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Computer Science / ICT

There's so many exciting things going on in the computer industry, that if you have an idea, a dream, something you want to do, then just go for it.

Stephanie Shirley, businesswoman and philanthropist

The world of ICT is a rapidly moving environment and here at St. Edmund’s we aim to develop the skills and understanding in this fascinating subject. In the Prep school, lessons start in Lower Prep and progress up to the Prep School allowing pupils to gain an understanding in many applications from Word to Python, Excel to Scratch to name but a few. The skills and confidence they gain will help prepare them for this challenging technological world

Computer Science lessons take place in Forms 7-8 and pupils have the chance to develop their coding and problem-solving skills to understand how computers work at a fundamental level. This gives students the tools they need to solve a wide range of creative problems that interest them, such as creating chatbots, writing programs that make music and designing simple games using code.

In Form 7 we use the Scratch programming language (https://scratch.mit.edu/) to build confidence and knowledge of the key programming constructs. The main programming concepts covered are sequencing, variables, selection, and count-controlled iteration. Students will also learn how to create their own subroutines, develop their understanding of decomposition, learn how to create and use lists, and build upon their problem-solving skills by working through a larger project at the end of the year.

In Form 8 we use the Python programming language (https://www.python.org/) to introduce text-based programming. The lessons form a journey that starts with simple programs involving input and output, and gradually move on through arithmetic operations, randomness, selection, and iteration. Emphasis is placed on tackling common misconceptions and explaining the mechanics of program execution.

Extra Curricular

We offer a range of clinics, clubs and activities that allow students to explore topics outside of the normal curriculum. This includes working with micro:bits, creating websites, electronics and robotics projects and programming challenges, such as Bebras (Welcome - UK Bebras).

Other Resources

We have a very well stocked Prep library, with books such as “Code Club Book of Scratch” and “100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding” available for loan. We also have a collection of BBC micro:bits (Micro:bit Educational Foundation | micro:bit (microbit.org)) that can be borrowed from the library.