Curriculum – Computer Science

Computer Science


Information

In Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils are taught 1 lesson per fortnight. The Y10 and Y11 pupils who have chosen Computer Science as an option have three lessons a fortnight. The main curriculum is directed in embedding the principles of the Computer Science curriculum. There are a few modules linked to I.C.T. with a direct link once again to the Computer Science rigour. The units are based on different themes and include students producing academic as well as project based assessments. In the course of study pupils will be using a range of software including office applications, animation, graphics, high and low level programming languages, Flowol for flowcharts, H.T.M.L. to develop websites identifying the key purpose of web development.

GCSE Computer Science

The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application. The specification has been developed to improve upon the strengths of OCR’s legacy Computing GCSE. The specification will enable learners to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding.

The resources help ease the transition from ICT to Computer Science. The resources will focus on empowering pupils with active learning methods that will enthuse and engage the learners through the practical application of computational theory. The Programming Project is designed to be engaging, enabling learners to demonstrate their skills in a way which suits them.

The high-quality assessments are backed up by sound educational principles and a belief that the utility, richness and importance of Computer Science should be made evident and accessible to all learners

We also organise school trips to the National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park (Milton Keynes) and are in the process of planning some more visits to leading technology companies.

Bletchly Park

bletchley park
The specification (J276 9-1) overview

Unit 1 Computer Systems Overview

  • Systems Architecture
  • Memory
  • Storage
  • Wired and wireless networks
  • Network topologies, protocols and layers
  • System security
  • System software
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Unit 1 Assessment Overview

  • Computer systems (01)
  • 80 marks
  • 1 hour and 30 minutes (written paper)
  •  50%of total GCSE (no calculators allowed)
computer systems

Unit 2 Computational thinking, algorithms and programming Content Overview

  • Algorithms *
  • Programming techniques
  • Producing robust programs
  • Computational logic
  • Translators and facilities of languages
  • Data representation

Unit 2 Assessment Overview

  • Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02)
  • 80 marks
  • 1 hour and 30 minutes (written paper)
  •  50% of total GCSE (no calculators allowed)
algorithms
Programming Project
  • Programming techniques
  • Analysis
  • Design Development
  • Testing and evaluation and conclusions

Non exam Assesment Overview

  • 20 timetabled hours
  • Formal requirement
  • Consolidates the learning across the specification through practical activity
computationalthinkingwhitebg.crop_606x455_0,0.preview
Extra Curricular

We run an animation and Lego robotics club every Thursday to encourage creativity and logical thinking with our cohort of pupils with a curious mind.