Computing

The Computing Department at Bulmershe School offers a rich, engaging and inclusive curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of students across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Our curriculum is built on the understanding that Computing is an essential life skill, vital for navigating today’s digital world. We ensure students benefit from well-structured schemes of work, comprehensive curriculum coverage and high-quality learning resources at every stage of their academic journey.

Computing lessons are delivered in dedicated ICT suites, all equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors and industry-relevant software to enhance the learning experience.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum fully aligns with the National Curriculum for Computing and has been carefully developed to provide students with foundational knowledge, practical skills and a strong platform for success at Key Stage 4. The curriculum focuses on digital literacy, computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity and an introduction to the core principles of Computer Science.

Students in Year 7 receive three hours of Computing lessons per fortnight, with one hour focused on learning Python programming. In Years 8 and 9, students receive two hours of Computing per fortnight. 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

At Key Stage 4, students receive six hours of Computing lessons per fortnight and can choose from two distinct pathways:

• OCR GCSE Computer Science – This course focuses on deepening students’ understanding of computer systems and programming. It develops analytical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tackling real-world computing challenges.

• BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology – This practical course equips students with skills in digital project planning, user interface design, and spreadsheet modelling. It fosters creativity, digital literacy and an understanding of how IT is applied in the workplace.
   

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)

We offer two advanced courses at Key Stage 5 to support students in progressing to higher education or entering the digital and technology sector:

• OCR A Level Computer Science – This academic course develops students’ computational thinking, programming proficiency, and theoretical knowledge in preparation for university or careers in Computer Science.

• Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in IT (Data Analytics) – This vocational course offers practical, hands-on experience in data management and analysis. It prepares students for further study or employment by developing both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

In all our key stages, students also benefit from enrichment experiences such as guest speakers from industry, data science competitions and educational visits, for example, to Bletchley Park, where they gain insight into the historical and modern significance of data, encryption and cybersecurity.

GCSE Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

Find out more about the GCSE Computer Science Course:  https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

Btec Level 2 Digital IT

Exam Board: Pearson

Find out more about our Digital IT Course: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/digital-information-technology-2022.html

A-Level Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

Find out more about our A-Level Computer Science Course: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

Level 3 AAQ IT: Data Analytics

Exam Board: OCR

FInd out more about our Leel 3 Vocational course: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/697580-specification-cambridge-advanced-national-in-it-data-analytics.pdf

Teaching Team:

Mr E Morden
Head of Computing
emorden@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Dr S Uwadiae,
Senior Computing Consultant 
suwadiae@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mr R McAlaney
rmcalaney@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mrs G Senthilkumar
gsenthilkumar@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mrs M Cousins
mcousins@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mrs S Dhar
sdhar@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

KS3 Banding Criteria

If you child is in years 7-9, their report will be graded in bands. To understand the criteria behind these bands, please see the assessment document below:

Computing-KS3-Assessment-Criteria.pdf

Further Information

Subject information and course content can be found below. If you have any further queries, please contact the Head of Computing, Mr Morden emorden@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk