Computer Science

Overview:

Key Stage 3

During Computer Science lessons students will learn to:

• design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems

• understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem

• use 2 or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions

• understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] 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 [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]

• understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other 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, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users

• 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, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns

Year 7 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• Learning how to use G-Suite & E-Safety

• Basic Programming Techniques

• Databases

• Spreadsheets

Year 8 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• Computer Hardware

• Computer Hardware -  binary

• 3D Design - Sketch Up

• HTML website coding

• Databases

• Spreadsheets

• Networking

Year 9 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• E-safety revisited

• Programming, algorithms & evaluation

• Introduction to python programming

• Apprentice Challenge

• Spreadsheets

Key Stage 4

Computer Science is a very practical subject – students will be able to use the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom on real-world problems. It’s also a highly creative subject that calls on learners to be inventive.

To help us develop this engaging, modern qualification, we talked to companies like Microsoft, Google and Cisco; organisations like Computing At School (CAS) and also teachers and academics.

What will a student gain from this course?

• Valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace.

• A deep understanding of problem solving and experience in creating logical and efficient solutions.

• Ability to write down solutions to problems for other people to understand.

• A good grounding in mainstream computing theory and understanding.