Term 1              

1a Online Safety Students will learn about how to use computer devices in a safe and responsible way. They will also understand the types of cyberbullying and the impacts it has on victims, as well as what to do in the event of cyberbullying taking place.

1b Scratch Programming Students will learn about programming concepts using block code.

Term 2

2a Modelling Spreadsheets Students will learn how spreadsheets are used to make automatic calculations using formulas and how data can be presented in a range of ways using charts and graphs.

2b Computer Basics Students will learn about basic computer functions and components. They will understand how binary, input and output devices and networks are used in computing.

Term 3

3a Using Media Students will use a variety of Microsoft applications to practice their digital literacy skills. Students will learn about copyright and how to choose reliable sources of information from the internet.

3b Python Turtle Students will learn how to code using Python turtle. They will learn basic programming concepts such as iteration, selection and sequence. Students will then transition to some text-based programming.

Term 1

1a Computing Systems Computer systems topic will enable learners to understand the types of hardware and software used in a system. They will look how the central processing systems are used as the brain of the computer and build on knowledge of memory and storage.

1b App Development Students will learn the process of creating their own mobile app, using App Lab from code.org.

Term 2

2a Binary Basics Students will understand how data is represented on a computer system. They will learn how to convert binary and denary numbers, and understand the concepts of the basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT).

2b Website Development This unit is designed to enhance students understanding of website development. They will also have some knowledge of planning and design technology. Students will create a webpages on a given topic that will include text, images, navigation bar and interactive features such as hyperlinks and rolling text (marquee).

Term 3

3a Control systems with Flowol This unit is designed to enhance students understanding of control systems. They will also have some knowledge of flow diagrams, their symbols and how they can be used to control technology. In this unit students will form a deeper understanding of how to assemble flow diagrams using Flowol.

3b Media Project Students will use a range of Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, as well as photo editing tools to create their own music festival. This unit is designed to consolidate and practice the skills learnt over year 7 and year 8.

Term 1

1a Python Programming Students will learn how to program using text-based programming language Python.

1b Data Representation Students will understand how to carry out binary and hexadecimal conversions, how images and represented on a computer as well as sound.

Term 2

2a Cybersecurity The cyber security topic will enable learners to understand the impact of on society and understand the many preventative strategies. Students will be taught about the current legislation, such as Computer Misuse Act and Copyright laws and Data protection Act. Students will investigate practical advice on protecting personal data and preventing hacking along with other online threats.

2b Searching and Sorting Algorithms This topic will teach students how data is processed and filtered on a computer system, by applying sorting and searching algorithms to sets of data.

Term 3

3a Advanced Spreadsheets Building on from their Year 7 unit, students will apply a range of advanced spreadsheet skills to data sets, such as data validation and filtering/sorting.

3b Networks Students will learn about the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, 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, translators and data representation.

Alongside component 01 and component 02, students will practice their programming skills every other lesson, so they can apply this to paper 2 content.

The assessment for Computing will take place in 2 examinations and 1 controlled assessment at the end of Year 11.

• Written exam Computer systems (01) 80 marks paper for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Worth 50% of the overall grade.

• Written paper Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02) 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes. Worth 50% of the overall grade.

The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. Students who have taken a GCSE in Computing and who then progress to study the subject at A-Level or university will have an advantage over their peers who are picking up the subject at these levels. 

Click here - for Computer Science reading list.

Careers Intent Statement for Computer Science

What are your key priorities for careers learning?

To equip learners with a wide range of digital literacy skills so they can apply them to any career path.

What key information do you want students to learn/understand about careers linked to your subject?

Computer science can be accessed in all careers, not just ones directly related to computer science. Therefore, it is important to learn a wide range of employability skills in computer science lessons, especially the skills outlined below, so that learners can apply them to the careers they go on to pursue.

What skills do you want students to develop as a result of the careers learning in your subject?

Teamwork

Leadership

Problem-solving

Digital Literacy (knowing how to use the basic software such as spreadsheets, presentation software, word processing software). Time management

Communication through different mediums

How will the department measure the impact of careers provision?

At least one question in end of unit assessments is related to the employability skill that is being focused on for that topic. In addition, career discussions will be help at every relevant opportunity during the lesson.