Computer Science

KEY STAGE 3

In years 7, 8 and 9 students follow the National Centre for Computing Education(NCCE). Students undertake,

• Algorithms — Being able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms
• Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks
• Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole
• Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video
• Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios
• Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts
• Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work
• Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems
• Programming — Create software to allow computers to solve problems
• Safety and security — Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systems

KEY STAGE 4

As an option subject, students complete the OCR Computer Science GCSE.  The qualification comprises of 3 components:

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), 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 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 and translators.

Practical programming

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).

CURRICULUM TIME

KS3: 1 hour

KS4: 2 hours (Y10), 3 hours (Y11)

GCSE ASSESSMENT

Paper 1: (50%) Written paper - 1.5 hours (Computer systems)

Paper 2: (50%) Written paper - 1.5 hours (Computational thinking, algorithms and programming) including,

Non-Exam Assessment: Programming project (20 hours)

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr. A. Pickersgill