Computer Science

As Computer Science is continually developing and new technologies are emerging, we, as an academy will strive to give all pupils the skills to prepare them for their future. Through teaching Computer Science, we facilitate students’ participation in a world of rapidly-changing technology. We enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also help them develop the necessary skills for using information in a discriminating and effective way. The use of different software will help us to model real world scenarios for our students.

This is a major part of enabling students to be confident, creative and independent in their learning and prepared for their next steps after academy.

During the years 7-9, students cover a range of topics including E-safety, networks, programming, data and how a computer is made up. There will be theory and practical assignments that prepare students for the next phase of their learning in year 10 and 11.

Subject Area:Computer Science
Head of Department:Miss R Thomas
Teaching Staff:Mr C Varley
Years 7-9 CourseKS3 Computer Science
Years 7-9 Course Details:Computer Science is a course which is delivered during years 7, 8 and 9. Students will have 1 hour a week learning time. The course aims to give an understanding of computer use and functions, covering a range of programming languages, how to stay safe, theory of the working of hardware, networks and the WWW.
 
Course Overview:
The course is designed to meet the needs of the national curriculum framework as summarised below:-
·         Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions.
·         Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking.
Use 2 or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems.
Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT]
Understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers.
Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems.
Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits.
Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications.
Create, reuse, revise and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability.
Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely.
 
 
Years 7-9 Number of lessons per week:1 per week
Next stepsYears 7-9 computer science curriculum is designed to prepare students for an ever-developing technological world and links to Year 10 and 11 courses in GCSE Computer Science and Enterprise and Marketing.
Year 10 & 11 courseGCSE Computer Science
Year 10 & 11 Course Details:The course is split into 2 components:

J277/01: Computer systems
This component will assess:
• 1.1 Systems architecture
 • 1.2 Memory and storage
 • 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
 • 1.4 Network security
 • 1.5 Systems software
• 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
 
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
This component will assess:
• 2.1 Algorithms
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals
 • 2.3 Producing robust programs
• 2.4 Boolean logic
• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
 
All students will also be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task or tasks during their course of study.

The programming task(s) will allow them to develop skills within the following areas when programming: • Design • Write • Test • Refine.  Each task will use Python, a text-based programming language, either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems).
Year 10 & 11 assessment:Each of the 2 components will be assessed at the end of year 11 with a 1hr 30 written paper.

Each paper is 80 marks and is worth 50% of the overall grade.
Next steps:KS4 Computer Science curriculum is designed to prepare students for an ever-developing technological world and links to further education subjects at A-Level and beyond.