Computing

We aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a technology-driven world. Through innovative and hands-on learning experiences, we aim to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while cultivating a deep understanding of computer science concepts and their real-world applications. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for technology, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in higher education, careers, and as responsible digital citizens.

Our curriculum has 5 strands that we develop concurrently:

  • Computational Thinking: Developing the ability to break down complex problems, identify patterns, and design algorithms.
  • Programming and Coding: Proficiency in programming languages and coding techniques for creating software, websites, and applications.
  • Cybersecurity: Understanding the importance of online safety and developing skills to protect digital assets.
  • Theory of Computers: Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, memory management, data representation, and fundamental computer science concepts.
  • Ethical and Responsible Use of Technology: Cultivating awareness of digital citizenship, privacy, and ethical considerations in the use of technology.

Curriculum and Assessment Maps

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

·        Use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly, and securely.

·        Design, use, and evaluate computational models of real-world problems.

·        Compare alternative algorithms using logical reasoning.

·        Solve problems with block programming languages.

·        Develop programs with subroutines.

·       Understand and use the online environment respectfully, responsibly and securely

Intro to Computing & E-safety 1 Computational Thinking & Block Programming Web Development 1 – HTML & CSS
Assessment Pieces

E-safety Assessment

Assessment Pieces

Scratch Assessment

Assessment Pieces

End of Year Assessment

Key vocabulary Digital Citizenship, Cybersecurity, Algorithm, Abstraction, Data, Hardware, Software, Programming, Subroutine, Online Safety Algorithm, Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, Sequence, Selection, Iteration, Variable, Loop, Condition, Function, Debugging, Event, Block Programming HTML, CSS, Tag, Element, Attribute, Selector, Property, Value, Class, ID, Inline Style, External Style Sheet, Hyperlink, Image, Layout, Responsive Design
Outside the taught curriculum KS3 Computer Club

Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

Suggested reading Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

  • Handle, analyze, and use data to solve problems.
  • Understand key computer hardware components.
Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

·  Digital Safety and Ethics

·  Algorithm Design and Analysis

·  Basic and Advanced Programming Concepts

·  Data Representation and Manipulation

·  Boolean Logic and its Applications

·  Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Cyber Security & E-Safety

Algorithms

Text based Programming

Data Representation

Programming Fundamentals 1

Boolean Logic, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

Assessment Pieces

Cyber Security Assessment

Flogorithm Assessment

Assessment Pieces

Data Representation Assessment

Assessment Pieces

Programming Assessment

End of Year Assessment

Key vocabulary Cyber Security & E-Safety: Firewall, Encryption, Malware, Phishing, Two-Factor Authentication, Digital Footprint, Cyberbullying, Password Management, Data Breach, Privacy Settings

Algorithms: Flowchart, Pseudocode, Efficiency, Complexity, Recursion, Sorting, Searching, Debugging, Optimization

Programming Fundamentals 1: Variable, Data Type, Operator, Condition, Syntax, IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Data Representation: Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal, Bit, Byte, ASCII, Unicode, Pixel, Resolution, Compression

Programming Fundamentals 2: Variable, Data Type, Operator, Loop, Condition, Function, Parameter, Argument, Syntax, IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Boolean Logic, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence: Boolean Expression, AND, OR, NOT, Truth Table, Neural Network, Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Algorithm, Model, Training Data

Outside the taught curriculum KS3 Computer Club

Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet (free to download)

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Suggested reading Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet (free to download)

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

·  Advanced Web Development Techniques

·  Understanding Computer System Components

·  Advanced Programming Concepts and Applications

Web Development 2 – JavaScript Computer Systems  Programming Fundamentals 2
Assessment Pieces

JavaScript Assessment

Assessment Pieces

Hardware & Software Assessment

Assessment Pieces

End of Year Assessment

Key vocabulary Variable, Function, Event, DOM (Document Object Model), Loop, Condition, Array, Object, API (Application Programming Interface), Debugging CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), Motherboard, Operating System, Storage Devices, Network, Peripheral, Firmware, Bus Algorithm, Variable, Data Type, Loop, Condition, Function, Array, List, String
Outside the taught curriculum KS3 Computer Club

Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet (free to download)

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Suggested reading Doing puzzles & logic problems e.g. download the app “Bebras: A Perfect Day” to an Android or Apple phone or tablet (free to download)

Use Scratch at home (free to use) at https://scratch.mit.edu/

Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

OCR GCSE Computer Science J277

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of Computer Science.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of Computer Science

AO3: Analyse problems in computational terms:
• to make reasoned judgements
• to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.

