| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Ms F Khalifa | Head of Department | |
| Mr G Wood | Teacher of Computer Science |
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
| 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 |
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/
