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In Computer Science we aim to foster a love of learning and ignite an interest in computer science and digital media. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to become more resourceful and resilient through developing their problem-solving skills using a computational thinking framework.
The Computer Science curriculum has been designed and developed around the six strands of the national curriculum: Algorithms, Communication and Networks, Data and Data Representation, Hardware and Processing, Information Technology and Programming and Development. The curriculum content has been adapted to make Computer Science appealing to an audience of girls. The Key Stage (KS) 3 curriculum is intended to prepare students to take either a computer science or digital media pathway at KS4.
Curriculum Plan KS3
Topic |
|
Year 7 |
Computer Fundamentals/E-Safety |
Networks |
|
Block-based Programming 1 |
|
Representations: From Clay to Silicone |
|
Block-based Programming 2 |
|
Year 8 |
Introduction to Python Programming |
Media: Vector graphics |
|
Developing for the web |
|
Physical Computing |
|
Computing Systems |
|
Year 9 |
Python programming with sequences of data |
Representations: going audio visual |
|
Cyber Security |
|
Student programming project |
KS 3 assessment
Each half term students learn the theory and practical skills, culminating in a creative project. Each project introduces a new key concept or skill or builds upon prior knowledge and learning, for example, the transition from block-based programming languages to text-based programming languages. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain general information technology skills which are necessary for student’s future learning and employability.
There are two pathways that students can choose to study in Key Stage 4.
Pathway 1
The OCR GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science in Year 10 and Year 11 is designed to encourage students to:
Curriculum Plan KS4 GCSE Computer Science
Topic |
|
Year 10 |
Boolean Logic, data storage, designing and creating algorithms |
Data types, computational thinking, programming fundamentals |
|
Programming fundamentals, programming techniques |
|
Ethical, logical and cultural impact, defensive design |
|
Testing, languages, IDE and searching and sorting algorithms |
|
Practical programming skills |
|
Year 11 |
Architecture of the CPU, compressions, embedded systems and secondary storage |
Networks and topologies |
|
Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers |
|
Trial exam and theory revision |
Computer Science assessment
In Computer Science, students complete topic tests derived from past paper questions that revisit content previously taught until they are familiar with how best to answer questions in preparation for their first of three trial exams and two GCSE written papers. Students also undertake a 20-hour coding project, building on practical coding activities throughout KS3 and their GCSE course.
Pathway 2
The OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia in Year 9 and Year 10 is designed to:
Curriculum Plan KS4 Cambridge National in Creative iMedia
Topic |
|
Year 9 |
Media Skills and Optional Unit Skills |
Optional Unit coursework |
|
Exam Skills and content |
|
Year 10 |
Practice project |
Coursework |
|
Exam preparation |
Creative iMedia assessment
The course is broken down into two mandatory units: pre-production skills which is a written paper and creating digital graphics which is a course work, centre assessed task and one further, centre assessed task.
We have several clubs that run after school including a Programming club – This is primarily for learning more about programming languages, often leading to an opportunity to learn about robotics. Code breaking club – where students learn about cryptography and participate in a national competition.