Computer Science

Our Vision

We aim to guide all students toward becoming digital contributors and creators by increasing their awareness of how they can be safe and in control of the digital technology available to them. We look to equip children with the knowledge, skills and passion in computing, whether that is to pursue a career in technology or any other sector.

Key Stage 3

Computing consists of three main strands, computer science, information technology and digital literacy, and the curriculum provided throughout Key Stage 3 is designed to develop students across all three strands.

In Year 7 we ensure students are aware of how to use digital applications effectively and safely, including when online. We begin programming by understanding the key principles behind algorithms, and we start to create programs within Scratch.

In Year 8 students continue their journey into programming (using python) which will result in students programming the physical micro:bit devices. In addition, students will learn more about hardware and software and produce digital artefacts in the form of digital graphics.

In Year 9 we develop knowledge in programming further by learning about common searching and sorting algorithms. Cybersecurity and computer science theory is introduced to prepare students for Key Stage 4. Further practical activity includes creating and using spreadsheets.

Key Stage 4

GCSE – Computer Science (OCR Examination Board) is offered as a Key Stage 4 option. The course content is made up of the following three elements:

Computer systems – 50% of the final marks, examination paper taken at the end of Year 11
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – 50% of the final marks, examination paper taken at the end of Year 11
Practical Programming – Students are given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks throughout their course of study, allowing them to develop skills to design, write, test and refine programs using python. There is no coursework to submit.

Cambridge National – IT (OCR Examination Board) is available from September 2022 at Key Stage 4. The course consists of the following:

IT in the digital world – 40% of the final marks, examination paper taken at the end of Year 11
Data manipulation using spreadsheets – 30% of the final marks, Non-examination assessment (coursework) completed over 10-12 hours
Using Augmented reality to present information – 30% of the final marks, Non-examination assessment (coursework) completed over 10-12 hours

Key Stage 5

Computer Science A Level – This is a challenging and rewarding course designed to enable learners to develop the fundamentals of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. Learners will be able to develop skills in programming by tackling problems whilst using creativity, innovation, analysis and logic. This will be done through a mix of theoretical and practical tasks.

Students will have an opportunity to explore various development software that they can choose as part of their practical programming project, which allows students to develop their own functional computer application.

Assessment

· Computer Systems – Paper 1 Exam – 40%

· Algorithms and Programming – Paper 2 Exam – 40%

· Programming Project – Non-Exam Assessment – 20%

Extra-curricular

After school drop-ins for Key Stage 4 and 5 take place once a week, allowing for project work, programming and theory to be discussed and worked on.

Lunchtime coding Drop in for students wishing to pursue their interests in coding.

Bebras Challenge & Cyberfirst Girls – annual competitions for KS3 students to undertake and progress in.