Computing

Year 7, 8 & 9

In computing we have begun to develop our knowledge on binary numbers and how we use them to control digital devices. During the past 2 weeks, the year 7s, 8s and 9s have been learning about binary addition and why computers need to make calculations to function effectively. The students have continued to develop their skills in binary conversion as well as becoming effective in completing binary addition.

During our computing lessons, the students have been learning about methods of data storage and how binary information is stored and what file sizes mean and appropriate forms of storage for certain data types (e.g. A kilobyte is equivalent to a 14 line email or lengthy paragraph and a Terabyte is statistically the amount of words a person has spoken by the time they are 25 [or 1000 copies of encyclopedia Britannica]). They have been learning about the different methods in which information is stored: be it Optical, Magnetic, or a Solid State, and the limitations and benefits of each method.

Year 9

The year 9s have been further developing their knowledge on binary numbers. More specifically, how we use binary numbers to represent the English alphabet and other characters through the ASCII table. This method of representation is internationally recognised; indeed, it is how our keyboards on our computers work!

Over the next two weeks, students will continue to learn how we use binary numbers and calculations to represent data in forms we can comprehend.

Helpful Links:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z26rcdm/revision/1

https://studio.code.org/projects/applab/iukLbcDnzqgoxuu810unLw