Curriculum

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Why study Computer Science?

Computers are an essential part of the modern world and as we move further into a digital age it is important that young people have access to a high-quality Computer Science curriculum to hep develop a range of skills from practical programming to problem-solving and digital literacy.

How will I study Computer Science?

Students will use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems. They will learn the principles of computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own. As a result, our students will become responsible, competent, confident and creative Computer Scientists with the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. They will apply the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way.

What will I study at key stage 3?

In key stage 3 students will design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems. They will study several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking. They will study the functions, variables and constants, selection, and  readability of code. Students will understand the system architecture, CPU processes and storage. They will study how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits.

Students will undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users. They will create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability.  Students will study network and cybersecurity, identification, and prevention. Students will develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills.

What will I study at key stage 4?

Students will study two main units. The first is Computer Systems. This unit introduces students to different types of hardware and software, memory and storage types, data representation, networks, network topologies and network security. It will also explore ethical, legal cultural and environmental issues associated with computers and the use of technology.

The second unit is Computational thinking, algorithms and programming. In this unit students will develop skills and understanding in computational thinking, algorithms and programming techniques. Students will learn techniques to produce efficient code and robust programs by applying computational logic.

Students will be given the opportunity to use a high-level programming language to complete programming tasks allowing them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs.

Assessment
Content Overview Assessment Overview
  • J277/01: Computer systems
  • Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE
    80 marks
  • This component will assess:• 1.1 Systems architecture
    • 1.2 Memory and storage
    • 1.3 Computer networks, connections and
    protocols
    • 1.4 Network security
    • 1.5 Systems software
    • 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental
    impacts of digital technology
  • This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory.
  • This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
  • J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
  • Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE 80 marks
  • This component will assess:
  • 2.1 Algorithms
  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals
  • 2.3 Producing robust programs
  • 2.4 Boolean logic
  • 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
  • This is a non-calculator paper.
  • This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections.
  • All questions are mandatory.
  • In Section B, questions assessing students’ ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with

 

Enrichment Offer

Pupils can use the IT facilities in the department or the library at both lunchtime and after school, as well as attend after school homework/support clubs. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Careers

The study of Computer Science can lead to a vast range of careers in this ever-changing digital world. Careers in Computer Science may include Software Engineers, Web Developers, Data Scientists, Games Developers, App Developers, Robotics and Technical Support roles to name a few.

Useful Resources and Revision Support

KS3

KS4