Computing in the Senior School
Computing
The best way to predict the future is to invent it.
Computing is at the heart of our school. From Years 7-9 it’s a core subject; in Years 10-11 girls may take GCSE Computer Science; and in the Sixth Form we offer Computer Science as an A-level. All students benefit from excellent dedicated facilities in our modern Computing Lab.
What we aim to achieve
- Empower girls to master computing skills and build confidence.
- Make learning tech fun, relevant, and enriching across every subject.
- Show girls how computers influence daily life and global society, not just the classroom.
- Develop our girls into critical thinkers who understand both what computers can do — and what they can’t.
- Inspire independence: whether writing new code or using software creatively, girls learn to take charge.
- Introduce innovation and solving real world problems using digital.
Key learning opportunities at Key Stage 3
Students explore a wide range of software and disciplines, including:
- Python Programming with Turtle Graphics – Looking at how we construct code to solve problems as well as debugging errors.
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – What is AI? How does it work? Can I use AI? These are just a few of the questions we answer with this unit of work.
- App Development – Creating working apps to download and use of their devices.
- Game Development (using Kodu Game Lab) – Exploring the world of Kodu, think Minecraft meets Scratch and you’re nearly there.
- Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript – Developing a simple four-page website style and interactive features.
- Graphic Design, Animation and Image Work – Using our computers for innovation and creativity.
- Sound Editing, Codebreaking, Computational Thinking – How is sound recorded, manipulated and stored in a computer?
At GCSE, we follow the Edexcel Computer Science specification: one written paper plus an on-screen coding exam, each worth 50%. The theory units of work cover Computational Thinking, Data Representation, How Computers Work, Networks & Web Communication, and the Legal, Moral, Ethical and Environmental Issues in Computing. The Programming Paper focuses on using the Python Programming Language to answer questions and manipulate existing code.
Beyond the classroom
Co-curricular activities include a Podcasting Club, allowing girls to become presenters, writers, or researchers on the school podcast. There is also a brand-new Queen’s eSports team launching in 2025. As well as clubs, there are several competitions over the year, such as CyberFirst Girls, The National Cipher Challenge, Perse Coding Challenge, BIMA Digital Day, BEBRAS, and a whole host of Computational Thinking competitions that the girls can enter to test out their skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines.
Computing GSCE Past Papers & Inspiration
