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Computer Science & ICT
KS3 Computer Science
Computer Science
KS3
Intent
Our aim is to provide a Computer Science curriculum which is engaging, coherent and inclusive of all learners. Teachers aim to provide purposeful lessons, allowing students to develop their skills and knowledge across Computer Science, Digital Literacy and IT. We want to encourage students to become independent learners by developing their problem solving and programming skills, which will allow them to consider taking the subject further in their studies.
Curriculum sequence
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Topic 1 |
Topic 2 |
Topic 3 |
Topic 4 |
Topic 5 |
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Year 7 |
Digital Literacy: Introduction to the school network
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Problem Solving: Encryption
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Digital Literacy: System Security
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Problem Solving: Programming Using Scratch
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Data Representation: Using Binary
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Year 8 |
Digital Literacy: Introduction to the School Network
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Data Representation: Logic Gates
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Digital Literacy: Computer Hardware
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Problem Solving: Python Programming
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Problem Solving: App Development
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National curriculum links
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National Curriculum |
Topics |
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Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems |
Year 7 Internet of Things Year 8 Python Programming App Development |
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Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem |
Year 7 |
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Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions |
Year 7 |
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Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems |
Year 8
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Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits |
Year 7 |
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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 |
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Create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability |
Year 8 App Development
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Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns. |
Year 7 System Security |
Meeting the needs of SEND and Pupil Premium students
In accordance with our whole school policy, Computer Science teachers place SEND and Pupil Premium students at the heart of their lesson planning.
In Computer Science, we provide for the progress of SEND and Pupil Premium students by:
- Teachers will ensure groups of learners are identified on seating plans
- Teachers will ensure that students understanding is checked regularly, through circulating the classroom and using hands-down questioning, directing questions to disadvantaged students.
- Allow students to act on feedback either by the teacher, or their peers.
- Students will often work collaboratively, especially using ‘paired programming’.
- Modelling is used throughout the curriculum, as it provides students with both the structure and approach in developing programs
- Programming tutorials will be provided to students so that they can work at their own pace
- Tracking systems are in place to monitor student performance and in and out of class efforts, with interventions provided if necessary.
Retention
Our curriculum is taught to be securely learnt. Retrieval practice is embedded into lessons, students’ complete silent starters and multiple-choice questions. Students will have many opportunities to use different software packages multiple times throughout their studies, allowing students to become confident in using appropriate software.
The topics studied at KS3 also show progression, which allows for retrieval of knowledge. For example, Data Representation is covered across both Year 7 and 8, with a development from ‘using binary’ to ‘logic gates’. Students will also develop their knowledge from a block-based programming language to a text-based language, with the key programming constructs being revisited.
Assessment
Students are assessed through different methods, including multiple choice questions, program testing and peer-assessment of projects, which allows students to make amendments to set work.
Contact details:
Director of Computer Science: Mr N Rees
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE
This course provides a framework that allows students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in Computer Science. The course allows students to analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
Course outline
Component 01 – Computer Systems
Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.
Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.
Practical Programming
Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).
How it’s assessed
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Component |
Marks & Duration |
Weighting |
|
Computer systems (01)
|
Written Exam 80 marks 1 hour 30 mins |
50% |
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Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02)
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Written Exam 80 marks 1 hour 30 mins |
50% |
Assessment and Progression
Examination Board:
OCR
Grading system:
9-1
Assessment:
Component 1: This paper consists of multiple-choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
Component 2: This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. 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.
Progression to Post-16:
A-Level Computer Science
Future career links:
Web designer, cyber security analyst, software engineer, game developer, big data analyst, accountants, robotics programmer
Contact:
Director of Computer Science: Mr N Rees
