Computer Science
Why study Computer Science?
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. 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 programs, 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 – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
There are three guiding elements which are brought to life in the computing curriculum:
Educational excellence: pupils understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They become digitally literate.
Character development: pupils learn to be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. They become expert problem solvers.
Service to communities: the study of computing supports social mobility in an area of high deprivation through computational thinking, creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
How will I study Computer Science?
Pupils will:
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
In year 7, pupils will design and use computational abstractions and learn to understand simple algorithms. Pupils will be introduced to python programming, understand hardware components and application software. We will explore how a computer stores binary digits and different types of images, and design and create digital artefacts targeted to a given audience.
Pupils will develop computational thinking skills and develop and apply problem solving in written description and flowcharts. Pupils will also learn how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range of concerns.
Topics covered in year 7:
- Data representation
- Algorithms
- Programming techniques
- Spreadsheets
- Data manipulation
- Hardware and software
- Cyber Security
- User interfaces
- Digital Literacy
In year 8, pupils begin to two or more programming languages and understand the system architecture, CPU process and storage. Through this, pupils will learn how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits.
Pupils will undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users.
Topics covered in year 8:
- Data representation
- Algorithms
- Programming techniques
- Spreadsheets
- System architecture
- Cyber Security
- User interfaces
- Digital Literacy
In year 9, pupils will understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] as well as understand the system architecture CPU and embedded systems.
Pupils will learn about hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems. They will understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits.
Topics covered in year 9:
- Data representation
- Algorithms
- Programming techniques
- Spreadsheets
- Data, manipulation, presentation & interpretation
- System Architecture
- System security
- Software
- User interfaces
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
In years 10 and 11, pupils will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
Pupils will learn to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. They will develop their ability to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. Pupils will understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society as well as applying mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Topics covered in years 10 and 11:
- Algorithms
- Boolean logic
- Programming Fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
- System Architecture
- Memory Storage
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Network security
- Systems software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Assessment
Internal assessments take place at regular intervals throughout both KS3 and KS4. Broadly, there are two types of assessment; fluency composite task and a composite test.
Composite fluency tasks are completed at the end of a topic and are used to check whether students are reaching curriculum related expectations.
Composite tests are used to assess the cumulative coverage of the curriculum and check whether learning is sticking over time and if students are reaching curriculum related expectations.
External Examinations
Examination Board: OCR
| Component 1: Computer systems | |
| Overview | Focus |
|
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 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming | |
| Overview | Focus |
|
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 languages and integrated development environments. |
| Component 3: Complete a programming task(s) | |
| Overview | Focus |
|
In addition to the assessment overview above, all students are given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems). Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in the practical programming element of the qualification. |
Enrichment
The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art IT facilities at both lunchtime and after school. Pupils are able to take part in representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge.
Careers
The study of Computing can lead to future careers ranging from Games Programmer, Digital Content Producer and Software Engineer to Analyst, Formula 1 Engineer and Coder. Famous Computing graduates include James Gosling (creator of Java), Anita Borg (founding director of the Institute for Women and Technology (IWT) and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing)
Useful resources and revision support
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
GCSE – Computer Science (9-1) – J276 (from 2016) – OCR