2.2 Programming Fundamentals

1.1 System Architecture

2.1 Algorithms

1.2 Memory and Storage

2.5 Programming Languages and Integrated Development Environment

1.3Computer Networks

1.4 Network Security

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests

Assessment 1: Coding (2.2)

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests

Assessment 2: Theory (1.1 & 1.2)

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests

Assessment 3 (End of Year)

Paper 1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 & 1.4
Paper 2: 2.1, 2.2 & 2.5

Key vocabulary Algorithm, Variable, Data Type, Control Structure, Function/Method, Loop, Conditional, Array, List

CPU (Central Processing Unit), ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), Control Unit, Register, Cache, Bus, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), Motherboard, Clock Speed, Multicore Processor, Pipelining, Parallel Processing, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Algorithm, Pseudocode, Flowchart, Sorting, Searching, Divide and Conquer, Dynamic Programming, Algorithm,

Primary Memory, Secondary Storage, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), Cache, Virtual Memory, Flash Memory, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), Memory Address, Data Transfer Rate, Storage Capacity, Non-Volatile Memory

Programming Language, Syntax, Semantics, Compiler, Interpreter, Source Code, Object Code, High-Level Language, Low-Level Language, Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Network, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Protocol, IP Address, MAC Address, Router, Switch, Hub, Modem, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bandwidth, Firewall, DNS (Domain Name System), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), Packet, Network Topology

Encryption, Decryption, Firewall, Antivirus, Malware, Spyware, Phishing, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), Authentication, Authorization, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), Biometrics, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Outside the taught curriculum Python Programming

Bebras competition

Keep up with the latest technology news

Do puzzles & logic problems

Suggested reading Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Technology stories in the news including watching BBC Click (www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry), tech pages on free news websites e.g. BBC tech news (www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology), The Guardian tech news (www.theguardian.com/uk/technology)

Craig n Dave YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@craigndave) 

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

AOCR GCSE Computer Science J277

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the key concepts & principles of Computer Science.

AO2: Apply knowledge & understanding of key concepts & principles of Computer Science.

AO3: Analyse problems in computational terms to make reasoned judgements & to design, program, evaluate & refine solutions.

2.4 Boolean Logic

1.5 System Software

1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

2.3 Producing robust programs

Revision for final exams
Assessment Pieces

Mock examination

Paper 1:

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 & 1.5

Paper 2:
2.1, 2.2, 2.4 & 2.5

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests

Assessment Pieces

End of course examinations – Paper 1 & Paper 2

Key vocabulary Boolean, AND, OR, NOT, Truth Table, Logic Gate, Boolean Expression, Logical Operator, Binary, Logic Circuit

Operating System, Kernel, Driver, Utility Program, File System, Process Management, Memory Management, Device Management, User Interface, Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), System Call, Bootloader

Digital Ethics, Data Privacy, Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity, Digital Divide, Net Neutrality, Social Media Impact, Environmental Sustainability, E-Waste, Digital Footprint, Copyright, Digital Rights Management (DRM), Open Source, Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Debugging, Testing, Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Error Handling, Exception Handling, Code Review, Documentation, Code Standards, Input Validation, Boundary Testing, Defensive Programming, Maintainability, Reliability

Outside the taught curriculum Python programming

Keep up with the technology news

Do puzzles & logic problems

Suggested reading Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Technology stories in the news including watching BBC Click (www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry), tech pages on free news websites e.g. BBC tech news (www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology), The Guardian tech news (www.theguardian.com/uk/technology)

Craig n Dave YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/y3q2tolo)

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

OCR A Level Computer Science H446

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/specification-at-a-glance/

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the principles & concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms & data representation.

AO2: Apply knowledge & understanding of the principles & concepts of Computer Science, including to analyse problems in computational terms.

AO3: Design, program & evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these & presenting conclusions.

