Name Role
Ms F Khalifa Head of Department e-mail
Mr G Wood Teacher of Computer Science e-mail

Computer Science Curriculum Intent Statement

We live in a digital age, surrounded by technology. Computer science encourages independent thinking, teaches students to think logically and gives them the ability to produce solutions to problems. A knowledge of computer science gives students the opportunity to become creators – not just consumers – of digital technology.

Like other STEM subjects, the idea is not to train all students to become future software designers, but rather to provide them with foundational building blocks that can help prepare them for a wide range of future opportunities in whichever career path they choose.

KS3
In years 7 and 8 students are introduced to key computer science concepts such as problem solving, algorithmic design and computational thinking. They are encouraged to become independent learners when completing units using a number of different languages including Scratch, HTML and Python. As they progress, the lesson content builds upon previous learning in preparation for the GCSE or BTEC course.

KS4
GCSE Computer Science
The computer science GCSE course delves deeper into the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including logic, algorithms, abstraction, decomposition and data representation. We aim to develop all students into successful and competent programmers who:

  • Have the desire to develop and apply their analytical, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills within programming and Computing as a whole.
  • Become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
  • Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

Theory units and practical exercises equip students with the necessary skills to analyse problems, think logically and to critically evaluate in order to arrive at robust solutions. The course is ideally suited to someone who loves puzzles/problem solving and is willing to dedicate time outside of lessons to develop their programming ability.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

 

Component Units Assessment
Computer systems Systems architecture 1 hour and 30 minutes
written paper
(no calculators allowed)50% of grade
Memory and storage
Computer networks, connections and

protocols

Network security
System software
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental

impacts of digital technology

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming Algorithms 1 hour and 30 minutes
written paper
(no calculators allowed)50% of grade
Programming fundamentals
Producing robust programs
Boolean logic
Programming languages and Integrated

Development Environments

Analysis
Design
Development
Testing
Evaluation and conclusions

BTEC Digital Information Technology
The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology gives students the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The three components focus on the assessment of knowledge, skills and practices in a variety of key areas such as:

  • Project planning
  • Designing and creating user interfaces
  • Creating dashboards to present and interpret data
  • Cyber security
  • Legal and ethical codes of conduct

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/digital-information-technology.html

 

Component Description Assessment
Exploring User Interface Design Principles

and Project Planning Techniques

Students develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. Students will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface. Internally assessed coursework

 

30% of grade

Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data Students will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision making. Students will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information. Internally assessed coursework

30% of grade

Effective Digital Working Practices Students will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use. 1 hour and 30 minutes
external written paper40% of grade

KS5
The computer science A Level course builds upon GCSE content so prior knowledge of the subject and programming experience is essential. Students develop an advanced understanding of machine architecture, algorithms, binary, computational thinking, hardware, software and networking. They also undertake a programming project which allows them to apply the knowledge gained from theory units and experience various software development methodologies.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

Component Units Assessment
Computer systems The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices 2 hours and 30 minutes
Written paper
(no calculators allowed)40% of grade
Software and software development
Exchanging data
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Algorithms and programming Elements of computational thinking 2 hours and 30 minutes
Written paper
(no calculators allowed)40% of grade
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Programming Project Analysis of the problem 20% of grade
Design of the solution
Developing the solution
Evaluation

Computer Science Curriculum Map
DIT Curriculum Map

KS5

The computer science A Level course builds upon GCSE content so prior knowledge of the subject and programming experience is essential. Students develop an advanced understanding of machine architecture, algorithms, binary, computational thinking, hardware, software and networking. They also undertake a programming project which allows them to apply the knowledge gained from theory units and experience various software development methodologies.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/