"The best way to predict the future is to implement it" - David Heinemeier Hansson

"Good art inspires; Good design motivates" - Otl Aicher

"It's better to create something that others criticise that to create nothing and criticise others" - Ricky Gervais

 

Computing and Digital Media is a compulsory subject for Years 7 and 8. The programmes of study undertaken by these students have been designed to develop knowledge and skills in a variety of topics across Computer Science and Digital Media.  These units will equip the students with the fundamental skills required in the subject should they wish to continue in Year 9 and beyond with the Creative iMedia at KS4 and BTEC Lvl 3 Creative Digital Media Production at KS5.

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KS3 – Computing and Digital Media

At KS3, pupils experience computing and digital media lessons as part of the technology carousel. They will have 7-8 lessons of both computing and digital media in year 7, and then again in year 8.

Computing

YEAR 7

• Basic Computer Skills
• ​Micro-bit programming technology

YEAR 8

• Computational thinking
• ​Introduction to Python

Digital Media

YEAR 7

• Planning a graphic design
• Creating a graphic
• Reviewing a graphic

YEAR 8

• Planning a digital animation
• Creating a digital animation
• Reviewing a digital animation

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KS4 – OCR Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia – Creating Digital Content

Our Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia is sector-focused on Graphic Design and designing and developing digital products. The course provides knowledge in a number of key areas in this field including pre-production skills where pupils develop their research and planning skills. Pupils develop several employability skills which will serve them well throughout the rest of their educational journey and life such as collaboration, independence, basic IT skills and literacy, communication (verbal and non verbal) and problem-solving.

This course is well suited to pupils who are creative, have a passion for technology and enjoy solving problems. There are large elements of written work and so application of literacy skills is also essential.

Assessment

This course is 25% examination assessed and 75% coursework. The examination assesses pupils knowledge of pre-production skills and their ability to understand the different methods and their importance in the planning stage

The coursework units are chosen each year depending on pupil interests and strengths. Units may include:

• Animation
• Graphic Design
• 2d Character Design
• Comic Strip Creation
• Digital Product creation

KS5 – BTEC Level 3 Creative Digital Media Production – Digital Content Production

If you enjoyed OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia then our Level 3 Creative Digital Media Production course is the perfect choice for you. This course will help you to develop your skills in creating digital content in areas such as E-magazine production, Graphic Design, Writing Copy for Digital media and App Design Production.

You will complete 4 coursework units and 1 practical exam unit where you will be given a client brief and you will create a digital media product over the course of 20 hours.

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KS5 – BTEC Level 2 Pathway OCR Cambridge Technicals in Digital Media

This course consists of three units, two are externally assessed in examination conditions and one is coursework based. It will provide a comprehensive introduction to the media industry and allow learners to explore their creativity and interest. It will give learners the knowledge and understanding of the benefits and effects of changing technologies used by the media industry. They will develop the skills required to maintain and use these technologies safely, complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

Miss N Depta – Subject Leader of Computing & Digital Media