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Year 11 Computing

Autumn Term

week 1

Lesson 1

Records and dictionaries

Records and dictionariesIn this lesson, we will be introduced to two new data structures: a record and a dictionary. The focus of this lesson is on records and how these can be created and used in Python to form a database. We will be shown how to use a dictionary as a record before creating a 'database' using dictionaries within a list.

Lesson 2

Dictionary challenge

Dictionary challengeIn this lesson, we will have the opportunity to use a dictionary data structure in a new context. We will create a Caesar cipher encryption program using a dictionary as the cipher wheel. This mini project will allow us to develop our programming skills through an appropriate challenge.

week 2

Lesson 1

Reading text files

Reading text filesIn this lesson, we will be introduced to text files. The focus will be on reading text files, and how the data from a text file can be used within a program. We will be stepped through the key methods that are used for reading text files in Python, before we complete two text file challenges.

Lesson 2

Writing to text files

Writing to text filesIn this lesson, we will continue to explore text files by looking at how to write text files and how to append text files. Live coding will be used to introduce the two new concepts and mini challenges are used to allow us to test our understanding of them.

Lesson 3

Work with CSV files

Work with CSV filesIn this lesson, we will learn what CSV files are and how to use them. We will also learn how to read data into a list and a 2D list. Finally, we will complete a challenge working with the data.

week 3

Lesson 1

Write to CSV files

Write to CSV filesIn this lesson, we will learn how to write to CSV files. We will work with 1D and 2D lists, before converting them to string and writing them to CSV files. There are lots of list challenges this lesson, which should help to enhance skills in preparation for the final project.

Lesson 2

Being a programmer

Being a programmerIn this lesson, we will discuss the good habits of a programmer before being reminded of why some of the key aspects are good habits. We will also hear from industry programmers about their own good practice. We will then look at alternative approaches to programming solutions.

week 4

Lesson 1

How does technology impact us?

How does technology impact us?In this lesson, we will be introduced to the five broad areas of impact (i.e. privacy, legal, ethical, environmental, and cultural). We will identify and discuss the impact areas through genuine examples. Finally, we will begin to understand the legal impact of technology specifically, and work through an example relating to the Data Protection Act (1998).

Lesson 2

The law, data protection and copyright

The law, data protection and copyrightIn this lesson, we will further exercise our knowledge about data protection and clarify the definition of the word 'stakeholder' and examples of impact that a specific technology has had on them. We will then learn about the relationship between data protection, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the right to be forgotten. Finally, we will learn about copyright, Creative Commons licensing and comparing open source and proprietary software.

Lesson 3

Freedom of Information and Computer Misuse

Freedom of Information and Computer MisuseIn this lesson, we will be introduced to the Freedom of Information Act, and given the opportunity to study genuine examples. We will also learn about the Computer Misuse Act and categorise case studies by the different levels of offence.

week 5

Lesson 1

Cultural impacts

Cultural impactsIn this lesson, we will understand what the term 'cultural impact' means. We will learn about downtime and its effect on businesses and individuals and examine the concept of 'digital divide' and work through examples of its impact. Finally, we will analyse the cultural implications of the growing use of mobile technology and the responsibility of stakeholders in mitigating any risks explore globalisation.

Spring Term

Week 1

Lesson 1

What is pre-production?

What is pre-production?In this lesson, we will learn about pre-production and some of the tools that are available in pre-production. We will also produce a client-let digital media product using the pre-production tools.

Lesson 2

Creating digital graphics

Creating digital graphicsIn this lesson, we will learn about the two main types of digital graphics, raster and vector, and the associated file formats for each type. We will then learn how to make use of two different open source applications for the creation of each type of graphic.

Lesson 3

Creating digital video

Creating digital videoIn this lesson, we will be introduced to the different types of camera angle that are used in video production. We will then learn about the properties of digital video, including frames per second, compression, and file formats. We will then use the open source video editing package, OpenShot, to create a short video piece using presupplied video assets.

Week 2

Lesson 1

Creating a multi-page website

Creating a multi-page websiteIn this lesson, we will explore what makes a good website. We will look at some of the front-end and back-end features that make a successful website. We will then recall which pre-production methods are useful for planning a website, then create our own multi-page website, using HTML and CSS templates and incorporating logo and video files created in earlier lessons.

Lesson 2

Planning your digital media artefact

Planning your digital media artefactIn this lesson, we will choose and develop a digital media artefact from a number of provided client briefs.

Lesson 3

Producing your digital media artefact

Producing your digital media artefactIn this lesson, we will continue to create the digital media artefact that we selected and planned in the lesson 'Planning your digital media artefact'. We will check that we have completed all sub-tasks to ensure that we have successfully completed the project.

Week 3

Lesson 1

What is project management

What is project managementIn this lesson, we will introduce the concept of project management. We will learn about the project management methods that can be used, and we will consider why it is important to employ effective project management strategies.

Lesson 2

Initiate a project

Initiate a projectIn this lesson, we will learn that project management methods follow a project life cycle that includes four or more stages including initiation, planning, execution, and evaluation. In this lesson, and over the next few lessons, we will complete the 'Delicious Desserts' project brief to practise each stage of the project management cycle. We will also learn about the critical parth method and practise using it.

Lesson 3

Initiate and plan a project

Initiate and plan a projectIn this lesson, we will discuss the creation of SMART goals (objectives). We will also introduce the concept of integration and iteration of stages within a project. Iteration of stages is particularly relevant if the agile or hybrid method is used, as the success of these methods relies on stages being repeated.

Week 4

Lesson 1

Tools for planning

Tools for planningIn this lesson, we will begin to understand the different methods used for planning a project, as well as focusing on digitally available tools and analysing their advantages and disadvantages.

Lesson 2

Carry out a project

Carry out a projectIn this lesson, we will complete the execution stage of the project life cycle. The activities to be completed will be the visual components requested in the project brief. These are the digital dessert selection tool and the two advertising posters.

Lesson 3

Evaluate a project

Evaluate a projectIn this lesson, we evaluate the success of a project. We will recall the project life cycle, use SMART goals to evaluate success, use testing to evaluate success, and then use feedback to evaluate success.