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Computer Science

Curriculum Overview

The Computer Science curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation in computing, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in the digital age. Throughout their studies, students will explore key concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, data structures, and the principles of programming, all of which are central to the field of computer science. This curriculum is structured to nurture critical thinking and logical reasoning, while also emphasising the practical application of these concepts to real-world problems. As students progress, they will gain a deeper understanding of how computer systems work, the ethical implications of technology, and the importance of cybersecurity. By the time students complete their studies, they will have honed vital skills, such as coding, debugging, and designing software solutions, which are in high demand across many industries. These skills not only prepare students for further study in computer science and related fields but also equip them with transferable competencies, such as problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability, which are essential for thriving in an increasingly technology-driven world. Our aim is for students to leave with a strong understanding of how to harness technology to innovate, solve problems, and make informed decisions, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future workforce. 

Disciplinary Concepts

  • Algorithms and data structures

  • Theory of computation

  • Programming languages and paradigms

  • Software engineering

  • Computer architecture

  • Operating systems

  • Networking and distributed systems

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

  • Databases

  • Cybersecurity

  • Computational theory and mathematics

  • Ethics and social implications

Curriculum Map

YEAR 7

The Computer Science curriculum is designed to build up the knowledge and computing skills that you began to use during your time in primary school. The primary focus of the curriculum is to provide an understanding of how computers work (make use of computers improving your digital literacy (ICT) skills. You will also learn a structured approach to problem solving called Computational Thinking. The knowledge and skills you learn in Computer Science are particularly useful in GCSE Computer Science but they are transferable to any academic subject or future career path you wish to follow.

You will explore the use of computers across three main topics. These skills will be combined in a programming project where you  will create a computer game using the Scratch visual programming platform.

Understanding Computers

  • Elements of a Computer

  • System

  •  The CPU

  • Understanding Binary

  • Storage Devices

  • Convergence

 

Using Computers Safely Effectively and Responsibly

  • File Management

  • Social Networking

  • Keeping your data Safe

  •  Using Email

  • Searching the Web

 

Control Systems

  •  Flowcharts

  •  Sequencing

  • Sensors

  •  Subroutines

  •  Actuators

  •  Variables

 

YEAR 8

In year 8 you will build upon the computing knowledge and skills you developed in year y and will start learning about computer connectivity, The Internet and Cyber security. You will then be able to apply this knowledge by developing websites

using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will then explore the basic programming constructs of Sequence, Selection and Iteration along with the use of variables. Finally, you will be able to begin developing programs in Minecraft for Education using both visual and text-based programs through a sequence of lessons and projects.

You will explore the use of computers across three main topics. These skills will be combined in a series of programming challenges and projects in Minecraft Education Edition.

Cyber Crime and CyberSecurity

  • Email Scams

  • Hacking

  • Protecting Personal Data

  • Copyright

  • Health and Safety

 

HTML,CSS and Website Development

  • HTML

  • CSS

  • Design

  • Web Forms

 

Programming Basics with Code.org

  • Sequence

  • Selection

  • Iteration

  • Subroutines/Functions

  • Variables

 

YEAR 9

In year 9 you will revisit and further develop your hardware knowledge learning more about the CPU, Memory and Storage as well as binary representation and logic.  You will then explore the concept of Computational Thinking in more details learning about Abstraction, Decomposition and Algorithmic thinking.  You will then put these concepts into practice with the text-based programming language Python. 

Computer Hardware, Software and Binary.

  • Hardware and The CPU

  • Memory and Storage

  • Binary and Logic

  • Software

 

Computational Thinking

  • Logical Thinking

  • Logic Gates

  • Algorithmic Thinking

  • Abstraction

  • Decomposition

 

Python Programming

  • Data Types

  • Variables and Arithmetic

  • Sequence, Selection and Iteration

 

GCSE

At GCSE Computer Science is divided into two main parts: Computer Systems and Algorithms and programming. These parts will build on the skills you have developed throughout years 7 to 9 and expand into learning about CPU architecture, Binary Representation and Logic, Computational Thinking, Developing and correcting Algorithms, Programming, Networks and Security and many more areas. The exam board we will be using is OCR and you are assessed on two written exam papers each one covering one of the two main parts described previously. You will Also learn to program in Python, that will greatly aid with your Paper 2 assessment and provide valuable skills for industry and further/higher education.

