The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Computing is an integral part of the curriculum because it is part of everything we do!

Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems and enables you to make a positive difference in the world.   Computing suits all learners and enables students to work both collaboratively and individually on projects.

A yearly trip to bletchley park/ The National museum of computers enables the students to understand the evolution of computers: from the Turing-Welchman Bombe and Colossus of the 1940s through the large systems and mainframes of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, to the rise of personal computing and the rise of mobile computing and the Internet.

Through key stage 2, the computing curriculum aims to deepen understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Children become more skilled, and critical users of technology, choosing tools that help them achieve their goals while developing safe, and acceptable, online behaviours.

When they arrive at DSTC, the students should have gained the following skills:

• learn about tools and applications that utilise the Internet, including email and the World-Wide Web, and use them safely and effectively

• create and manage projects where they collect, analyse and share data

• create and modify digital content such as images, video and sound in multimedia projects

• consider their own use of technology, the benefits and risks that it brings, and know its importance in the world .

The KS3 curriculum focuses on building on from the skills learnt and KS2 and awareness of computing. It also prepares students for GCSE. Every student in KS3 receives at least one computing lesson per week where they cover the following topics:

At Key Stage 4, we offer OCR GCSE (9-1) Computer Science course. As part of the course students will learn to program. Programming is a very important skill as it is crucial when it comes to learning how to innovate, create eco-friendly solutions for global problems and it can speed up the input and output processes in a machine, making it more efficient and intelligent. 

The course is split into 2 components. Each component has specific topics to be studied.

Component 1: 1.Systems architecture 2.Memory and storage 3. Computer Networks, connections and protocols 4.Network security 5.Systems Software 6. Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Component 2: 1. Algorithms 2. Programming fundamentals 3. Producing robust programs4.Boolean logic 5. Programming language and Integrated Development Environments.

Each component contributes 50% towards the final GCSE grade.

Students normally have 3 lessons each week and weekly homework.

At Key stage 5, we offer OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT. Students will be able to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding required in the IT sector, and develop further skills by completing a range of units through a choice of specialist pathways:

• IT Infrastructure Technician 
• Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner
• Application Developer 
• Data Analyst

At the end of the course students will be able to :

• Gain an insight into employment in the IT sector
• Progress into IT-related apprenticeships
• Gain a Level 3 qualification to support further study in University
• Access careers information and meet with IT graduates who are already in employment