Computing and IT

Head of Department: Tim Thomas. Email: T-Thomas@epsomcollege.org.uk

Information Technology is changing our lives. Profound as the change has been in recent years, it's just the beginning. The paperless office may have turned out to be a myth, but the driverless vehicle is already a reality and if the pace continues at the same rate, what will the world be like when our current pupils approach retirement? Will it just be faster, slicker and more sophisticated, or will it be simply unrecognisable?

The Computing and IT Department aims to equip our pupils with the knowledge and skills they need for the world as it is today, whilst preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. We focus not only on the detail of today's technology, but also on understanding the principles on which the technology is founded so that when they leave Epsom College they will be ahead of the game and can stay that way.

Information Technology is a compulsory subject for all pupils in Years 9 and 10. The focus is on the practical skills needed to use computer technology effectively in everyday life, but it is not limited to traditional ‘office' applications. The curriculum includes exciting topics such as digital mapping and satellite navigation, web page authoring, encryption, computer graphics, animation and an introduction to programming.

Pupils who want to extend their knowledge and understanding still further can elect to study the subject as a GCSE option. We have recently switched over to the International GCSE syllabus, which is somewhat broader in scope and more flexible, allowing pupils more time to spend developing their skills, deepening their knowledge and broadening their experience. Whilst other IT qualifications come and go in terms of popularity, GCSE is an enduring, academic and universally recognised qualification - absolutely the best way to tell a future employer or university admissions tutor that you have first-rate computer skills. Over the last four years, 90% of our GCSE Information Technology candidates have achieved A* or A grades and none has scored less than a B.

In the 6th form we offer A Level Computing. At this level the emphasis is on studying the principles of computation in order to solve real-life problems; there is no particular emphasis on hardware or proprietary technologies. There is a general focus on ‘computational thinking,' which is a kind of reasoning that is used by both machines and humans, involving abstraction and decomposition. Thinking computationally is an important life skill, directly applicable in all vocations. There is a clear distinction between this course and "ICT" that is offered at some other institutions. Computing is a more rigorous and technical subject (in some quarters it is known as Computer Science), whilst ICT focuses primarily on the practical application of the technology. Computing A Level is particularly relevant to students who are considering progressing to a degree course in science, business, law, politics, medicine or any technology/engineering discipline. It is endorsed by all of the top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as a very acceptable entry qualification.