Computer Science

Curriculum INTENT

The Computer Science department aim is to develop students' technical knowledge of new computing technologies and ignite a passion for students to go on to innovate new ideas using such technologies to change the world for the better. We aim to provide a curriculum that encourages students to get both hands on experience to apply their theory knowledge learnt. Computer Science aims to raise all students' aspirations by removing barriers to learning and delivering relevant and transferable qualifications.  We help our students to achieve this aim through the highest standards of teaching informed by research and using cutting edge technology. Our vision is to prepare our students to access and transition further through higher education and ultimately prepare them for the ever developing range of job opportunities in our region and beyond.

Curriculum End Points

KS4 End Points

• Developed knowledge of computer systems, how the key components work and are linked together to form a complete system.
• Developed their understanding of the legal, ethical and societal impacts of computing.
• Effectively applied the fundamental concepts, principles and mathematical skills, using analytical, logical and evaluative computational thinking, to a wide range of complex problems.
• Developed and refined a complete solution that meets the requirements of a set problem.
• Developed knowledge of solving a wide range of problems using computational methods and be able to illustrate their solutions using a range of tools such as pseudocode or flowcharts.
• Developed their ability to create solutions to a range of computational problems by implementing their own computer programs using a range of set algorithms as well as those they have developed themselves.
• Developed ability to read and trace code written by others and be able to identify what function the code performs and identify errors or issues with it.
• Understand the concept of algorithm efficiency.
• Developed knowledge of how computers work at a fundamental level and how computers can be used to represent a range of data, including images, sounds and text.
• Developed knowledge of the basic concepts around how computers communicate and how networks work and can be used to transmit data.
• Developed knowledge of a range of cyber security threats, including social engineering and identify some ways in which these threats can be mitigated.

 Curriculum Journey

curriculum journey candb.pdf

Year 10 and 11 Curriculum

Students are assessed at the following points in the year KS4: 

Name of the course and board: OCR Computer Science (9-1) - J277

Method of external assessment: 100% Exam (2 Exams)

Exam Paper 1 (1 hour 30 Minutes) – 50%

• Hardware & Software
• Binary
• Computer networks
• System Security
• Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Exam Paper 2 (1 hour 30 Minutes) – 50%

• Algorithms
• Programming fundamentals
• Defensive Design & Testing

What we study:  As part of your study of Computer Science, students will be awarded with a GCSE of Grade 9-1 from a range of exciting topics assessed over 2 exam papers from the OCR examining board.

Our commitment to ALL students completing Computer Science is to provide personalised learning checklists with revision cards mapped to all content to help support you through your journey of the course! As well as this, we provide engaging revision sessions such as escape room challenges with prizes and plenty of opportunity to apply your knowledge to exam questions!

How can parents help?

• Encourage your child to revise for key assessments using revision cards, revision guides & revision videos provided.
• Encourage your child to attend Computer Science Intervention/Revision Sessions.
• Encourage your to complete all homework assignments for Computer Science lessons.