Computer Science

Computer Science is a quintessential STEM discipline, sharing attributes with Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology. It provides pupils with insights into other STEM disciplines and skills and knowledge they can apply to solve problems in those disciplines.

Computer science (CS) education helps students acquire computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Since these skills bring added value in the rapidly changing 21st century, a robust and applied Computer Science education promises to enhance student readiness for the future.
Over the past few years, the British School of Bucharest’s approach has been focused on giving students a high-quality computing education. We support them in navigating the digital world by encouraging them to apply computational thinking, creativity, and digital literacy skills.

Computer Science & ICT

Computer Science and ICT play an increasingly significant part in everyday life. The BSB Computer Science department is committed to ensuring that all students can use ICT confidently and safely and have the skills to move from just using ICT to programming computers.

As ICT underpins today’s modern lifestyle, all students must gain confidence and ability in this subject to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world.

At the British School of Bucharest, we achieve this through innovation in School. In both Primary and Secondary, students benefit from our well-equipped ICT suites daily. These suites have laptops and Chromebooks for cross-curricular use, interactive whiteboards, iPads and a wealth of educational software and internet-based learning. We control this centrally to filter out inappropriate websites.

All students are taught ICT & Computer Science as a dedicated class while experiencing technology through cross-curricular use in mixed-ability groups, where an emphasis is placed on differentiated, individualised learning opportunities. Students can access various engaging software from Microsoft Office and industry-standard software such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Flash to Fireworks and coding languages where appropriate.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, students learning will revolve around three main topics:

Algorithmic Thinking – an introduction to the logical thinking skills and methods required for computer programming.
Digital Citizenship – how to live in an increasingly technological world, including safety, intellectual property rights, computer ethics & computing and the environment.
Computer Skills – using software packages commonly used in industry to solve particular problems.

Throughout the course, students will gain valuable knowledge to understand the digital world better and develop skills in packages like word processors, presentation graphics, graphic manipulation, and spreadsheet use. The knowledge gained can then be used in other subjects, even if the student chooses not to take Computer Science at IGCSE or in future employment.

Key Stage 4

Studying Edexcel IGCSE in Computer Science will help students appreciate current and emerging computing technologies and their benefits and recognise their potential risks. It helps develop an interest in computing and to gain confidence in algorithmic Thinking.

Topics covered in the syllabus are:
Data Representation (binary, hexadecimal, data storage)
Communication & Internet Technologies (transmissions, security, principles of operation)
Hardware & Software (Logic, Computer architecture, types of devices, memory, OS, etc.)
Security and Ethics
Algorithm design and problem-solving (pseudocode)
Programming (concepts, data structures, arrays)
Databases

Key Stage 5

The aim of the syllabus is to encourage students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer programmes work in a range of contexts. Students will also develop their computational thinking and use problem solving to develop computer-based solutions, using algorithms and the programming language of Python.

AS and A Level Computer Science will help develop a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically.

AS

Paper 1:

Paper 2:

Theory Fundamentals
Fundamental Problem-solving and
Programming Skills

A Level

Paper 3:

Paper 4:

Advanced Theory
Further Problem-solving and
Programming Skills

Digital innovation in school

Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the educational programme. Increasing access to technology is essential for the future, and the learning tools of our 21st Century students include tablet and laptop technology.

We lead the way with school innovation by equipping every Key Stage 3 and 4 Secondary student with a Chromebook to use within and outside school. The Chromebook provides tools and resources for the 21st Century learner.
In addition to the ICT suites, students have access to a Mac suite, which is available as a quiet study room or for work on various software applications. We also use this facility for co-curricular activities, such as the popular Movie Making and Film Club.

Providing this innovation in school and immersing students in technology does not diminish the teacher’s vital role. On the contrary, it transforms the teacher’s role from being a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Effective teaching and learning with iPads and Chromebooks integrate technology into the curriculum to benefit the students.

Computer Science