Computer Science

KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM

Students follow an enriching, balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3, which is rooted in the National Curriculum for Computing. We aim to give students a broad education that encourages creativity and equips them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The core of Computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programmes, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology. Computational thinking is core to the program, it allows student to tackle problems, to break them down into solvable chunks and devise algorithms to solve them.

Year 7

Term 1

1a. E-Safety -Collaborating online safety
Electronic Safety and Computational Thinking Students will learn about how to use computer devices in a safe and responsible way. Understand the types of cyberbullying and the impacts it has on victims

1b. Digital Literacy
Students will learn about how to use desktop software (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher) to plan, design and create documents for a given scenario.

Term 2

2a Modelling Spreadsheets
Students will learn how spreadsheets are used to make automatic calculations using formulas and how data can be presented in a range of ways using charts and graphs.

2b Computer Basics
Students will learn about basic computer functions and components of a personal computer and digital devices. Understand how binary, input and output devices and networks are used in computing.

Term 3

3a and 3b Programming using Scratch

Students will learn about programming concepts using block code.

Year 8

Term 1

1a Website Development
This unit is designed to enhance students understanding of website development. They will also have some knowledge of planning and design technology. Students will create a webpages on a given topic that will include text, images, navigation bar and interactive features such as hyperlinks and rolling text (marquee)

1b App Development

Students will learn the process of creating their own mobile app, using App Lab from code.org.

Term 2

2a Computing Systems
Computer systems topic will enable learners to understand the types of hardware and software used in a system. They will look how the central processing systems are used as the brain of the computer and build on knowledge of memory and storage.

2b Online Safety and Relationships

Term 3

3a Control systems with Flowol
This unit is designed to enhance students understanding of control systems. They will also have some knowledge of flow diagrams, their symbols and how they can be used to control technology. In this unit students will form a deeper understanding of how to assemble flow diagrams using Flowol.

3b Introduction to Programming using Python/Microbit

Microbit: Students will learn how to code using Microbit an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computers. This unit is supported by a website where pupils can use the platform to use block code and python and experience physical computing using the Microbit.

Year 9

Term 1

1a Computer crime and cybersecurity

Cyber security topic will enable learners to understand the impact of on society and understand the many preventative strategies. Students will be taught about the current legislation, such as Computer Misuse Act and Copyright laws and Data protection Act. Students will investigate practical advice on protecting personal data and preventing hacking along with other online threats.

1b Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concern of Computer Science

Students will learn about ethical issues associated with the use of computer devices and applications in the work place and society. Students will learn about environmental, ethical and legal issues in relation to a given scenarios, understand the advantages and disadvantages of open-source vs proprietary software.

Term 2

2a Systems Architecture

Students will learn about the principles of a systems architecture and the concept of various key components of a computer.

2b Networks

Students will learn about the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.

Term 3

3a and 3b Python Programming

Opportunity of learning Python an industry standard programing language will be taught allowing students a greater depth of knowledge of how applications are created.

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

OCR GCSE COMPUTING OPTION SUBJECT

COURSE CONTACT: Miss A Tanday

Exam Board Website: http://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/

Course Content

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and data representation.

Programming Project

Students use OCR Programming Project tasks to develop their practical ability in the skills developed in components 01 and 02. They will have the opportunity to define success criteria from a given problem, and then create suitable algorithms to achieve the success criteria. Students then code their solutions in a suitable programming language and check its functionality using a suitable and documented test plan. Finally, they will evaluate the success of their solution and reflect on potential developments for the future.

Students will be offered 20 hours timetabled time to complete their Programming Project. The Programming Project does not count towards the final grade but is a requirement of the course

Assessment Details

The assessment for Computing will take place in 2 examinations and 1 controlled assessment at the end of Year 11.

Written exam Computer systems (01) 80 marks paper for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Worth 50% of the overall grade.
Written paper Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02) 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes. Worth 50% of the overall grade.
Controlled Assessment Programming project (03/04) Totaling 20 hours.

Why Study This Course?

The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. Students who have taken a GCSE in Computing and who then progress to study the subject at A-Level or university will have an advantage over their peers who are picking up the subject at these levels.