In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils will learn the fundamentals of Computer Science, Digital Literacy and ICT. This is achieved through a mixture of theoretical and practical learning. Topics covered include Algorithms, Binary and Hexadecimal numbers, Data Representation, Logic Gates, Hardware, Software, Storage and Programming. Programming skills are developed through the progressive use of Flowol, Scratch, Javascript and Python.
For Key Stage 4 Students can take the option to continue to study the subject. The current course offered at this level is the OCR GCSE (9-1) Computer Science J277 summarised below:
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 to use a Knowledge OrganiserKey Stage 3 - Computational ThinkingYear 7Year 8Year 9GCSE