Computer Science
“To prepare humanity for the next 100 years, we need more of our children to learn computer programming skills, regardless of their future profession. Along with reading and writing, the ability to program is going to define what an educated person is.”
Salman Khan – Founder, Khan Academy
Why We Study It:
As a department we want our students to be creators, not consumers of technology. Logical thinking, problem solving, resilience and creativity are the main drivers behind our curriculum. KS3 students receive one lesson of Computer Science per week and are taught in mixed ability groups. The curriculum has a strong Computer Science focus with an in-depth programming project built into each year. In addition, we ensure that students develop a wide range of transferable and creative ICT skills. Our students are encouraged to work independently as well as in collaboration.
There are further opportunities for our students to develop their passion for the subject via lunchtime coding clubs and homework projects that promote digital literacy and citizenship. Through the nationally recognised iDea Award program all students can gain a certificate of achievement by the end of KS3.
At KS4 we adopt a blended learning approach to promote independence and resilience in our students whilst creating opportunities for deeper learning experiences in the classroom. We endeavour to use free online learning tools wherever possible creating a seamless and consistent learning experience in and out of the classroom.
It’s fundamental that our curriculum be accessible to all students, which we achieve through differentiated challenges and extension tasks. We also utilize technology to support students learning in a variety of ways from screen readers to digital colour overlays. We acknowledge that not all students have reliable access to technology at home to support their learning so we provide open access every lunchtime to the technology that allows all children to complete their weekly homework.
What We Study:
| YEAR 7
7.1 Hardware 7.2 Software 7.3 Networks 7.4 Game Design 7.5 E Safety Interland |
In Year 7 we explore the role of hardware, software and network topologies. Students are given the opportunity to create interactive games using block based code, as an introduction to the fundamental principles of programming and learning about the importance of E Safety and the creative application of IT.
Year 7 students are also encouraged to complete Interland as part of a ½ term homework project. Interland is an adventure-packed online game that puts the key lessons of digital citizenship and safety into hands-on practice. |
| YEAR 8
8.1 Data Representation 8.2 Digital Design 8.3 Data handling 8.4 App Design & development Bronze iDea Award |
In year 8 we look at how text, images and sound are converted into binary so they can be processed by a computer, develop skills in database design and computer modelling, create digital graphics and finally design, develop and test APPs for the Android platform which introduces the fundamentals of event-based object orientated programming using a blend of block based code and JavaScript.
Year 8 students are also encouraged to complete their Bronze iDea Award as part of a ½ term homework project. iDEA is an international programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills. |
| YEAR 9
9.1 Computational Thinking 9.2 Programming 9.3 Vector Graphics 9.4 Web Design Silver iDea Award |
In Year 9 there is a focus on understanding the fundamentals of computational thinking and text-based programming, followed by the development of interactive stories coded in Python, a text only programming language. We explore vector graphics editing skills and web site creation which introduces HTML and CSS.
Year 9 students are also encouraged to complete their Silver iDea Award as part of a ½ term homework project. iDEA is an international programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills. |
| KS4 | We offer two pathways at KS4 which cater for the different needs of our pupils.
