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King Edward VI Handsworth School,
Rose Hill Road, Birmingham B21 9AR
T: 0121 554 2342
E: office@han.kevibham.org
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In this section
In this section
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:
Year 7
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 |
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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/ |
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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/ |
Year 8
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 |
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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/ |
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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/ |
Year 9
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/ |
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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/ |
Year 10
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: |
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 |
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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 |
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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) |
Year 11
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: |
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 |
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Outside the taught curriculum | Python programming
Keep up with the technology news Do puzzles & logic problems |
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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) |
Year 12
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
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 |
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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 |
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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/ |
Year 13
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
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) |
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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 |
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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/ |
Staff
Additional Information
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.
How can parents help?
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:
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.
Where next
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…
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.
Opportunities out of lessons
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.