Computing
Why study Computing?
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives from the cars we drive, to the movies we watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us. Understanding different dimensions of computing is part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century. 75% of of jobs will require advanced digital skills by 2030. Our goal is to create passion for computing and provide opportunities in the curriculum , so that our students feel empowered to consider a career in the digital sector.
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, with the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. They will learn how to apply the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way.
How will I study Computing?
Pupils are taught in similar ability groups. Pupils study two lessons per week in KS3 and two lessons per week in KS4. Pupils will develop their computational thinking skills, programming development, data and data representation, hardware and processing, communications and networks and communications. Pupils will learn how topics are linked to each other. Lessons will include computer science, teach information technology skills and build on digital literacy skills. Pupils will collaborate MS TEAMS and complete work on a digital notebook (OneNote).
What will I study at KS3?
In year 7 pupils will start by taking a baseline assessment that will help the school decide what starting point pupils are at. We know that at KS2 pupils will have received a varied computer science education and their starting points vary year on year. We begin by building on digital literacy skills and developing computational thinking skills. In year 8 further develop the foundations of computer science by introducing algorithms and Python programming. Pupils are taught the more complex concepts of computer science. The curriculum is sequenced so that topics build on prior knowledge and learning. In each topic opportunities to build digital literacy are developed. This allows pupils to apply their learning to real life scenarios. The key stage 3 curriculum is in line with the National Curriculum for Computing and Computing At School progression pathways.
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
Year 7 | Digital Literacy & Computational Thinking |
Block based programming |
Data Representation |
Data Manipulation (Modelling skills) |
Computer Systems | Creative Project – Creative Project Graphics |
Year 8 | E-Safety Algorithms |
Programming & Development Python (text based) | Data Representation (Boolean logic) |
Computer Networks & WWW | Data Manipulation | Creative project – Web design |
What will learners be required to do in class and at home?
Learners must ensure that they know their login user ID and password and that they ensure it is kept safe. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are pro-active in protecting their login details.
Pupils will work through Microsoft applications. They will be using Microsoft Teams, One Drive and One Note in each lesson. Any homework will be set on the class team. Pupils who do not have access to a computer should let their teacher know, so that an alternative provision can be made. Occasionally pupils will need headphones to access audio and video resources.
How will learners be assessed?
All learners will be assessed half-termly. The assessment will be made up of peer assessment, homework, class project tasks and end of unit tests. Learners will sit an end of year test in June, where their final grade will be assessed.
What will I study at KS4?
There are two pathways available to pupils at KS4. Pathway 1 is GCSE Computer Science (OCR). Pathway 2 is the BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology (EDEXCEL).
GCSE Computer Science – OCR Exam Board
GCSE Computer Science is an engaging and practical subject. It encourages problem solving and creativity. Pupils will analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. Computer Science is split into two components. Component 1 is computer systems. Pupils will study 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 2 is centered around the concepts of Computational Thinking. They will develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
Year 9 | Algorithms | Programming Techniques |
Creating Robust Programmes and Computational Logic |
Data Representation | Wired and Wireless Networks | Software and Network Security |
Year 10 | Systems Architecture Memory and storage | Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental concerns | Mock Exam-1 NEA project |
Exam Revision Mock Exam 2 (Paper 2) |
Exam Revision Final Exam May |
Physical computing and Advanced GUI programming |
BTEC Tech Award – Digital Information Technology
BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is a Level 2 qualification that allows pupils gives learners a broad introduction to
several aspects of ‘digital’ – from UX and interface design to data management and IT systems. The course is split into three components.
Component 1 – : Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques (weighting 30% of overall course)
Learners will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface.
Component 2 – Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
Learners will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information
Component 3 – Effective Digital Working Practices.
Learners will explore how organisations use digital systems
and the wider implications associated with their use.. This component is externally assessed and is worth 40% of the final grade.
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
Year 1 | Component 1 Learning Aim A (Exploring User Interfaces) |
Component 1 Learning Aim A (Exploring User Interfaces) |
Component 1 Learning Aim B (Exploring User Interfaces) |
Component 1 Assessment (NEA 30%) |
Component 2 Leaning Aim A (Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data) |
Component 2 Learning Aim A (Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data) |
Year 2 |
Component 2 Learning Aim B
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Component 2 Learning Aim B Component 2 Assessment
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Component 3 Effective Digital Working Practices
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Component 3 Effective Digital Working Practices
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Component 3 Effective Digital Working Practices
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IDEA Award Careers in Digital
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Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities play an integral part in Computer Science at KS3 and KS4, as well as Creative Media. Our core purpose is to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their chosen KS4 pathway have opportunities in creative digital media and computer science. We take part in local and national competitions, and have successfully achieved high outcomes for our pupils. We invite external providers from global corporations to lead on workshops for all pupils. We bring learning to life through planning visits.
Key Stage | Enrichment Opportunities |
Key Stage 3 – Year 7 & 8 | Safer Internet Day UK Bebras Challenge The Oxford Computing Challenge iDea Award – Digital Literacy Hour of Code Cyber First Support Open Evening Subject Leader opportunity iDea Digital Award (Bronze) |
KS4 – Computer Science | BIMA Digital Day UK Bebras Challenge The Oxford Computing Challenge Visit – Bletchley Park Visit – Computing Museum Subject Leader opportunity iDea Digital Award (Silver) |
KS4 -Digital Information Technology | Accenture Coding day (External providers) Hour of Code Visit – Microsoft Oxford Circus Subject Leader opportunity iDea Digital Award (Silver) |
Useful resources:
BBC Bitesize Code.org Learn Python Codecademy Khanacademy W3schools.com/ SnakifyGCSE Computer science exam board |
Who you should see if you have any questions:
Please contact Mr Swati if you have any queries or questions by either writing a note in your daughter’s planner or leaving a message at reception.