SIMON LANGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS
THE COMPUTING DEPARTMENT
The Computer Science and Informatics department at the Langton is forward thinking, vibrant and
demonstrates a commitment to the highest levels of teaching and learning. Currently the curriculum
is taught by one full time teacher and one teacher from the Mathematics department to assist with
the A level course. The department has a good reputation both locally and nationally.
Key Stage 3
Computer Science has been taught at Key Stage 3 for three years. Each form group has one hour a
week and the curriculum is based on the Open University’s “My Digital Life” course. This course has
been developed with the assistance and approval of the Open University and has been commented
on in their recent Annual Report. It has been designed to allow a Simon Langton student to develop
a high level of understanding or “Digital Wisdom”, which will allow them to solve a problem in an
informal manner and in a creative and innovative way. It is based on the understanding that all
learners live in a world where data seems to be ubiquitous, which led to the case studies detailed in
the BBC Horizon documentary, “The Age of Big Data”.
To enable a student to develop a higher level of “Digital Wisdom”, the curriculum has been designed
to allow them to develop skills and a technical understanding in 3 key areas:
- ICT capability
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
Key Stage 4
Currently at Key Stage 4, GCSE Computing is taught as part of the option system with one group in
Year 10 and one in Year 11. Last year, the students achieved 100% A*-C grades. The department is
in the process of developing a Key Stage 4 course that will cover the GCSE syllabus and is developing
an additional strand to the course that will allow the students to understand how data should be
collected before being analysed. This will involve the students learning how to use Arduino boards
and some Electronics.
Key Stage 5
A level Computing has only been introduced as a timetabled qualification for the last two years
before then it was taught as an extra class with a very small number of students. Currently 22
students are taking A level Computing in Year 12. At the moment, the students follow the AQA
syllabus with the department using an MIT course as the framework to extend the students beyond
the curriculum.
Extra Curriculum
The department organise a Programming Evening after school on a Wednesday allowing students
from different year groups to work together. One of the larger groups is involved in learning
robotics and they compete in the Lego League competition. We have had tremendous success at
this event and this year our students have reached the National Final. Other Extra Curricular
activities include:
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App design
Website design
Building networks
Arduino hacking
This is a unique opportunity for a well-qualified and energetic teacher to develop his or her career in
a supportive, professional and forward thinking school which has a national reputation for high
academic standards and curriculum innovation.
If you have any queries please contact Mr Graeme George, Subject Leader
grgeorge@thelangton.kent.sch.uk