Computer Science

OCR’s pioneering syllabus ensures we are at the forefront of the introduction of modern computing into the school curriculum. Coding skills are taught from Y5 and programming languages from Y7. Our students become familiar with robotics and basic AI algorithms as well acquiring the basic ICT skills we all need. We make use of Google Classroom and Cloud based document-sharing for homework and collaborative work. We offer qualifications at GCSE, AS and A level.

The computer suites are generally open during break and after school, in addition to timetabled lessons. The Computer Science department actively supports the photography, music composition and film-making courses within the school.

Middle Years computer science students use Scratch and Python to create their own music concert and stories

Despite having only been studying the computer science curriculum for a term, the Year 5 students are demonstrating a keen understanding and enthusiasm for their new found skills in Scratch. They used Scratch this week to make their own virtual, musical concert. They changed the background, added instruments... and a singer and even enabled the drums to play different beats and the singer’s voice to have different harmonies.

In Year 8 computer scicence, the students have been learning how Python programming language can be used to create all kinds of software and websites. In this particular series of lessons this week the students have been using Python to create their own interactive stories.

The work being produced by our middle years computer scientists is of a fantastic standard, here are some examples of their work:

Year 8 Computer Scientists create their own apps

Year 8 have been learning how to create their own apps as part of their online computer science lessons this term. The range of apps they have created include a virtual holiday app, a catching game and a colour knowledge test!
Click here to have a go on some of their newly created apps.

Year 7 Computer Science students create their own e-safety webpages

This year our year 7 students have been learning a lot about the internet and web and how to stay safe online. They’ve decided to share their knowledge of e-safety with the rest of our HCH community.
During this time of lockdown it has been more important than ever for the HCH community to be mindful... of the time being spend online and infront of a screen. The work Year 7 have completed covers a range of topics including identity theft, the use of cookies, GDPR and creating a digital footprint.

Here are their amazing webpages

Year 5 build rocket time capsules in computer science

...Year 5 pupils built their time capsules today: paper rockets in which they stowed away their wish lists created in computer science lessons this term. Every wish is a seed they’ve planted for the future for their families, friends, planet Earth and themselves. Let’s hope all the wishes come true!

Middle and Upper Years students achieve excellent results in Oxford Univeristy Bebras competition

In the second week of November, Middle and Upper Years pupils took part in the Bebras Competition, a computational thinking challenge, devised by Oxford University for school-age children across the UK. Six students from Hampton Court House took part in the challenge and all of them scored above the... national average.

The following three students achieved a score placing them in the top 10% of the country:
Cameron in Year 9 in the competition for the 12-14 age group; 130 000 students participated across the country.
Jack and JT in year 7 were in the category for 10-12 year olds with 80,000 students participating from across the country. Jack also achieved the best result in the school.
The top achieving students will be invited to attend final rounds and the TCS Oxford Computing Challenge in the new year. Congratulations to all our students who took part.

3D Modelling with Blender in Year 8

In the last half-term Year 8 students have been learning about 3D modelling – a topic that marries Computer Science with the Arts.

We started by creating basic geometric shapes such as planes, cubes and spheres, and then reshaped them into something more complex and added materials for a final touch.

Switched on Computing

The Switched on Computing team is challenging primary school children to design their own e-safety poster.

All the entries will be showcased on their website

The poster should:
1) provide advice about e-safety
2) be written for primary school children
3) be colourful and engaging

Prizes:

1st prize
The... winning poster will be professionally printed and presented to your school.

The school will receive £500 voucher to spend on an Rising Stars resources
The pupils will win a set of learn to code books worth £300.

2nd prize
The school will receive £200 voucher to spend on an Rising Stars resources.
The pupils will win a set of learn to code books worth £300.

3rd prize
The school will receive £100 voucher to spend on an Rising Stars sources.
The pupils will win a set of learn to code books worth £300.

Entries to be submitted can be JPEG, PDF, PowerPoint, or Word or a photograph of a drawing. All entries should be emailed to oliviatanner@risingstars-uk.com

Please go to www.switchedoncomputing.co.uk/esafety for further details.

Closing date: 31st July 2015.