Curriculum Information for Computing and Business
KS4 Curriculum intent:
In key stage four, students have the option to choose a specific pathway to include GCSE Business Studies (OCR) and Creative I-Media to further develop skills gained from key stage 3.
GCSE Business Studies
Our curriculum will ensure that students develop and sustain theoretical knowledge alongside practical analytical skills. Students will learn the foundational knowledge and, from this foundation, will have the opportunity to practice and apply that knowledge to real business scenarios. Students will develop skills in analysing, examining, explaining and calculating tangible situations which prepares them for successful examination outcomes.
From this curriculum students will:
1. Develop an understanding of the purpose of business activity, the role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship and the dynamic nature of business. Students
will be able to identify the different legal structures of businesses, understand what goals can be set and why and understand the decisions based around
choosing an appropriate location and be able to plan a start-up of a business.
2. Broaden their thinking when looking at external factors influencing a business and develop an understanding of the link between technology and business, the
economic climate and business, globalisation and business and the law and business.
3. Discover the many different ways that small, medium and large businesses produce goods and services, they will study how they manage their stock and their
supplies to gain maximum profit, students will study how real businesses produce high quality products and how excellent customer service is provided.
4. Study how businesses structure their organisations, how they recruit and select new employees and how businesses motivate their staff to perform to the best of
their ability, students also study the different types of training offered by businesses.
5. Understand the key principles of a business then learn how businesses identify, understand and target their customers with advertising and other methods of
promoting their products. Students understand how market research is used by businesses to make informed decisions.
6. Examine the finances of real businesses and understand how they raise the finance they need to establish and expand their businesses. Students will develop
their numeracy skills in business by showing how businesses manage their cash, calculate their profits (or losses) and use financial data to judge their
performance.
Aims/Outcomes
• Know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on
individuals and wider society
• Apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts
• Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make
informed business decisions and solve business problems
• Develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• Use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements in various Business contexts
• Investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues to construct well-argued, wellevidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating their
depth and breadth and understanding of business
• Develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data
• Develop numeracy skills in how to use numbers effectively based on real Business scenarios
• Study actual Businesses and learn how they are affected by issues and topic
Creative I-Media:
A high-quality Creative iMedia technology curriculum equips pupils to use Information Technology and creativity to understand and change the world. The IT and Digital Literacy skills involved in Creative iMedia have deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. One of the main aspects of Creative iMedia is how to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production
planning techniques, legal issues and creation/publishing/distribution considerations. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create digital graphics and a digital artefact. The Creative iMedia curriculum ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Pupils will:
· Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production planning techniques, legal issues and creation/publishing/distribution considerations.
· Develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations.
· Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
· Develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the media industry and more widely.
· Design, plan, create and review digital media products which are fit for purpose meeting both client and target audience requirements.
The Computing curriculum is built on a spiral curriculum, which encompasses development of digital skills whilst introducing students to progressively more challenging concepts.
By the end of year 7 pupils will be able to:
· Know the importance of E-safety covering a range of platforms and social media, including how to prevent and report problems to the correct channels.
· Know how to use sequencing skills to develop a comic strip using appropriate software.
· Know how to use the four stages of computational thinking to break down real world problems linked to computing or other skills.
· Know how to use sequencing to complete a Scratch Programming project – creating a Pacman game.
· Know how to effectively use sequence and selection to structure their python programming
By the end of year 8 pupils will be able to:
· Know how to use algorithms and flow charts to solve problems step by step.
· Know how to use advanced techniques in scratch including sequencing, selection and iteration to create a Space Invaders game.
· How to use various data types and programming techniques to build a quiz project in Python.
· Know how to program an application to be used on a mobile phone
By the end of year 9 pupils will be able to:
· Know how key components of computer hardware and software affect the performance of a computer
· Know specific network hardware that affect the performance of a network.
· Know how to build data representation skills to understand how a computer works and translates instructions.
· Know how to prevent attacks from cyber security
Computing lessons use the THS Teaching and Learning Foci and common pedagogical approaches to deliver skills across the computing curriculum. A variety of techniques will be used including modelling and guided practice, scaffolding tasks, knowledge organisers, checking for understanding, Q&A, regular retrieval practice, responsive and adaptive teaching, teaching to the top and strategies around behaviour and relationships.
