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

KS3 End Points

• Developed knowledge of computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems.
• Developed knowledge of key algorithms that reflect computational thinking using logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem.
• Developed knowledge of two or more programming languages to make appropriate use of data structures, design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions.
• Developed knowledge of simple Boolean logic and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers.        
• Developed knowledge of hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
• Developed knowledge of how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits.
• Developed knowledge of 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.
• Developed knowledge of digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability.                                                        
• Developed knowledge of a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.
• Developed knowledge of how and why enterprises and entrepreneurs are successful.
• Developed knowledge of customer needs and competitor behaviour through market research.
• Developed knowledge of how the outcomes of situational analyses may affect enterprises.

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.

 Year 7, 8 & 9 Curriculum

Learners are introduced to Computer Science alongside their timetabled ICT lessons.  There are several Computer Science links made at appropriate stages in Year 7, 8 and 9 that introduces key computing learning concepts allowing learners to make an informed subject choice when selecting their options for Year 10 and 11.

Examples of topics covered;

• Programming Fundamentals (Python)
• Problem solving 
• Algorithms
• Hardware & Software
• Ethics & Technology
• System Security
• Binary & Images
• Binary & Sound
• Binary & Characters

Lunch time club; Computing – Robot Wars. Come along and learn how to program within the  robots to be controlled to battle each other in the arena!

Learners can program in 2 languages using the block editor (Drag and Drop) or  Python Edtior (Text based). Learners can create their own projects at home by visiting; https://microbit.org/code/

How we assess in Year 7:

How we assess in Year 9:

How can parents help?

• Encourage your child to revise for key assessments
• Encourage your child to attend Computer Science run Clubs at lunch
• Encourage your to complete all homework assignments for  ICT/Computer Science lessons.
• Encourage your child to create their own projects with guidance provided for projects by visiting this link; https://microbit.org/code/

Year 10 and 11 Curriculum

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 we assess in Y10:

How we assess in Y11:

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.