Curriculum

COMPUTER SCIENCE

The computing curriculum teaches pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems. They will learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own. As a result, our pupils will become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

The study of Computing can lead to future careers ranging from Games Programmer, Digital Content Producer and Software Engineer to Analyst, Formula 1 Engineer and Coder. Famous Computing graduates include James Gosling (creator of Java), Anita Borg (founding director of the Institute for Women and Technology (IWT) and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing).

Curriculum Overview – Computer Science
Year 7 Year 8
  • Subject Introduction
  • Online safety / Health and Safety, Hardware and Software
  • Data representation
  • Algorithms
  • Programming techniques
  • MicroBit
  • User interfaces
  • Cyber security & Computer systems
  • Data representation
  • Algorithms
  • Programming techniques
  • Spreadsheet skills
  • User interfaces
Curriculum Overview – GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Year 1 GCSE Year 2
  • 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
  • 2.1 – Algorithms
  • 2.2 – Programming fundamentals
  • 2.3 – Producing robust programs
  • 2.4 – Boolean logic
  • 2.5 – Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
  • Practical Programming skills
Assessment – GCSE Computer Science

There are 3 reporting points to parents each year which report on pupils’ progress and attitude to learning, attendance & punctuality

KS4 Exam Board Specification: OCR – J277

 

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

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art IT facilities at both lunchtime and after school. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.  Clubs include a Computing club.