Systems and Networks

This unit takes you on a tour through the different layers of computing systems: from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs, to the fundamental binary building blocks that these components consist of. The aim is to provide a concise overview of how computing systems operate, conveying the essentials and abstracting away the technical details that might confuse or put you off. The last lessons cover two interesting contemporary topics: artificial intelligence and open source software.

You will utilise the following skills from previous units and year groups:

1. Networks units in previous year groups

2. Computational Thinking skills from the previous unit

3. Problem solving skills

4. Resilience

You will learn the following skills:

1. How to use Micro:Bit to code

2. Apply computational thinking skills to your coding

3. Challenge yourself at your own rate to understand that code can run programs that can give an output to a physical device

Where this will/could take you:

1. Computational thinking and networking skills in years 7 and 8

2. GCSE Computer science

3. Develop your language skills...

4. A large and diverse number of IT jobs, - See the list below...

• Describe the function of the hardware components used in computing systems

• Describe how the hardware components used in computing systems work together in order to execute programs

• Recall that all computing systems, regardless of form, have a similar structure (‘architecture’)

• Analyse how the hardware components used in computing systems work together in order to execute programs

• Define what an operating system is, and recall its role in controlling program execution

• Demonstrate this knowledge by selecting components to 'build' your own computer