Term 1 Topics & Content:

• Introduction to SFX systems.  Google:applied digital skills
• Using a Computer Safely, Effectively and Responsibly:This unit covers the necessary basic knowledge to use computers safely, effectively and responsibly. Pupils begin by looking at file management and security. The unit then moves on to e-safety (cyber-bullying, phishing etc.), and online profiles to give pupils a better understanding and awareness of using social media.
• PG Online: Computer crime and Cyber Security:  Pupils will look at how crime affects the use of computers and the laws that govern computing.  They will learn about phishing, hacking and computer viruses and prevention methods that can be put in place against these modern-day threats.

Term 2 Topics & Content:

• Spreadsheet software: Gangsta Zoo
• Presentation software:  Google applied digital skills

Term 3 Topics & Content:

• Programming with Small Basic: 
• Pupils will be introduced to programming in a textual language It starts by introducing Turtle graphics, leading to the use of variables and For…EndFor loops. Simple programs using the Text window are used to introduce the concepts of  input, output and selection
• Project, revision and assessment work

Term 1 Topics & Content:

• PG Online:Graphics: introduction to graphics and graphic file types. The unit explores how bitmap and vector images are represented and stored by the computer. There is also opportunity for pupils to practise skills in design, photo-editing and image manipulation using a suitable graphics package.
• Adobe Photoshop – pupils will learn how to use tools and different methods to aid creative visual design

Term 2 Topics & Content:

• PG Online: Understanding Computers: A theoretical unit covering the basic principles of computer architecture and use of binary.  Pupils will learn about the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle and will look in depth at storage and the history and development of communication and technology.
• PG Online: Control Systems with FLOWOL

Term 3 Topics & Content:

• PG Online: Networks:Pupils will learn that the World Wide Web is part of the Internet, and how web addresses are constructed and stored as IP addresses. Client-server, peer-to-peer networks and the concept of cloud computing are all described. Ways of keeping data secure and simple encryption techniques are also covered.
• Project, revision and assessment work

Term 1 Topics & Content:

• PG Online: Introduction to Python – Pupils will use Python, a high level programming language to understand the process of developing programs and the importance of writing correct syntax to formulate algorithms
• PG Online: Artificial Intelligence

Term 2 Topics & Content:

• PG Online: Spreadsheet Modelling
• PG Online: HTML and Website Design

Term 3 Topics & Content:

• PG Online: Database Design
• Project, revision and assessment work

Year 10 

Term 1 Topics & Content: 

Practical: Programming with Python

Theory Topics:  Algorithms, Systems Architecture, CPU, Memory, ROM, RAM, Factors affecting CPU performance

 Term 2 Topics & Content:

Practical: Programming with Python

Theory Topics: Wired and Wireless networks, topologies, Client-server and peer-to-peer networks, The Internet

 Term 3 Topics & Content:

Practical: Programming with Python

Theory Topics: Network hardware, Wi-Fi, Cloud Storage, Protocols and Layers, Packet switching.

 OCR Cambridge National Level 2 in Information Technologies

Year 10

Term 1 Topics & Content: 

Understand the tools and techniques that can be used to initiate and plan solutions

Term 2 Topics & Content: 

Understand how data and information can be collected, stored and used

Term 3 Topics & Content: 

Understand the factors to be considered when collecting, processing and storing data and the different methods of presenting data. Course Revision and Exam Preparation

Year 11

Term 1 Topics & Content: 

Programming Project using programming techniques and analysis (controlled assessment).  

Theory: Network threats and prevention of threats, Operating Systems, Utility Software

Term 2 Topics & Content: 

Programming Project using programming techniques and analysis (controlled assessment). 

Theory: Computer systems in the modern world, Ethics, cultural and environmental issues, Legislation and privacy.

Term 3 Topics & Content: 

Course Revision and Exam Preparation

OCR Cambridge National Level 2 in Information Technologies

Year 11

Term 1 Topics & Content: 

Theory revision. Practical Unit:  To be able to select and present information in the development of a solution to meet an identified client need and to be able to iteratively review and evaluate that solution.

Term 2 Topics & Content: 

Practical Unit continues.

Term 3 Topics & Content: 

Practical Unit continues to examination.

Year  12 

Term 1, 2 and 3 concurrently:

Information Technology Systems: Demonstrate knowledge of information technology terms, standards, concepts and processes

Creating Systems to Manage Information: Database development terminology, concepts and processes

Using Social Media in Business: Explore the impact of social media on the ways businesses promote their products and services

A LEVEL Computer Science

Year 12

Programming Techniques

Components of a computer

Systems Software

Software Development

Exchanging Data

Networks and Web Technologies

Data Types

Year 13

Terms 1 and 2

Information Technology Systems: Select and Use information and technologies and procedures to find solutions to problems in context

Creating Systems to Manage Information: Develop a database solution

Website Development

Examination preparation and revision

A LEVEL Computer Science

Year 13

Computational Thinking

Algorithms

Data Structures

Boolean Algebra

Legal, Moral, Ethical and Cultural Issues

Coursework (On-going throughout course)