AVS Newsletter December 22 2017 | Page 3

Computer Science Year 7 & 8 Year 7 and 8 students have just completed their first unit of work in computing by looking at the basic principles of computer science. They have learnt how data is represented on the computer and how text is stored. They have learnt about different number systems – denary, binary and hexadecimal. Most students have mastered how to convert a denary number to binary number and vice versa. Year 9 and 10 ICT Year 9 and 10 students who chose ICT have started working on a new course, called CiDA – Certificate in Digital Application. During this term, they have been working on unit 1 which is based on web development. Year 9 are creating a website to promote a cycling campaign called ‘Freewheeling’ and Year 10 are creating a website to promote a local cinema called ‘The Screening’. It is a creative course and most of the students are enjoying the work they are doing. They have had a chance to develop their skills across a wide range of applications like: Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Photoshop. Its has been fascinating to see the creative side of our students. Year 9 and 10 Computer Science Year 9 Computer Science students have been looking at principles of programming with Python as well as data representation in computer science. They have been learning to convert data from denary to binary and Hexadecimal and to add and subtract in binary; a very abstract concept. Computer programming is an interesting field of study that provides students with the opportunity to improve their problem solving skills and imagination. Most of the students are enjoying the programming unit. Year 11 Computer Science & ICT Year 11 GCSE ICT students have completed their controlled assessment and they have made a start on the theory for ICT. This is the last year this course will be offered. We are in a good position to cover everything we need to be ready for the exams - which will be here sooner than we know! We are urging every student who has work outstanding, to attend after school sessions to improve and complete their controlled assessment. Year 11 computer Science students have started to work on their controlled assessment and most of them have made a good start. We are due to complete this by the end of the first half term. We would like to encourage all our Computer Science students to ensure that they are practising programming skills at home, to give them the best chance of achieving a high grade in the controlled assessment programming task. VITAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS Revision sessions: Wednesday: 3.00 - 4:30pm Thursday: 3.00 - 4:30pm Friday: 3.00- 4:30pm Revision Websites http://www.teach-ict.com/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty https://getrevising.co.uk/resources/level/gcse/subjects/ict http://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/