3 Computer networks, Connections & Protocols |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge 1.4 Network Security |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 2.5 Programming languages & IDE’s 1.5 System Software |
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Spring 2 2.3 Producing robust programs and practical programming Unity / Python / Pygame Project II |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 Exam Preparation and Revision |
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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
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Autumn 1 R094 - Topic Area 1 |
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Autumn 2 R094 - Topic Area 2 |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 R094 - Topic Area 3 |
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Spring 2 R094 - Consolidation and Completion |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 R097 - Key Skills R097 Unit brief is released in June |
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Summer 2 R097 - Key Skills R097 Unit brief is released in June |
Year 11
Autumn Term
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Autumn 1 R097 - Topic Area 1 |
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Autumn 2 R097 - Topic Area 2 |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 R097 - Topic Area 3 |
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Spring 2 R097 - Consolidation and Completion |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 Exam Preparation and Revision R093 - Exam Unit Revision |
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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
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Autumn 1 1.1 Characteristics of a CPU 1.3 Exchanging Data 2.1 Computational Thinking Python mini project |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge 1.3 Exchanging Data 2.2 Programming techniques HTML / CSS / Javascript mini project |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 1.2 System Software & Application generation 1.4 Data Structures SQL mini projects |
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Spring 2 Bebras Coding Challenge 1.2 Types of programming languages 2.2 Programming techniques C# / Unity mini project |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 1.4 Data structures Unit 3 - NEA Launch |
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Summer 2 Unit 3 - NEA |
Year 13
Autumn Term
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Autumn 1 Unit 3 - Analysis & Design |
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Autumn 2 Bebras Challenge Unit 3 - Iterative development and Testing Unit 3 - Evaluation |
Spring Term
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Spring 1 2.3 Algorithms 1.4.3 Boolean Algebra Unit 3 NEA Submission |
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Spring 2 Bebras Coding Challenge 1.5 Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues in Computer Science 2.2 Computational Methods |
Summer Term
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Summer 1 H446.01 Revision & Recap H446.02 Revision & Recap |
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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.