1.4 Data types, Data Structures & Algorithms

2.2.1 A,C,D & E Programming Techniques

2.3F Standard  Algorithms

1.4 Data types, Data Structures & Algorithms

2.2.2 Computational Methods

1.1 The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices

2.3 Algorithms

1.1 The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices

2.1 Elements of Computational Thinking

1.2 Software and Software Development

2.1 Elements of Computational Thinking

1.2 Software and Software Development

NEA

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests – 1.4, 2.2.1 & 2.2.2

Assessment Pieces

Topic Tests – 1.1, 2.3 & 2.1

Assessment Pieces

End of year examinations – Paper 1  & Paper 2

Key vocabulary Primitive Data Types, Integer, Float, Boolean, String, Array, Record, List, Stack, Queue, Tree, Graph, Hash Table, Linked List, Binary Tree, Heap, Hash Function, Big O Notation, Time Complexity, Space Complexity, Sorting Algorithms, Searching Algorithms, Merge Sort, Quick Sort, Bubble Sort, Linear Search, Binary Search, Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search, Recursion, Iteration, Pseudocode, Algorithm Design, Sequential, Selection, Iteration, Recursion, Functions, Parameters, Local Variables, Global Variables, Scope, Constants, Expressions, Statements, Control Structures, For Loop, While Loop CPU, ALU, CU, Registers, Cache, Clock Speed, Cores, Multithreading, Pipelining, Parallel Processing, RAM, ROM, SSD, HDD, Input Devices, Output Devices, I/O Ports, Buses, Data Transfer Rate, Algorithm Design, Pseudocode, Flowcharts, Complexity, Big O Notation, Divide and Conquer, Greedy Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, Backtracking, Heuristics, Brute Force, Recursive Algorithms, Iterative Algorithms, Sorting, Searching, Graph Algorithms, Tree Algorithms, Hashing, Optimization, Abstraction, Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Algorithm Design, Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning, Efficiency, Correctness, Data Representation, Modeling, Simulation, Heuristics, Generalization, Evaluation, Debugging, Testing System Software, Application Software, Operating System, Utility Programs, Software Development Life Cycle, Waterfall Model, Agile Development, Prototyping, Spiral Model, Incremental Development, Software Testing, Debugging, Maintenance, Version Control, Integrated Development Environment, Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler, Source Code, Object Code, Libraries, APIs, Abstraction, Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Algorithm Design, Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning, Efficiency, Correctness, Data Representation, Modeling, Simulation, Heuristics, Generalization, Evaluation
Outside the taught curriculum Python programming

Bebras Competition

Keep up with the technology news

Do puzzles & logic problems

Undertake related MOOCs as suggested on Unifrog

Suggested reading Craig n Dave OCR A Level YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCiOXwirraUBj7HtVHfNZsnwjyZQj97da)

Isaac Computer Science (https://isaaccomputerscience.org/)

Technology stories in the news including watching BBC Click (www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry), tech pages on free news websites e.g. BBC tech news (www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology), The Guardian tech news (www.theguardian.com/uk/technology)

Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year Scheme of Learning

Autumn Term

Scheme of Learning

Spring Term

Scheme of Learning

Summer Term

OCR A Level Computer Science H446

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/specification-at-a-glance/

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the principles & concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms & data representation.

AO2: Apply knowledge & understanding of the principles & concepts of Computer Science, including to analyse problems in computational terms.

AO3: Design, program & evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these & presenting conclusions.

1.3 Exchanging Data

2.2.1 B & F Recursion & OOP

1.5 Legal, Moral, Cultural and Ethical issues

NEA

NEA

Revision for summer examinations

Revision for summer examinations
Assessment Pieces

Topic Test 2.2.1, 1.5 & 1.3

Assessment Pieces

Mock exams – Paper 1  & Paper 2

External assessment – Programming Project NEA

Assessment Pieces

External examinations – Paper 1 (onscreen) & Paper 2 (written)

Key vocabulary encryption, decryption, compression, database, SQL, JSON, XML, API, HTTP, HTTPS, backup, cloud storage, recursion, base case, call stack, tail recursion, OOP, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, privacy, copyright, intellectual property, digital divide, accessibility, cyberbullying, data protection
Outside the taught curriculum Python programming

Bebras Competition

Keep up with the technology news

Do puzzles & logic problems

Undertake related MOOCs as suggested on Unifrog

Suggested reading Craig n Dave OCR A Level YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCiOXwirraUBj7HtVHfNZsnwjyZQj97da)

Isaac Computer Science (https://isaaccomputerscience.org/)

Technology stories in the news including watching BBC Click (www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry), tech pages on free news websites e.g. BBC tech news (www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology), The Guardian tech news (www.theguardian.com/uk/technology)

Use Python 3 at home (free to download) at https://www.python.org/downloads/

Further information

    • Mr Tim Pentland – Subject Leader
    • Miss J Merrick
    • Mr Z Solomon
    • Mr C Jackson

KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9)

In year 7 students have 3 Computer Science lessons a fortnight, year 8 students have 4 lessons a fortnight and year 9 have 2 lessons a fortnight.  All lessons are 50 minutes long and take place in a computer suite with a desktop computer for each student.

