A Day In The Life Of… The Computing & IT Department

In each edition of Vandyke Voice, we shine a spotlight on one department to give you a flavour of what daily life is like at Vandyke Upper School. This time, we’re diving into the fast-paced and innovative world of the Computing and IT Department…

The day begins around 8:00am, with staff using the quiet time before lessons to catch up on emails, prepare resources, and test that all-important software before students arrive. There’s always something digital to set up — whether that’s configuring programming environments, checking the hardware in the computer rooms, or updating the ever-growing to-do list for the week ahead.

By 8:40am, the team is off to tutor groups, supporting students with registration activities before the teaching kicks off at 9:05am. Lessons in the Computing Department are as much about problem-solving and creativity as they are about technology, with a balance of practical, hands-on work and theory that keeps lessons buzzing with energy and focus.

What Each Year Group Studies

Computer Science:  In Year 9, students build digital skills with Spreadsheets before moving on to Artificial Intelligence, Physical Computing, and Creative Media.

Computer Science:  In Years 10 and 11, GCSE Computer Science students tackle programming, algorithms, computer logic, system architecture, storage, system software, data representation, networks, cybersecurity, and the ethical impact of technology — a challenging but rewarding course.

Digital Information Technology (DIT):  Year 10 students focus on user interfaces, project planning and digital working practices, completing coursework where they design a Graphical User Interface to meet customer needs. In Year 11, the emphasis shifts to data management and analysis, looking at how data is collected, presented, and kept reliable, alongside continued exam preparation.

Lunchtimes and After School

Lunchtimes bring a whole new level of energy to the department! On Wednesdays, Mrs Buckingham runs Gaming Club, where students gather to compete, collaborate, and unwind through video games. On Thursdays, our Head of Department Mr Heley and Mrs Buckingham team up to run Coding Club alongside revision sessions for students who want extra help. These sessions are a brilliant way for students to explore coding projects beyond the curriculum, while others consolidate their learning in a supportive environment.

Fridays don’t signal the end of the week in Computing. Instead, Mr Heley leads after school Computer Science revision, giving exam groups valuable extra time to practice coding, review tricky topics, and prepare for their assessments. Alongside this, Mr Gerrard provides extra coursework support and revision for DIT, helping students strengthen their projects and develop their understanding.

Behind the Scenes

Like all departments, Computing staff also have “non-contact” periods built into the week. These are far from breaks — they’re used for marking work, giving feedback, and preparing lessons. During coursework-heavy periods, this time is vital for helping students refine their coding, troubleshoot errors, review design choices, and develop their coursework to meet the required standards.

Across all of these activities, one thing is clear: Computing at Vandyke is about more than just screens and keyboards. It’s about teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and preparing students for a digital future. Whether coding, gaming, revising, or experimenting with new technology, the Computing Department is always a hive of activity — and no two days are ever quite the same.

By Mrs Buckingham, Teacher of Computing & IT