Digital Communications
For an overview of the pathways through the curriculum, please see our information page here.
Welcome to the Digital Communications Department
Our Vision
Digital Communication is now one of the largest areas of employment in the UK. The development of the internet and digital design offers exciting prospects for future employment and recreation. Digital Communication is constantly expanding and changing in the light of the increased accessibility offered by computers and other ICT equipment.
In Digital Communication we strive to develop independent, confident learners who develop the skills, strategies and understanding for life-long learning. We aim to do this by offering a full and varied curriculum supported by schemes of work with real life relevance.
Curriculum
Click here to learn about how the Curriculum is planned, delivered and assessed in Digital Communications.
In Y7 and 8, students have 2 hours per fortnight within the Digital Communications Faculty. In Y9 they can choose between ICT, Computer Science and Media and then have five lessons per fortnight in their chosen field.
Computing - KS3
Year 7
At ALNS we follow a rolling programme throughout Years 7 and 8 to address the KS3 subject content. Students will cover the following within the three main strands throughout bespoke schemes of learning to prepare for KS4.
Computer Science
- Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
- Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, algorithms for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
- Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
- Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]
- Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits
Information Technology
- Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users
- Create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability
Digital Literacy
- Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns
In Year 7, you will study…
Cloud Computing
Log onto to your school Gsuite account and learn how to professionally and safely communicate online.
Crazy Mazes
Be introduced to computational thinking and block programming with Scratch whilst making your own multi-level computer game.
PC Basics @ Wacky Caves
Prepare for your end of year exam focusing on the inner and outer workings of the PC and other devices.
KODU Game Lab
Use Microsoft’s own game making software to create your own platform computer game.
Year 8
At ALNS we follow a rolling programme throughout Years 7 and 8 to address the KS3 subject content. Students will cover the following within the three main strands throughout bespoke schemes of learning to prepare for KS4.
Computer Science
- Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
- Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, algorithms for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
- Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
- Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]
- Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits
Information Technology
- Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users
- Create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability
Digital Literacy
- Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns
In Year 8, you will study…
Using Email
Log onto the school email system and learn how to professionally and safely communicate online.
Control & Monitoring
Use logic and mathematics to control real world simulations using real world simulation software.
My Life Online
Work in a team to develop learning tools to teach your parents about your life online. Show them what you use the internet for and how you know to keep yourself safe.
Crazy Mazes
Be introduced to computational thinking and block programming with Scratch whilst making your own multi-level computer game.
Pythons Programming Adventure
Enjoy your first scheme of learning using textual software to make your own creative writing adventure story.
What is Binary
Find out why computers using binary and how to understand binary numbers.
GCSE Computing - KS4 - Year 9-11
Computer Science is a new and up and coming subject. The UK is the first country in the world to make Computer Science a core subject for all secondary schools. Should a student choose to do Computer Science in KS4 they will be be challenged like no other subject. Computer Science requires high level literacy and numeracy.
During the three years learners will be taught how to program which is similar to learning a foreign language. The numeracy and literacy skills are key here as constructing a large program is similar to writing a creative writing essay except using a language and grammar you’ve only just learnt.
On top of learning how to program learners will be taught how everything inside a computer works, from the bits to the bolts. From Binary, the language of computers, all the way up to how servers on the internet communicates.
Here at ALNS we teach the OCR Syllabus. This Syllabus is broken into three distinct units:
- Computer Systems
- Computational Thinking, algorithms and Programming
- Programming project
Each section will be assessed in a different way. Unit’s 1 and 2 are separate exams at the end of year 11. Where as Unit 3 is an in school 20 hour assessment in class, spread out over 2 terms.
What new skills will I be learning?
- Prepares you for learning, working and living in an increasingly digital world
- Develops creativity, logical thinking and self-evaluation
- Supports progress in other areas such as Technology and Science
- Gives you a chance to design apps and software for technologies that you use – mobile phones, games consoles and the internet
- Teaches computing which is of enormous importance to the economy and focuses on computer technologies that are relevant in the modern world
- Gives you a thorough grounding in computing, creating opportunities for students to move on to A-levels and employment
The three units of this course are broken down like this:
Computer Systems
- Systems Architecture
- Memory
- Storage
- Wired and wireless networks
- Network topologies, protocols and layers System security
- System software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
- Algorithms
- Programming techniques
- Producing robust programs
- Computational logic
- Translators and facilities of languages
- Data representation
Programming Project
- Programming techniques
- Analysis
- Design
- Development
- Testing and evaluation and conclusions
If you want to learn about how all your favourite games are made and maybe make your own game, if you want to be challenged and learn lots of new marketable skills, then Computer Science is for you!
ICT CIDA Course - KS4 - Year 9-11
KS4 ICT is an option subject for students in Year 9, 10 and 11. Students currently study towards a CIDA (Certificate in Digital Applications) Qualification.
Who is it suitable for?
This is a vocational qualifications developed at levels 1 and 2 for creative learners with a passion for digital content.
What new skills will I be learning?
Students will be focusing largely on multimedia products including:
- Animations
- Slideshows
- Videos
- Audio
- Image manipulation
There will be an emphasis on the Adobe programs, particularly Adobe Dreamweaver.
How am I assessed?
This qualification is 75 % controlled assessment and 25% external examination.
VCERT in Interactive Media - KS4 - Year 9-11
Media Studies not only develops production skills, it requires students to gain knowledge and understanding of the media, its audiences and concepts. It provides them with the ICT skills required in a modern workforce. It provides them with the analytical and interpretation skills required by some employers. It will also support and complement literacy skills required across the curriculum
Media Studies is a GCSE course that offers students the opportunity to make extensive use of ICT.
For instance students could use:
- digital video editing equipment to make a small film or television advertisement:
- photo-editing software and a desktop publisher to produce a magazine:
The students will use industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and designing media artefacts.
Year 10 beginning from September 2016 in Media Studies you will study…
Controlled Assignments
- Magazine Project (cross-media platform)
- Comic Book Project (print)
- Perfume and Aftershave Project (Advertising and Marketing)
Examination
- 12 weeks preparation time
- Examination resources pre-released to students
- Topics change every year and are decided in advance
Qualification:
Type: GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Controlled Assignments: 60% of Total Marks
Examination: 40% of Total Marks
Year 9 and 10 from September 2017 in Media Studies you will study:
Technical Award in Interactive Media
Portfolios 75% of Total Marks
Examination: 25% of Total Marks
Throughout the delivery of the course students will gain the following transferable skills:
- creativity skills
- exploratory and investigation skills
- ICT skills including:
- an understanding of interactive media software packages, platforms and hardware
- an understanding of image types and file types
- an understanding of internet technologies and capabilities
- communication skills
- problem solving skills
- time management skills
- health and safety skills in relation to interactive media.
Qualification:
Type: Vcert
Exam board: ncfe
Controlled Assignments: 75% of Total Marks
Examination: 25% of Total Marks