Computer Science, Business and Enterprise (CSBE)
Head of Department: Vicky Hudson
Our approach to the CSBE curriculum
The CSBE faculty seeks to impart knowledge, understanding and an enjoyment of Business studies, Computer Science and Enterprise. Well-qualified and enthusiastic teachers use a wide, and up-to-date range, of software and hardware hoping to inspire the students to opt for Computer Science and Business at the end of Year 8.
Business Studies is taught as an Option subject starting in Year 9, where we seek to make learning relevant and fun. During the 2 years of study students are given the opportunity to participate in many externally organised competitions and events, successfully linking the subject of Business with Enterprise. Post-16 students can opt to study Business or Computer Science at a higher level by following our GCE courses.
Enterprise is not just the domain of the CSBE faculty and many elements reflecting enterprise skills are developed in other subject areas. We focus on teaching about enterprise and how to be enterprising in the business world.
The CSBE Faculty are heavily involved in schooling the next generation of teachers of Computer Science through Schools Direct.
Our Learning Journey:
Key Stage 4
In KS4 we follow the OCR Computer Science GCSE specification which includes the following topics:
- Problem Solving
- Programming
- Hardware and Software
- Computer Architecture
The course is assessed through examination only. Students will sit two examinations (worth a total of 100% of the GCSE qualification); students will complete programming tasks throughout the two years of the course in order to prepare them effectively for these examinations.
We also follow the Pearson Technical award in Enterprise which includes the following components:
- Component 1 Exploring Enterprises – assessed through coursework
- Component 2 Planning for and Running an Enterprise – assessed through coursework
- Component 3 Promotion and Finance for Enterprise – assessed by an exam
The course is assessed through continually assessed coursework and an examination. Your first examination will be in the February of the second year of your course. The results of all three units are then added together to determine your final result.
Key Stage 5 (16-19 qualifications)
Computer Science
We follow the GCE AQA Computer Science specification. We develop students’ logical thinking and problem solving skills in order for them to be successful. Computer Science is a subject that develops students into analytical experts! Computer Science develops skills that will serve students well in any career as they will be able to apply the skills we learn in most areas. Computer Science is becoming extremely ubiquitous, and every young person will need to have these abilities during their careers at some stage; Computer Science will prepare them well for this.
The students are assessed throughout the course; they will be formally assessed at the end of Year 12 and will then be externally assessed at the end of Year 13. External assessment cones in the form of a practical project (20% of final grade) and two examinations (40% of final grade each).
Our Learning Journey:
Business
We follow the Eduqas Business specification – introducing students to the dynamic business environment and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating business opportunities and sustaining business growth. You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential skills (such as researching, decision making, organisation) required for higher education and employment. The focus of the specification is to nurture an enthusiasm for studying business using real life contexts, allowing students to develop an appreciation of the strategic, complex and inter-related nature of business issues from a local to global perspective.
There are three examinations, each are 2 hours and 15 minutes long and carry equal weighting
Component 1- Business Opportunities and Functions
Component 2 - Business Analysis and Strategy
Component 3 - Business in a Changing World
How you can find out more about the CSBEE curriculum:
Syllabus materials KS4:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html
Syllabus materials KS5:
Faculty Leader contact: vhudson@smchull.org
To keep up to date with the faculty follow us on Twitter:
@SCompscience