GCSE Computer Science This challenging course is relevant to the modern, changing world of computing, the new GCSE in Computer Science is designed to boost computing skills essential for the 21st century. Students are given an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of Computer Science, computational thinking and programming. The course will be a solid foundation for students looking to be a part of the ever changing world of computing. Cambridge National Creative iMedia – Level 1/2 This course is for those interested in the use of digital technology in the creative sector, Creative iMedia is an engaging and inspiring qualification which provides students with an opportunity to develop individual projects on Comic strips, character design, digital animation, web page creation and more. Students are equipped with a wide range of transferable skills, such as research, planning, and reviewing and the hands-on approach has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in creative media. |
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
| AUTUMN TERM | SPRING TERM | SUMMER TERM |
| All Units of study are formatively assessed via a marking rubric with specific criteria and Bronze, Silver and Gold level descriptors. Feedback and next steps are given which students use to improve their learning further. There are summative End of Unit assessments that show students retention of knowledge. Creative outcomes are peer or self-assessed and given formative feedback via google classrooms | ||
| Year 7
Prior knowledge is established via a benchmark test. 7.1 Hardware Unit – Formative and Summative assessment of computer systems and the fetch, decode, execute cycle. 7.2 Software Unit – Formative and Summative assessment of applications and systems software. |
Year 7
7.3 Networks Unit – Formative and Summative assessment of Computer networks and security threats. Year 7 Homework Project – Interland – Be Internet Awesome |
Year 7
7.4 Game Design – Formative and Summative assessment of programming basics, testing and evaluation. 7.5 E-Safety – Digital Comics – Formative and Summative assessment |
| Year 8
8.1 Data Representation – Formative and Summative assessment of Binary, Hexadecimal, digitisation and file compression. 8.2 Digital Design – Formative and Summative assessment of pre-production documents. |
Year 8
8.3 Data handling – Formative and Summative assessment of spreadsheet formulas, database design and SQL |
Year 8
8.4 APP Design – Formative and Summative assessment of programming, user interface design and error checking. Year 8 Homework Project – Bronze/Silver iDea Award |
| Year 9
9.1 Computational Thinking – Formative and Summative assessment of pupils ability to solve complex problems Year 9 Homework Project – Bronze/Silver/Gold iDea Award |
Year 9
9.2 Python Programming – Formative and Summative assessment of pupils ability to programme using a text based language and understand programming constructs. |
Year 9
9.3 Vector Graphics – Formative and Summative assessment of using Graphic tools and techniques and understanding image properties 9.4 Web Design – Formative and Summative assessment coding HTML and formatting web pages using CSS |
KS4 SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
| OCR GCSE Computer Science | |||
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year
10 |
J277/02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming – Unit 2.1- 2.3
We assess student’s ability to analyse problems in computational terms: • to make reasoned judgements • to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions. Formative assessment via marking rubric Self assessed End of Unit Tests Online revision activities |
J277/02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming – Unit 2.4- 2.6
Formative assessment via marking rubric Self assessed End of Unit Tests Online revision activities |
20hr Practical Programming Project
A assesses a student’s ability to structure answers logically without a focus on syntactic precision and their ability to design, write, test and refine programs. Internal Assessment – Mock Written Paper J277/02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming |
| Year
11 |
J277/01 – Computer Systems
Unit 1.1 – 1.4 We assess student’s ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of Computer Science. Formative assessment via marking rubric Self assessed End of Unit Tests Online revision activities Additional support is provided via weekly lunchtime sessions |
J277/01 – Computer Systems
Unit 1.5 – 1.8 Internal Assessment – Mock Written Paper J277/01 – Computer Systems Self assessed End of Unit Tests Online revision activities Additional support is provided via weekly lunchtime sessions |
Revision & Exam Technique
External assessments Written Paper J277/01 – Computer Systems Written Paper J277/02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming |
OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia |
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| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year
10 |
Unit R081
We assess our students’ understanding of pre-production skills used in the creative and digital media sector. Exam style questions Online revision activities Mock R081 Assessment |
Unit R081/R082
External Assessment of R081 Students are entered for the R081 Jan exam series Revision & Exam Technique Practice past papers Online revision activities Start R082 NEA – We assess our students’ understanding of digital graphics editing for the creative and digital media sector. |
Unit R082/R087
R082 – Internally assessed and externally moderated. If ready students are entered for the R082 July exam series Start R087 NEA – We assess our students’ understanding of interactive multimedia products for the creative and digital media sector. |
| Year
10 |
Unit R087/R084
R087 – Internally assessed and externally moderated. Start R084 NEA – We assess our students’ understanding of comic strip creation. |
Unit R084
R084 – Internally assessed and externally moderated. Mock Exam Paper R081 (if required) |
Revision & Exam Technique
External Assessment of R081 Students are entered for the R081 July exam series if required Enter R084&7 July exam series |