Paper 1 – Computer Systems

  • Systems Architecture (year 10)

  • Memory and Storage (year 10)

  • Computer Networks, connections and protocols (year 10)

  • Network Security (year 10)

  • Systems Software (year 11)

  • Ethical. legal, cultural and environmental (year 11)

  • impacts of digital technology (year 11)

 

Paper 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

  • Algorithms (year 10)

  • Programming Fundamentals (year 10)

  • Producing robust programs (year 11)

  • Boolean logic (year 10)

  • Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments (year 10, 11)

 

A Level 

The A Level Computer Science qualification helps students understand the core academic principles of Computer Science. The exam board we will be using is OCR. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. A Level Computer Science will develop the student’s technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. Students who have studied Computer Science at GCSE will see many familiar topics but will develop a much deeper understanding of those topics.  The course also builds on many of the topics covered in KS3 such as programming Constructs and Computational Thinking skills.

 

Paper 1 – Computer Systems (40%)

Unit 1 – Components of a Computer

Unit 2 – Systems Software

Unit 3 – Software Development

Unit 4 – Exchanging Data

Unit 5 – Networks and Web Technologies

Unit 6 – Data Types

Unit 7 – Data Structures

Unit 8 – Boolean Algebra

Unit 9 – Legal, moral, ethical and cultural Issues

 

Paper 2 – Algorithms and Programming (40%)

Unit 10 – Computational Thinking

Unit 11 – Programming Techniques

Unit 12 - Algorithms

 

Programming Project (20%)

You will choose your own computing problem to solve! You will work through the development of the solution in 4 main sections:

  • Analysis of the Problem

  • Design of the Solution

  • Developing the Solution

  • Evaluation

 

Assessments

YEAR 7

AUTUMN TERM

  • Elements of a Computer

  • System

  •  The CPU

  • Understanding Binary

  • Storage Devices

  • Convergence

 

SPRING TERM

  • File Management

  • Social Networking

  • Keeping your data Safe

  •  Using Email

  • Searching the Web

 

SUMMER TERM

  • Flowcharts

  •  Sequencing

  • Sensors

  •  Subroutines

  •  Actuators

  •  Variables

 

YEAR 8

AUTUMN TERM

Cyber Crime and CyberSecurity

  • Email Scams

  • Hacking

  • Protecting Personal Data

  • Copyright

  • Health and Safety

 

SPRING TERM

HTML,CSS and Website Development

  • HTML

  • CSS

  • Design

  • Web Forms

 

SUMMER TERM

Programming Basics with Code.org

  • Sequence

  • Selection

  • Iteration

  • Subroutines/Functions

  • Variables

 

YEAR 9

AUTUMN TERM

Computer Hardware, Software and Binary.

  • Hardware and The CPU

  • Memory and Storage

  • Binary and Logic

  • Software

 

SPRING TERM

Computational Thinking

  • Logical Thinking

  • Logic Gates

  • Algorithmic Thinking

  • Abstraction

  • Decomposition

 

SUMMER TERM

Python Programming

  • Data Types

  • Variables and Arithmetic

  • Sequence, Selection and Iteration

 

YEAR 10 

AUTUMN TERM

Review mock : 

Paper 1 and Paper 2 content 

 

SPRING TERM

Review mock: 

Paper 1 and Paper 2 content 

 

SUMMER TERM

Review mock :

Paper 1 and Paper 2 content 

 

YEAR 11 

AUTUMN TERM

Review mock:

Paper 1 and Paper 2 content 

 

SPRING TERM

Review mock:

Paper 1 and Paper 2 content 

 

SUMMER TERM

GCSEs