In computing, our assessments have a clear purpose and provide meaningful information about pupil’s capabilities.
Formative Assessment:
- Knowledge recall/retrieval
- Short 1 to 5 question quizzes to recall key knowledge components
- Challenging pupils to answer a GCSE Exam Style question at the end of every lesson based on the Tier 3 Vocab and key content of the lesson which are used in GCSE Written exams.
- Self and peer assessment using OneNote
- Lesson exit tickets
- Online quiz at the end of the lesson for consolidation
- Q&A
Summative Assessment:
- End of topic assessment test based on key knowledge components that make up the big picture. Complete with reflective piece acknowledging areas of strength and areas for improvement, addressing those gaps.
Keep an eye on the extra-curricular timetable for exciting opportunities this academic year. We have also built immersion opportunities within our KS3 curriculum to enhance and bring learning to life.
By studying computing, students become competent business and media specialist as.....
Increasingly, further education, higher education and employers and seeking people who possess the skills to succeed in an ever growing business, digital and technological world. It is vital potential candidates have advanced business, computer and technology skills to excel in an position.
Jobs directly related to the media sector:
Content Creation & Production:
Journalism: Reporter, editor, news anchor, correspondent, sub-editor
Video/Film: Video editor, director, producer, camera operator, animator, lighting technician, sound technician
Audio: Audio engineer, radio producer, sound designer
Writing: Writer, copywriter, content writer, screenwriter
Photography: Photographer, photojournalist
Art & Design: Graphic designer, art director, production designer, concept artist, UX designer, web designer
Other: Animator, special effects artist/technician, makeup artist
Marketing & Advertising:
Marketing:
Digital marketer, marketing manager, marketing assistant, PPC specialist, market researcher
Advertising:
Advertising account executive, advertising sales agent, media buyer, media planner
Public Relations:
Public relations specialist, public relations director, public relations executive
Social Media:
Social media manager
Management & Other:
Media Management: Media director, communications manager, commissioning editor
Production: Television production coordinator, production manager, runner
Other: Talent agent, location manager, researcher, web content manager.
Jobs directly related to the business sector:
Finance:
Financial Analyst: Analyses financial data, provides insights, and makes recommendations.
Financial Manager: Oversees the financial activities of a business, including budgeting and forecasting.
Accountant: Maintains and examines financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Financial Advisor: Helps individuals and businesses manage their finances, offering advice on investments, retirement, and more.
Investment Banker: Facilitates mergers and acquisitions, raises capital, and provides financial advice to corporations.
Risk Manager: Identifies and mitigates financial risks for organizations.
Management:
Business Analyst:
Analyses business processes and data to identify areas for improvement and efficiency.
Management Consultant:
Provides expert advice to businesses on strategy, operations, and other areas.
Project Manager:
Oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they stay on time and within budget.
Operations Manager:
Manages the day-to-day operations of a business, optimizing processes and resources.
Business Development Manager:
Identifies and develops new business opportunities, building relationships with clients and partners.
Sales Manager:
Leads and motivates sales teams, driving revenue growth.
Human Resources Manager:
Manages employee relations, recruitment, and benefits within an organization.
General Manager/CEO:
Oversees all aspects of a business, setting strategic direction and ensuring overall success.
Entrepreneur:
Starts and manages their own business, taking on the risks and rewards of business ownership.
Marketing:
Marketing Specialist: Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote products or services.
Market Research Analyst: Gathers and analyses data on consumer behaviour and market trends.
Public Relations Manager: Manages a company's public image and communication with stakeholders.
Advertising Manager: Develops and executes advertising campaigns to reach target audiences.
Marketing Manager: Oversees the marketing function, developing and implementing marketing strategies.
Other Business Careers:
Supply Chain Manager: Manages the flow of goods and materials from production to delivery.
Logistics Manager: Oversees the efficient movement of goods and resources.
Business Administrator: Provides administrative support to various departments within a business.
Compliance Officer: Ensures that a business adheres to relevant laws and regulations.
Data Scientist: Uses data analysis and machine learning techniques to solve business problems.
Real Estate Agent: Assists clients in buying, selling, or renting properties.
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