Computer science

Intent (based on the National Curriculum)

Our curriculum for computer science aims to ensure that all students:

• can 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 problems
• 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

Implementation

Through learning computing at key stage 3 students will be taught how to:

• design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
• understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
• use 2 or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
• understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]
• understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits
• undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users
• create, reuse, revise and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability
• understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns

At key stage 4 RET schools follow the OCR specification for computing and, in addition, THS follows the OCR creative I media qualification. At Key Stage 5 BFS  and THS follow OCR A level specification for computer science.

Key concepts

• Computational thinking

Links to Key Stage 2

Pupils in Key Stage 2 should be able to do the following. However, experience says that the coverage varies from school to school. Therefore, we aim to quickly ensure all students are up-to-speed in Year 7. Some feeder schools do this very well. Others do not.

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

Relationship to the wider Key Stage 3 Curriculum

• English language: spelling, grammar, punctuation, written analysis, written investigation.
• Mathematics: numeracy, ratio and percentage, graphical interpretation and problem solving.
• Science: electricity, magnetism, light and waves.
• DT: control systems
• History: Alan Turing
• PSHE: online safety

Links to KS4

The key stage 3 curriculum is coherent with the offer for all students who will have the opportunity to:

• develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology
• develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills
• understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to report a range of concerns

The key stage 3 curriculum is also coherent with the GCSE specification which focuses on:

• Computer systems
• Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
• Programming Project

Extra-Curricular Experience

• iDEA
• AWS Get IT app competition
• Lego Mindstorms Robotics (programming)