Vision:

Computers are now part of our everyday lives.  Businesses now expect skills such as basic troubleshooting, system design and excellent IT skills and knowledge.  In addition, workplaces are now seeking professionals in computer technology, who can design and program computers and fix complicated problems. The Computer Science department aims to provide our pupils with the necessary skills, enthusiasm and experience to develop into competent and creative computer scientists.

We aim to enhance and develop our student’s IT and computer science skills, encouraging them to become independent learners who are e-confident and capable of researching, processing, storing, analysing and presenting information. The department aims to motivate and inspire pupils thus raising standards within the subject.

The department has enhanced the curriculum offered to pupils allowing for different pathways to be available at KS4 and KS5 to ensure career choice. The courses we currently offer will allow pupils to create and move along a personalised pathway suited to their own individual aptitude and interest.

Curriculum Intent:

The Computer Science department aims to ensure all students are proficient in the use of Computers to allow them to access a variety of resources across the whole school curriculum. Students should be able to make informed choices for their future pathway having experienced a breadth of IT and Computer Science related topics and link these to real world situations and careers.

We offer students a range of learning activities that develop their understanding and appreciation of different approaches to Computer Science and IT that develops both their knowledge and digital skills.

Curriculum Implementation:

  • Suitable and relevant curriculum and regular review of curriculum
  • Consistency in practice and procedure in department
  • Availability of staff for pupils
  • Extra curricular provision and educational visits

Curriculum Impact:

  • A suitable and relevant curriculum offer at all key stages
  • Choice of qualification pathway
  • Pupils are empowered and motivated to become independent learners
  • Pupils can use computational thinking to solve different problems.
  • Pupils can understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; they can recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.
Staff :

  • Mrs J. Holmes – Head of Department
  • Mr L. Atkinson
  • Mrs L. Cavanagh
Courses: 

Key Stage 3 Curriculum: 

Year 7

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.
  • Google applied digital skills
  • Introduction to Scratch

Term 2 Topics & Content:

  • Spreadsheet software: Gangsta Zoo:  Pupils are introduced to the use of spreadsheets.  They will learn how to format and design a working spreadsheet and how to use formulae and functions.
  • 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

Term 3 Topics & Content:

  • My Digital World
  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Project, revision and assessment work
 Year 8

Term 1 Topics & Content:

  • CSUK: Introduction to Computer Hardware. The unit explains the inner workings of a computer and the components it contains.  Pupils will learn about Input, Output, and Output devices as well as an in depth look at the CPU (central processing unit).
  • Spy school : This unit progresses use of spreadsheet and data modelling techniques.  pupils will learn more complex functions of a spreadsheet and how this can be used in a business context.

Term 2 Topics & Content:

  • Nichola Wilkin: Computational Thinking.  This unit is specifically written to help pupils understand how to apply computational thinking skills to
    solve a range of problems and is ideally suited to help pupils learn how to think in a logical structured
    way.
  • 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.  (Please note this has been carried over from Y7 curriculum due to Covid related missed learning)

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
 Year 9

Term 1 Topics & Content:

  • Back to the Future – a look back at the development of Computer Science and code breaking techniques

Term 2 Topics & Content:

  • How Computers Work
  • 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

Term 3 Topics & Content:

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

Key Stage 4 Curriculum:

OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 (J276)

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

 OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 (J276)

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.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum:

Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National in Information Technology

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

 Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National in Information Technology

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)
Out of Hours Activities :

After School sessions

Revision Sessions
Department Website Links (including exam boards, revision sites etc):

Key Stage 3:

Schemes of work in line with the National Curriculum

www.pgonline.co.uk

https://www.nicholawilkin.com/

computerscienceuk.com

Key Stage 4:

GCSE Computer Science 9-1 (OCR J276/277)

Cambridge National Level 2 in Information Technologies (OCR J808)

www.ocr.org.uk

Key Stage 5:

A Level Computer Science (OCR H446)

BTEC L3 National in Information Technology (Edexcel)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html

Revision:

BBC Bitesize KS3 Computing
Code.org – Computational Thinking problems and games for students
Teach Computer Science
The Oak Academy KS3 Computing
Seneca Learning – Free courses for students to follow relating to Computing, Computer Science and Programming

www.teach-ict.com

FUTURE CAREERS:

Programmers work in many settings, including corporate information technology (“IT”) departments, big software companies, small service firms and government entities of all sizes. Many professional programmers also work for consulting companies at client sites as contractors.

Systems architects are hired by all types of companies, since any company that relies on its own computer network needs someone to ensure infrastructure is properly designed. Companies also need systems architects on staff to make ongoing improvements and troubleshoot problems.

Cyber security careers are complex and many roles like:

  • Security specialist – An entry-level role with huge potential.
  • Security administrator -Keep security systems running smoothly every day.
  • Cryptographer -Write the code that hackers can’t crack.
  • Security architect -Outsmart online criminals by designing tough-to-crack security.
  • Forensic expert -Protect the cyber world and assist law enforcement.
  • Penetration tester -Hack and protect computer systems for good reason

Computer Science Curriculum Maps