Computing

Computer Science is the study of computer systems, a subject at the forefront of technology. Pupils learn software and software systems that includes their theory, design, development and application.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Pupils start Year 7 with an E-Safety project, which includes health & safety issues with computers. Pupils then learn to write algorithms and create flowcharts using Flowol. Programming concepts are introduced and skills are developed using Scratch & Python. Game development using programs such as Fusion is popular among Key Stage 3 students. Data structures, data representation and study of types of computer systems form an integral part of the subject. Programming club run by Digital Leaders highlights their strengths of programming at higher levels.

GCSE (Years 10 & 11)

Programme of study - Year 7
Programme of study - Year 8
Programme of study - Year 9
Programme of study - Year 10
Programme of study - Year 11

Examination board: OCR

Paper 1: Computer Systems. This unit covers system architecture, memory, storage, networking, system security and system software, as well as ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.

Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming. 40% GCSE. This unit covers algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of languages and data representation.

Programming Project: Non-Exam Controlled Assessment (NEA). 20% GCSE. Pupils build code solutions for a task set by OCR. Pupils apply their prior knowledge of one or more suitable programming languages.

"Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn." Steve Jobs