Computer Science
Computer Science Curriculum 7 – 11
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COMPUTER SCIENCE JOURNEY
KS3
In KS3 students cover the three strands of the computer science curriculum – Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science. Gaining an all-round view of computers in preparation for a wide range of careers.
Year 7:
Students cover the three strands of the computer science curriculum – Information technology; digital literacy and computing. They begin the year learning how to use our school system including Microsoft Office applications. This is followed by an online safety topic before moving onto computational thinking and range of programming skills over the year using physical objects and two different visual programming languages – Kodu and Scratch. Micro: Bits allow us to do some physical computing. We look inside a computer and learn to crack the binary code. Homework projects extend their use of digital literacy skills and cover the history of computers and support learning on the topics above.
Year 8:
Students continue to expand their understanding of online safety. Programming is covered in textual and visual languages via Small Basic or FMS Logo and Scratch. A look at logic gates, Binary sound and computational thinking through Flowol as well as a thorough grasp of spreadsheets. We also look at App development and machine learning. Extended homework projects include a look at computer crime and support learning on the topics above.
Year 9:
Students begin their transition to OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1. During the year they develop their programming and computational thinking skills, moving from Scratch to Python. We use and Arduino’s and Micro: Bits to explore physical computing; build websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. We look at the stars of computing in history, networks and recap & extend knowledge of hardware and
Binary. Homework includes projects in cryptology, HTML and online platforms to boost their programming skills. Online safety aspects are covered throughout the year. They complete many problem - solving exercises over the year with the aim to have explored many of the skills required to take on GCSE Computer Science and beyond in a fun and interactive way.
All students have a computational thinking booklet with lots of puzzles in to enhance their core problem solving skills at home.
In KS4 students independently complete Idea.org achieving bronze and often Silver certificates. This includes a wide range of topics covering the Computer Science Programme of Study, Online Safety, and Careers. All students will also cover a range of online safety topics. Other elements of the KS4 Computer Science curriculum is included in enhancement day activities for year 10, e.g. Minecraft and Image manipulation.
KS4
Computer Science (OCR 9-1)
Year 10:
Students will study the theory of the 9-1 course: hardware; software; logic; data representation; networks and ethics. The practical element builds on their programming skills in python including a number of programming projects. As well as some theory surrounding algorithms and learning SQL to interrogate databases.
Year 11:
The year is set to revise all topics of theory and programming undertaking many programming challenges to support exam board requirements and student confidence in programming solutions, whilst understanding the theory behind the code in preparation for their final exams. Many exam questions are tackled as well as a range of games to embed knowledge for the exams.
Skills developed
- Computational thinking – decomposition, abstraction etc.
- The impacts of technology on society globally and individuals.
- The components of digital systems and the benefits of each.
- Be confident in applying maths skills to convert between different number systems.
- To be creative in solving problems
- To be confident users of technology
- To understand communication between systems
- To become resilient, logical thinking young people prepared for the next stage of their education.
KS5
KS5 - A Level Computer Science (AQA)
A level - Computer Science AQA - students study the linear course consisting of two exams and a project. They study all the topics from GCSE in more detail, strengthen their programming skills in Python including Object Orientated programming. Students tackle new topics including functional programming and Big Data. Opportunities to extend programming skills using a range of libraries in python and other languages are available. The theory topics delve into how a computer works and communicates. The individual project gives students the opportunity to solve a more complex problem independently.
A level gives a strong core study of computer science to enable progression into higher education, into a wide range of degree areas and careers in software development, engineering, medicine, law, business, and any of the sciences. The global computing Industry is ever evolving, and Computer Science A level will support your journey through education and into the workplace in job roles that have yet to exist.
Extracurricular activities
- KS3 students have a lunchtime support session with a member of the team once a week
- Opportunities to play at cryptography, physical computing activities with Micro: Bit, Arduino, Lego robots and programming over lunch with a member of staff and some A level Computer Scientists. Code Club using a number of programming languages.
- Opportunities to take part in national competitions e.g. Bebras, GCHQ and Scratch.
- KS4 students can take part in the Government Cyber program to become expert hackers. Bebras; UOCC and other competitions to challenge. Lunch clubs with Physical computing activities and coding club using a number of programming languages. Support with classwork.
- KS5 students programming challenges from Oxford, Bebras.
- All students Opportunities to use Raspberry Pi’s, Micro:Bit and Arduinos with STEM projects
