Senior School Computer Science

All our pupils study Computing in Year 7 and 8. Throughout the first term of Year 7, they learn ICT skills necessary to make the most of the digital world. This includes use of MS Windows, MS Office suite, as well as safe and effective use of the Internet.

The main bulk of the course is dedicated to project work. Our pupils complete two major projects in block-based programming and web development. The projects are designed to build up collaborative problem-solving skills, basics of programming and deeper understanding of web browsers and the Internet.

We offer extension lunchtime clubs for those pupils who want to go beyond in their projects and learn more advanced skills.

In Year 9, pupils can choose to study Computing as one of the option subjects, and about 60% of the cohort choose to do so. The first part of our course teaches our pupils to work with data. We cover the use of MS Excel spreadsheet software, as well as mathematical and statistical skills needed to understand datasets and draw conclusions.

In the second part of the course we follow our bespoke curriculum based on project work using Godot game engine. Our pupils learn programming and software design concepts while developing their own 2D games using an industry-grade tool.

There are extra-curricular opportunities for those who want to develop more ambitious projects.

At OLA, we offer Computer Science as a GCSE option. We follow the AQA Computer Science (8525) GCSE specification, which puts particular focus on programming and computational thinking skills.

Apart from algorithm design and Python programming (which are the main tenets of the course), it covers data representation, computer systems, networks and relational databases.

There are ample enrichment opportunities for those interested in the subject. These include extra-curricular clubs and workshops, where pupils develop creative projects, further developing their programming skills and building up their portfolio.