KS4 (GCSE in years 10 & 11)

GCSE Computer Science is taught in 5 lessons a fortnight with each lesson lasting 50 minutes.

GCSE Computer Science is an optional subject for students in KS4 and students study the OCR Computer Science GCSE J277. This is assessed through two examinations (both are 90 minutes long at the end of year 11) worth 50% each. Students also have to compete a practical programming project undertaken over 20 hours during year 10 and year 11 using the programming language Python 3.

All KS4 students use Python 3 which is available to download for free from www.python.org  – where it is possible to do so, students find it very helpful to have Python 3 installed on a computer at home.

Post 16 (A Level)

OCR Computer Science A Level (H446) is taught in the Sixth Form in 11 lessons a fortnight lasting 50 minutes each. Assessment is through 2 examinations at the end of Year 13 worth 40% each and one NEA (non-exam assessment) worth 20%. Both papers are written and last 2 hours 30 minutes, with Paper 1 covering theory and Paper 2 is on coding and algorithms. The NEA is a practical programming project in which students work independently both at school and at home on a topic that interests them and which they have chosen.

Parents should not feel under pressure to provide any specific hardware/software as there is provision at lunchtime to meet pupils’ needs. However, some homework will require internet access and access to a PC, therefore, if this not available at home, students will have to complete such homework at lunchtime.

The schools Microsoft 265 account allow students to access everything they need provided they have an internet connection. Email communication will be received through Outlook as well as other messages and assignments via Teams.

Students all learn computer programming and having software on a computer at home which they can practice on is particularly useful:

  • Scratch is used in years 7 and is available to use online at http://scratch.mit.edu/
  • Python 3 is used in years 8 to 13 and is available to download for free from orgMake sure to download a version of Python 3 such as Python 3.7.5 (not Python 2) as we use Python 3 in school.

Students undertaking examination courses in KS4 and KS5 have a course text book but a wide range of additional electronic resources are available to help them via their Computer Science Moodle course – students use these resources in lessons and should be encouraged to use them regularly at home as well. Some of the resources can be downloaded onto computers at home whereas others require access to the internet whilst they are being used.

The purpose of the current Computer Science provision is to provide a sound basis in both computer literacy and application of ICT to practical situations. This should give students enough grounding to function effectively in the modern day workplace, and to be able to take their studies further should they wish to undertake a degree or follow a specific career in Computer Science.

The applications of Computer Science are enormous, and cover just about every aspect of modern day life both in and out of the workplace.  Most of us now carry a small but powerful computer with us wherever we go (our mobile phone) and also rely on computer systems without thinking about it when going about our everyday lives whether it be…

  • Using the checkout system at the supermarket (a computer system)
  • Relaxing in front of our digital tv (a computer system)
  • Using an ATM to withdraw money from the bank (a computer system)
  • Having an MRI scan at hospital (a computer system)
  • Following directions on our SatNav (a computer system)
  • …the list goes on and on

Understanding more about how these computer systems work and learning to write programs to use and control them is thus clearly beneficial.  However, studying Computer Science is more than this, in particular it develops a range of transferrable skills including problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis.  These are skills needed in many careers including engineering, science, medicine, financial and resource management careers.

There are currently 5 computer suites, which are variously available for students to use at lunchtime to complete work.

All students have access to Moodle, our VLE and if internet access is available at home they should be encouraged to use Moodle to access work and additional resources provided by the teacher.

All students have their own school Microsoft account which gives them a school email account which should be used for all school related email communication – students should not be using personal email accounts in school. The Microsoft account also gives access to the 365 apps such as Teams, Word, PowerPoint and many more!

We run a Computer Science lunchtime club providing a range of opportunities beyond the curriculum including the chance to extend programming skills beyond the time available in timetabled lessons.

Curriculum

Our schemes of learning are designed to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that enables all students to develop into increasingly independent and discerning learners, creators and users of digital systems and content. We aim to offer a Computer Science education that equips all students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world thus our schemes of learning both challenge and support students to promote high achievement for all of them in relation to their ability.  We want our students to gain not only a high level of skills but also the understanding to be able to transfer these skills effectively into all aspects of their lives.