Computer Science at Tormead
Computer Science at Tormead School, Surrey
In today’s world, computers are all around us. Shops and businesses rely on computers for ordering, stock control, advertising, business management and even computer controlled robotics for swift dispatch and delivery. The systems on which we rely, such as banking, power or transport, simply no longer function without computers. With the increasing use and development of artificial intelligence it has never been more important to have a basic grasp of computer skills.
Computer Science combines theoretical study and practical application, which teaches the skills needed for careers across the whole spectrum of industry not just the IT industry. Information Systems Designers and Managers, Games Developers, IT Consultants, Network Engineers and Systems Developers and Analysts are just some of the professionals who will have benefitted from studying computer science at school. Moving forward, as artificial intelligence becomes more widespread it is imperative that the next generation understands the abilities and limitations of such systems and how to use this new technology safely and effectively.
Computer Science allows girls to develop their interest in computing, gain confidence in computational thinking, and learn the theory and practice of how computers and networks function. The subject also gives girls the practical skills to solve problems by writing their own programs and applications, both individually and as part of a development team.
- Lower School
During Years 7 and 8 girls study Information Technology and gain skills in working with a variety of industry standard packages. Alongside this, girls are encouraged to continually consider safety and how to protect themselves and others in the digital world
- Year 9
Computing is an optional subject on Year 9 and provides an opportunity for girls to begin to bridge the gap between IT and computer science. During the year girls will continue to explore topics around e-safety but will also have the opportunity to begin to learn Python programming. Girls will also undertake a module in robotics, allowing them to put key STEM skills into practice.
Whilst most girls who choose computer science at GCSE will have opted for Computing in year 9 , this is not essential.
- GCSE
We offer the Cambridge International GCSE in Computer Science. The course is divided into the two strands, Theory of Computer Science, and Practical Problem Solving and Programming. The theory covers a range of topics, giving girls a broad understanding of the ‘biology’ of a computer and its interactions with other electronic systems and with humans. The practical element provides an introduction to computer programming, with the emphasis on creating algorithms to solve problems. Although we work with the Python programming language, the course emphasises an understanding of structure over syntax, allowing skills to be subsequently transferred to other languages.
- Enrichment
ComThe Computing Department offers an after school robotics club and hope to expand this over the next few years so that more girls can get involved. The company supplying our robotics equipment run annual competitions and it is hoped that in the next few years we will be able to build a team to compete with other schools. To achieve this girls will need to further develop skills in the design, building and coding of robots to achieve different tasks.
11-16 Years
Our pupils enjoy exceptional educational opportunities within a caring and happy environment.
