Computing
Computing is revolutionising every facet of our world. When our pupils complete university and embark on their career journeys, many will pursue roles that don’t yet exist. A comprehensive education must prepare them for this perpetually evolving landscape. Studying computing equips pupils with an arsenal of essential life skills — logical reasoning, problem-solving prowess, analytical precision and creative resourcefulness.
In their First and Second Years, all pupils explore diverse topics designed to sharpen their computational thinking. They’ll dive into programming environments like Python and Swift Playgrounds whilst constructing hardware systems with Microbits. Here, fundamental programming concepts — sequence, selection and iteration — lay the groundwork for solving complex problems. Pupils also unleash their digital creativity by crafting striking graphics and building professional websites using HTML.
The Third Year curriculum deepens pupils’ mastery of Python programming. We concentrate on reinforcing the core principles of sequence, selection and iteration to establish a rock-solid foundation. By year’s end, pupils will confidently program sophisticated solutions to real-world scenarios. The curriculum also explores fascinating theoretical topics including artificial intelligence and computer system hardware, where pupils get to design their own ultimate gaming PC — a project that consistently ignites enthusiasm and creativity.
Computing stands as one of Caterham School’s most sought-after subjects. Our computing pupils gain unique insights into computer operations whilst creating and debugging sophisticated programs for real-world applications. The subject develops invaluable programming and computational thinking skills that are increasingly prized across industries. Today’s employers actively seek candidates with a firm grasp of rigorous principles that can adapt to emerging technologies.
We inspire pupils to investigate how computers function and communicate across different contexts. They’ll delve into the fascinating intricacies of CPU operation and data movement within computer systems alongside exploring the nature and representations of data itself. We thoroughly demystify network architecture and Internet protocols whilst examining the crucial roles of operating systems and supporting hardware and software components.
GCSE Computing pupils continuously hone their skills whilst tackling increasingly sophisticated challenges. We extend their programming capabilities far beyond what is typically required or expected at this level, challenging them to create solutions for substantially larger and more complex programming challenges in Python. These projects mirror real-world scenarios, providing pupils with authentic problem-solving experience that distinguishes them from their peers. They also design elegant algorithms that optimise their solutions, fostering imaginative thinking, innovation and independence. Whilst Python serves as our primary teaching language, we actively encourage pupils to explore other languages at this stage.
At A Level, we elevate independent creativity to exceptional heights. Pupils have complete freedom to investigate any area of computing that captivates them, creating bespoke programming solutions that reflect their unique interests and aspirations. Many choose to undertake ambitious ventures in game design or mobile app development. Using industry-standard tools like Unity for game creation (learning C# programming) or Xcode for iOS app development (mastering Swift), pupils acquire professional-calibre skills that open doors to exciting career pathways.
The Computing Department hosts an impressive array of co-curricular clubs catering to all age groups. These dynamic clubs evolve with pupils’ interests and have included Code Club, Cyber Club, filmmaking, animation, Lego and VEX robotics, Scratch, Blender, mobile app development, GameMaker, Raspberry Pi, Astro Pi and computer engineering. Our showcase projects have featured a full-size arcade machine complete with pupil-designed games, racing drones with custom aerodynamic components crafted in our DT department and an ambitious six-legged walking robot project.
Exam Boards
GCSE Computer Science, AQA, https://bit.ly/3QAhgJl
A Level Computer Science, OCR, https://bit.ly/1PIZ7Ia
Biographies
Neil Stokes BSc (Hons), Surrey, MA, King’s College, London, Head of Computing and Digital Creativity
Neil graduated from the University of Surrey with a degree in Biology and Theology in 1994 and a PGCE the following year. He started his teaching career at St Andrew’s School in Leatherhead before moving to Warlingham School where he was a lead IT trainer, training teachers to use the newly installed computer network. He was also instrumental in designing their first IT teaching courses. During this time, he studied a range of computer science degree courses with the Open University. In 2001 he moved to Reigate Grammar School to teach Physics and IT. Neil was promoted to Head of IT in 2007 where he set about transforming the department into computer science, creating the most successful department in school, achieving a 100% A* to A pass rate at GCSE in his last two years in charge. In 2011 he was awarded an MA in IT education from King’s College, London. In March 2014 he was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team as a Senior Teacher. He joined Caterham School in 2016.
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