ICT and Computer Science
Curriculum intent statement:
ICT and Computer Science provide students with the knowledge and skill required to participate successfully in an increasingly digital society. We inspire curiosity and creativity by encouraging students to explore how technology can be used to communicate, create, and innovate. Through assessment and reflection, students are supported in achieving their full potential.
Key Stage 3 curriculum plan
We follow the recommendations of the computer science curriculum that states that students:
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problem
- Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Year 7
Covers the following range of topics:
- Password protection and computer room safety
- Operating systems
- Using email effectively
- Misuse of ICT and e-safety
- Word processing and presentation skills
- Spreadsheet basics and modelling
- Webpage creation using html
- Binary representation
- Effective search techniques
- Practical programming using BBC Microbits
Year 8
Covers the following range of topics:
- Desktop publishing creating ID cards
- E-safety
- Hardware and software
- Network topologies
- Spreadsheet data analysis
- Webpage creation using html and CSS
- Programming fundamentals using Python (algorithms that make use of variables, procedures, conditions, lists, loops and recursion)
Year 9
Covers the following range of topics:
- Databases (data structure, data types, queries, user interface and reports)
- E-safety
- Spreadsheet including financial modelling, IF statements and conditional formatting
- Programming using Python
- Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award -iDEA
When are students assessed?
All students are assessed at regular intervals with one formal assessment per half term (approximately every 7 lessons). We use a variety of methods including verbal feedback, formal online testing, practical assessment tasks and evaluative self-assessment. Students’ work is marked following the school assessment policy and students are encouraged to set their own targets for improvement.
Key Stage 4 curriculum plan
Students have the chance to further their learning and are able to opt in to taking GCSE Computer Science at the end of Key Stage 3.
Details of the course can be found below:
GCSE Computer Science
Introduction:
Computers play an increasingly important role in society and it is imperative that companies deploy robust and reliable systems. In the current economic climate, thousands of businesses and organisations are crying out for knowledgeable computing professionals and this course seeks to engage and encourage the next generation of computer scientists. You should consider studying Computer Science if you are interested in learning about how computers function and want to learn how to create programs. It is a practical subject where you can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.
Aims:
Computer Science is all about formulating, tackling and solving problems in a particular and unique way. You will develop ‘computational thinking’ skills and learn how to analyse and create practical solutions, which must be interpreted clearly and unambiguously because, ultimately, these solutions will be carried out by a computer – a mindless machine!
Course details:
The course is divided into two main areas of study with practical programming projects that run alongside to support the underpinning concepts.
Component 1 – Computer systems
This component focuses on Computer Systems. You will study the following:
- Systems architecture
- Memory and Storage
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Network Security
- Systems software
- Ethical, legal, environmental and cultural considerations
Assessment: Written Paper 1 hour & 30 minutes (80 marks/50%)
Component 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
This component is focused on computational thinking, algorithms and logic. You will study the following:
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages and IDEs
Assessment: Written Paper 1 hour & 30 minutes (80 marks/50%)
Possible careers this course may support entry into:
- Systems Engineer
- Cyber-Security Practitioner
- Programmer
- Digital Entrepreneur
- Consultant
- Robotics
- Data Analyst
- Games Developer
- Web Developer
What is the exam board and exam spec?
Most Able Opportunities/Support
- All topics covered allow for students to be challenged at all levels. At the higher end this can take the form of challenge tasks and using knowledge/skills in different context. Students can access through OneNote a selection of tasks that focus on “Creating”, “Analysing”, “Evaluating”, “Applying”, “Knowing” and “Understanding”
- Programming challenges in KS3 and 4 with graduated complexity and difficulty
- Cyber Security challenge – Year 8 girls
- Cyber discovery challenge – Year 10/11
- Code club offered in Autumn term – this is available to all, but some students with a real passion for the subject and those who thrive on pushing themselves beyond the elements covered in class use this as an opportunity to explore the subject further.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Opportunities/Support
- Choice of learning activities dependent on the project, for example some areas of the curriculum offer students the opportunity to use video tutorials allowing students to work at their own pace.
- Access to GCSEPod service to reinforce learning
- Differentiated outcomes dependent on task
Staff List
Mr L Fauceglia
Useful revision website links
https://www.w3resource.com/python/python-syntax.php
https://repl.it/languages/python3
https://app.senecalearning.com/sign-up